BLACKPINK is undeniably at the zenith of the music world, having cemented their place as global icons in a relatively short span of time. The four-women powerhouse – Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa – have not only conquered South Korea but have left an indelible mark on the global music stage. The quartet, which took the music world by storm in 2016, has been described as the harbinger of the K-pop revolution worldwide.
Their rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric. Breaking YouTube records seems to be a habit for the group, with their vibrant, energetic videos always garnering views in the hundreds of millions. Their international tours are sold-out affairs, and their singles consistently rank on the prestigious Billboard charts, an achievement any artist, regardless of genre, would envy. And who could forget their groundbreaking performance at Coachella, marking them as the first K-pop girl group to grace its stage?
One might wonder why it took them almost four years to release their first full-length album. However, BLACKPINK has always been about quality over quantity. They meticulously crafted their music, choosing to release singles, EPs, Japanese releases, and concert albums, each of which has been a testament to their talent, dedication, and unique style. As we delve deeper into their music, let’s explore the top 20 tracks of BLACKPINK:
20. Pretty Savage
A song that truly lives up to its title. “Pretty Savage” showcases the group’s signature combination of fierce raps and melodic choruses, all while emphasizing their strong and independent persona.
19. Love to Hate Me
An anthem for those who have experienced heartbreak, “Love to Hate Me” showcases the group’s ability to tap into deep emotions, proving their versatility in both music and theme.
18. Hope Not
A more melancholic track, “Hope Not” stands out with its balladic rhythm and showcases the softer, more vulnerable side of the group.
17. Really
This track blends rap with more melodic segments, creating a perfect harmony that shows BLACKPINK’s genre-blending skills.
16. Kick It
A testament to BLACKPINK’s edgier side, “Kick It” exemplifies their unique style of combining powerful lyrics with dynamic beats.
15. Kiss And Make Up
A collaboration with British pop star Dua Lipa, this song combines the best of both worlds, showing that BLACKPINK can hold their own alongside international giants.
14. See U Later
With a catchy chorus and infectious rhythm, “See U Later” is a song that will have listeners humming along in no time.
13. Don’t Know What To Do
A track that combines soulful vocals with a dance-pop beat, “Don’t Know What To Do” exemplifies BLACKPINK’s talent in merging various musical genres.
12. SOLO
Jennie’s solo debut, “SOLO”, is a testament to her individual prowess as an artist while still resonating with BLACKPINK’s overall aesthetic.
11. Forever Young
A track that embodies the spirit of youth and the desire to live in the moment, “Forever Young” is a testament to BLACKPINK’s ability to inspire their listeners.
10. Stay
A departure from their usual high-octane numbers, “Stay” allows BLACKPINK to show a softer, more contemplative side. With its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song adds an emotional depth to the group’s repertoire.
9. Ice Cream
An iconic collaboration with American singer Selena Gomez, “Ice Cream” serves as an infectious, sugary track that plays with the notions of sweetness and sassiness. It’s a song that embodies the global influence of BLACKPINK, able to seamlessly blend styles and artists from different corners of the world.
8. Playing with Fire
This track is a stirring mix of strong vocals and a pulsating beat, capturing the emotional highs and lows of love. The fiery metaphor plays well into the song’s energetic pace and demonstrates BLACKPINK’s musical and thematic complexity.
7. Whistle
One of their debut songs, “Whistle” grabbed immediate attention for its unique blend of hip-hop and pop. The song showcases the group’s rap and vocal prowess in a fashion that is both striking and effortless, and it laid the groundwork for the distinct BLACKPINK style we know today.
6. How You Like That
With a message of resilience and transformation, “How You Like That” is a comeback anthem that resonated globally. Its cinematic music video and explosive chorus are indicative of BLACKPINK’s grandiosity and musical ambitions.
5. As If It’s Your Last
Living up to its name, this track is a wild ride from start to finish. It’s a fusion of multiple genres that encapsulates the essence of living in the moment, embodying a ‘last dance’ type of exuberance that makes it impossible not to groove along.
4. BOOMBAYAH
“BOOMBAYAH” is the epitome of BLACKPINK’s powerhouse performance capabilities. This debut track set the stage for their future success, with its irresistible beat and uncompromising swagger.
3. Lovesick Girls
This song is a departure into the realm of pop-rock, offering an anthemic chorus and emotive lyrics. “Lovesick Girls” explores the universal experience of heartbreak and the pains and joys of falling in love, making it relatable to a broad audience.
2. Kill This Love
Arguably one of their most iconic songs, “Kill This Love” is a declaration of independence and self-empowerment. With a brass-heavy backdrop and a captivating music video, the song leaves a lasting impact that goes beyond its runtime.
1. DDU-DU DDU-DU
Topping our list is “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” the song that can be considered a defining moment in BLACKPINK’s career. With its pulsating beat, killer raps, and an unforgettable hook, it’s a track that encapsulates everything that makes BLACKPINK global sensations. The song broke multiple records and remains a staple in showcasing the group’s talent, ambition, and undeniable star power.
As they continue to defy expectations, innovate in their art, and grow their fanbase, BLACKPINK is more than just a sensation; they are a global phenomenon redefining what it means to be a successful international act. With each song, they prove that they’re not just leading the K-pop wave but are a force to be reckoned with in the global music industry at large.
