Blackpink: Kill This Love - A Mixed Reception and Analysis

When it comes to the much-hyped album Kill This Love by the iconic K-pop quartet Blackpink, opinions are divided. Some view it as a disillusioning flop, while others see it as a respite from their typically catchy tunes. This article delves into the varying perspectives, focusing on the song's reception, production, and the broader context of the K-pop market.

Opinions and Reception

Some fans, like one anonymous reviewer, found the entire album to be nonsensical. The song titles and lyrics, particularly in "Don't Know What to Do," are seen as cryptic and meaningless. The reviewer notes, "In their latest album entitled Kill This Love, under which they have a song titled Don't know what to do so it's not complicated and chaotic. They said 'Let's kill this love! ' So it's kinda bitter but there's a line 'Don't know what to do without you'. Honestly, nothing makes sense!"

However, another viewpoint suggests a more balanced perspective. This reviewer notes, "I don’t think it’s a flop. But listening to it and watching the music video kind of reminded me of an old 2NE1 and BIGBANG song. It's a good song but it’s not something I'd listen to again and again like with as if its your last whistle and some of their other songs."

Comparisons and Expectations

Comparing Don't Know What to Do with other Blackpink hits like "As If It's Your Last" and "Playing with Fire," the former is critiqued for its lack of catchiness. The reviewer listens to it on YouTube but doesn't enjoy the rhythm, unlike other songs on the album that resonate more with them. Notably, the excitement around the comeback is tempered by the less engaging nature of the new offering.

Production and Choreography

The reviewer also comments on the production of the song, noting that it "was underwhelming." Interestingly, another aspect of the song that disappointed is the choreography. The reviewer points out, "I was excited for it and I am not even a Blink! But I have to agree with you - the song was underwhelming. I think I was more disappointed by the choreography though. They keep recycling the same old moves just revamping them a little and adding a few new moves here and there. It's a shame because I KNOW that they are so very capable of pulling off something better."

Album Highlights and Broader Context

While the main focus of the album can be disappointing, the reviewer does mention that other tracks on the album, such as "Hope Not" and "Don't Know What to Do," "hit me hard."

The broader context is also considered. The reviewer acknowledges that the flop might be localized in the Korean market due to poor promotion and a crowded music scene with many competing artists. However, they express a positive outlook, stating, "Even though Kill This Love kinda sucked I love the rest of the album."

The album touches on a range of emotions, including love and heartbreak, with lyrics that are often associated with the theme of breaking up. The reviewer, while disappointed in some aspects, still appreciates the emotional depth of the songs, noting that some of them sing about topics other than Blackpink's usual repertoire of "how hot they are." However, there is criticism regarding the use of personal scandals (i.e., Jennie and Kai's breakup) for extra publicity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reception to Kill This Love by Blackpink reflects a complex mix of expectation and reality. While some find the album underwhelming and the songs nonsensical, others appreciate the emotional depth and the departure from their usual style. The album's success and its reception in the market remain to be seen, but it does demonstrate the ebb and flow of fan opinion in the highly competitive K-pop industry.