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Okay, so that Ice Cream song that came out a few years ago still creeps into my brain every once in a while and it's rare that an ultra-sugary, commercial pop song has that effect on me these days. Therefore, I decided to check out this new project from K-Pop superstars BLACKPINK in the hopes that I can get at least one more infectiously catchy, ear worm of a tune. BORN PINK unfortunately didn't deliver on that front, in fact, the whole thing is quite underwhelming. The first three tracks sound like Romil Hemnani-produced BROCKHAMPTON tracks with elements of world melodies, G-funk synths, and Slim Shady LP eccentricities. The only problem is that BLACKPINK has nowhere near the level of inter-member chemistry that BROCKHAMPTON has, nor the ability to create strong hooks. The opening track Pink Venom is the worst example by far given that prior to the chorus there's a pretty decent build that gives way to a goofy club-bounce beat that can't support the annoyingly repetitive and vapid "this that pink venom" refrain.
I see slight improvements with Yeah Yeah Yeah and Hard to Love which have a fairly agreeable indie, dance-pop sound. We get a sleepy ballad in the form of The Happiest Girl, although, I think I detest the song's sentiment the most. I feel like it's a little emotionally manipulative; only being invested in a relationship once the other party feels like they want out. There's some other tacky lines such as saying that one has more of a right to be emotional over a declining relationship than the other, or popping bottles and getting high to pretend like relationship troubles don't exist. On the other hand, I can get down with the sentiment of Tally; having the freedom to pursue whoever, whenever, and not caring about what anyone thinks or feels in regards to the amount of 'company' one keeps. It's smooth, I think it has a great melody, easily my favourite song on the project if I had to pick one.
BORN PINK gets off to a rocky start, front-loading the record with cheap sounding hip-hop and club cuts that really aren't up to snuff. The material that comes later suits the group's talents a little more and for that reason I feel it's a little more tolerable. Although, it still doesn't make enough of a splash to overcome earlier sins. The good and bad completely cancel each other out and I'm left feeling very indifferent.