‘Flower’ Review: Blackpink’s Jisoo Delivers a Sophisticated Solo Debut

Since 2018, YG Entertainment has been rolling out a series of solo releases for the four members of the K-pop girl group and worldwide sensation Blackpink. The group’s lead vocalist, Jisoo, is the last member to release a solo project, having spent the last year starring in the Disney+ drama “Snowdrop.” Her long-awaited single album “Me” was released on March 31, along with a music video for lead single “Flower.” Although the song isn’t as theatrical as the other members’ projects — there will likely be no viral TikTok fame in its future — “Flower” is a classy, laid-back debut that sets a promising precedent for Jisoo’s solo career.

“Flower” begins with a snappy, plucked-string instrumental track that continues throughout the song’s three minutes, supporting Jisoo’s signature low vocals as she sings of a love gone sour: “There was nothing left but the scent of a flower.” The verses have a sophisticated, mature groove that creates an almost indie sound, more reminiscent of DALsooobin’s “Sign” than the music coming out of mainstream K-pop this year.

However, the chorus of “Flower” takes a more conventional approach. Jisoo’s vocals cut out before the chorus in favor of an instrumental anti-drop — a trend that’s become tiresomely popular in recent years of K-pop. However, Jisoo manages to deliver a compelling hook despite relying on the stale trend. The chorus sounds a bit empty without a vocal melody, but composer 24’s excellent production will keep listeners interested throughout.

The song also doesn’t build, instead maintaining a meandering cadence throughout the majority of the track. “Flower” really only picks up in the outro, where Jisoo’s vocals are finally allowed to soar as she sings, “Now goodbye, goodbye / Never looking back.” It’s a wonderful moment, and the song could have benefitted from that change in sound occurring earlier, which would have brought more variation to the somewhat stagnant aspects of the track.

The single album’s B-side, “All Eyes on Me,” is a strong track that complements “Flower” well. As an uptempo, EDM-backed song with lyrics promoting self-confidence (“Please don’t look away / All that I need / All eyes on me”), the song shows a different side of Jisoo while highlighting her distinctive voice and style.

Although “Flower” may have been underwhelming if sung by someone else, it’s a well-fitting song for Jisoo, who has the understated charisma needed to carry the track. Jisoo has typically been the most introverted member of Blackpink, and the kind of bombastic, self-assertive solo debut that fellow members Jennie and Lisa delivered wouldn’t have fit her performance style. Instead, “Flower” shows that in the hands of the right artist, not every song needs power vocals, a rap verse, or even English lyrics — “Flower” is sung almost entirely in Korean.

Jisoo is headed in a promising direction with her solo debut, and fans will be excited to see what she does next.

—Staff writer Samantha H. Chung can be reached at samantha.chung@thecrimson.com.