Jennie’s ‘Ruby’ Review: A Bold, Self-Assured Debut Redefining Her Narrative

Explore Jennie’s debut album ‘Ruby’, where she confidently takes charge of her musical narrative like never before.

A Phenomenon in the Making

Jennie isn’t just another pop star; she’s a phenomenon. Her every move ignites conversations, adoration, and a relentless buzz of scrutiny. On her debut solo album, ‘Ruby’, she confronts this scrutiny head-on. The album is a vibrant tapestry where Jennie embodies both the untouchable idol and the relatable human—someone who loves deeply, dismisses the noise, and emerges from her gilded cage with newfound confidence.

Self-Awareness in ‘Like Jennie’

Nowhere is that confidence more evident than in the track ‘Like Jennie’. Here, she embraces her influence, showcasing playful bravado over an electrifying beat. With lines like,

“Who wanna rock with Jennie? / Keep your hair done, nails done like Jennie,”

she transforms her name into a signature flex and a call to action. This track is a masterclass in balance—assertive yet effortlessly cool.

Playing with Narratives in ‘With The IE (Way Up)’

In ‘With The IE (Way Up)’, Jennie deftly manipulates the perceptions surrounding her name. This cheeky track nods to Jennifer Lopez’s iconic ‘Jenny from the Block’, borrowing its flute melody while asserting her own narrative:

“Target on my name / But you’re way off / Why are you evaluating me on your day off.”

It’s a bold declaration that flips the script and takes control.

Exploring Her Vocal Identity

While Jennie is often recognized as a rapper in the K-pop arena, ‘Ruby’ leans heavily into her identity as a vocalist. The album features lush, R&B-infused tracks like the SZA-coded ‘Start A War’ that allow her to unleash the full spectrum of her vocal prowess. Her collaborator choices are also spot on—they enhance her sound instead of overshadowing it, keeping her firmly at the center of every track.

Capturing the Rush in ‘Handlebars’

One standout moment is ‘Handlebars’, a sultry collaboration with Dua Lipa that encapsulates the exhilarating rush of falling too fast for someone. Jennie croons,

“I heard that fools rush in / That’s me,”

over a hazy, late-night beat, conjuring up the thrill of reckless romance.

‘Love Hangover’, featuring Dominic Fike, dives deep into intimate neo-soul vibes, effortlessly blending soulful intimacy with a laid-back groove. Meanwhile, ‘Damn Right’, a ’90s slow jam featuring Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis, showcases a melting pot of their distinctive styles, creating an undeniably sensual experience.

The Powerhouse ‘Zen’

One of the most ambitious and self-assured statements of artistic intent on the album is ‘Zen’. It’s a tension-fueled powerhouse that oscillates between sparse, stomping verses and an overwhelming, industrial-tinged chorus. The production's bristling intensity creates a stark contrast between emptiness and overload, amplifying the track's emotional depth. Beneath its chaotic surface, ‘Zen’ is deceptively simple, yet Jennie's charisma and the track's catchy hook make it a definitive highlight.

A Journey of Growth and Self-Definition

Truthfully, Jennie didn’t need to push herself this hard. As one of the most influential K-pop stars of her generation, ‘Ruby’ could have been a safe, crowd-pleasing release that banked on her already-established star power. Although the album's first single ‘Mantra’ might have set expectations for a series of easy hits, ‘Ruby’ challenges those notions, diving deeper into a narrative that’s refreshingly complex.

After years of being scrutinized for everything from her dating life to her facial expressions, Jennie flips the narrative back onto herself with ‘Ruby’. She takes command of her own mythology, showcasing herself not just as a global idol, but as a fully realized artist who shapes her sound and vision with clarity and intent.

Details of the Album

• Record Label: Columbia Records / Odd Atelier
• Release Date: March 7, 2025

FAQs

• What is the release date of Jennie’s album ‘Ruby’? The album was released on March 7, 2025.
• Who are some of the collaborators featured on ‘Ruby’? Collaborators include Dua Lipa, Dominic Fike, Childish Gambino, and Kali Uchis.
• What genre is Jennie’s album ‘Ruby’? The album leans heavily into R&B and pop, showcasing Jennie's vocal versatility.
• What themes does ‘Ruby’ explore? The album explores themes of confidence, self-identity, and taking control of one’s narrative.
• Is there a music video for ‘Like Jennie’? Yes, there is an official music video available on YouTube.

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