Unpopular Opinion: Shedding the Kpop idol image, is BLACKPINK Lisa still lacks artistic aspect with “ROCKSTAR”?
Lisa is taking risky steps, laying the foundation for her solo career that targets the global market.
Recently, Lisa officially came back to the music industry with “ROCKSTAR.” This is the first song that Lisa has released on her own with her own team from LLOUD. Lisa affirmed her leading position with a product released under RCA Records at international time and entirely in English. Made entirely by a foreign crew, ROCKSTAR was mainly produced by Ryan Tedder, the famous producer behind hits by Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, etc. “ROCKSTAR” is also the first song that Lisa wrote the lyrics for. As for the MV, Lisa also put in a lot of effort. With epic scenes and 100 dancers, Lisa’s MV highlights her wealth and fancy while still being bold in street hip-hop.
However, many people believe “ROCKSTAR” still “lacks something”. Lisa re-used the concept that YG built for her solo debut with “LALISA” and “Money.” Lisa from 3 years ago and now both have the hip-hop image that is cool, luxurious, with a sprinkle of Thai culture. In terms of concept, there haven’t been many breakthroughs.
In addition, ROCKSTAR is said to have meaningless lyrics. On music forums, Lisa’s new song sparked heated debates. Many people claim that “ROCKSTAR”’s lyrics don’t match the quality of the MV. It only brings a feeling of bland repetition with a corny content that revolves around a girl “obsessed with showing the world how ‘slay’ she is”.
Besides, the line “Lisa, can you teach me Japanese?” also caused controversy. Japanese people find it hard to understand why the female idol mentioned their country in her rap even though there isn’t much of a connection.
People point out Lisa still lacks the “artist-ness”. The cultural elements and artist’s identity were superficially and unconvincingly put into her new song
