As one of the most stylish and influential K-POP girl groups of the 21st century, BLACKPINK is unstoppable as a global phenomenon. Since their debut in 2016, BLACKPINK has broken records, topped international charts, and built an empire out of hundreds of thousands of loyal fans (BLINKs); a fanbase that expands over continents. With 38 million monthly Spotify listeners, and over 90 million YouTube subscribers, the quartet makes headlines in the modern pop industry.

But even more powerful than the band’s unity is their individuality. Through solo projects like JISOO’s AMORTAGE, ROSÉ’s rosie, LISA’s Alter Ego and JENNIE’s Ruby, each member of the quartet steps into their own space, spotlighting each of their unique personalities and presences.

And with that, here is a look at my personal ranking of BLACKPINK’s solo albums— rosie, AMORTGAGE, Alter Ego, and Ruby. It’s about what listening to these albums made me feel, touched me, and moved me.

1. Alter Ego by LISA

Image Credit: MULTI LENGUAS from Wikimedia Commons

LISA has really outdone herself with this album. This album is raw, bold, and complex, the main idea being her fame, and success being seen through the lens of different alter egos. The album’s name gives space to duality—probably something like popularity versus the sole identity.

Moreover, it has guest appearances from Doja Cat, Raye, ROSALÍA, Future, Megan Thee Stallion and Tyla, packed with versatility and fiery energy.

Why it hits hard: LISA’s aura is literally so fiercely infectious, and it’s the kind of album I’d listen to when I need confidence and courage. It radiates the dark femme energy, and I’m in love with it.

Best Song In the Album: Born Again

Click here to read TTM's review of LISA's album.

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2. Ruby by JENNIE

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Ruby is JENNIE’s most recent album, and it perfectly blends the luxury vibes with emotions and soulful music. This album also highlights JENNIE’s bilingual abilities as she sings and enunciates fluently in both Korean and English. Her scores feature other guest stars like Dua Lipa, Doechii, Dominic Fike, Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis, adding diversity to the music. After dropping the beautiful chart topping song ‘One of The Girls’ with the Weeknd, she gave us this precious album, and I honestly couldn’t be happier.

Why it’s ranked #2: The album dives deep into themes self-empowerment, and that ‘goddess energy’. It is so assertive, and that’s what I love most about it. The sultry beats of Seoul City, don’t get me started, I’m obsessed with them. There was a minor disparity between the qualities and transitions of the songs, such as ZEN, but overall, it was so awesome, and a treat to hear.

Best Song From This Album: like JENNIE

Click here to read TTM's review on JENNIE's album.

3. rosie by ROSÉ

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Listening to rosie is like a breath of fresh air, journaling, cupcakes and you know…the Pinterest life. I adore ROSÉ’s vocals, the feelings and the wholesomeness behind it. She has collaborated with Bruno Mars, releasing the blockbuster track APT, which has over 1 Billion plays on YouTube Music.

For someone who loves those soft songs with delicate, heart touching melodies that really capture those lovely soul-filling feelings and vulnerability, these would be the best tracks. It’s predominantly indie pop, and ballad-like soft. But as someone who appreciates music that exudes the self-introspective, and mysterious, confident air comparatively more, I’d rank rosie at number three.

Why it hits different: To me personally, this album is nostalgically touching, with a touch of mellow playfulness. She offers those intricate notes and falsettos, which just hit the spot.

Best Song From this Album: APT

Click here to read TTM's review of ROSÉ’s album.

4. AMORTAGE by JISOO

Image Credit: Marie Claire Korea from Wikimedia Commons

AMORTAGE is an EP by JISOO, consisting of four ethereal tracks. This one fuses vintage, nostalgic bubblegum pop, with modern music. I love the concept behind the name AMORTAGE— joining ‘amor’ with ‘montage’, like a memory playing on and on in movie reels.

This one felt the least daring of all the four albums from the BLACKPINK members, as it has a reserving and unique feel to it. JISOO does have the presence for grander, cinematic elements of contemporary music, but her latest work didn’t show that, but still, it was lovely, minimalist and refined nonetheless, in its own way.

Why it’s #4: It hurts to put JISOO’s track last, because I admire JISOO’s artistry, elegance and maturity so, so much. I crave a version of JISOO which is fully new and fresh, something totally avant-garde.

Best song: earthquake

Click here to read TTM's review of JISOO's EP.

Conclusion

Ranking BLACKPINK solos almost feels unfair—but to be very honest, I saw each of the albums as a piece of my personality, and what resonated with me the most. LISA made me feel powerful; JENNIE made me feel like a human, and ROSÉ’s beats brought out understanding. JISOO’s unique from the others, reminded me of the quiet storm that I am.

In short, BLACKPINK is the kind of band whose songs play 24/7 rent-free in your head—and so do their individual ventures too.

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