Blackpink's eldest sister - Jisoo has just released the single "Eyes Closed", which surprised the fan community. Because she just released her solo mini album "Amortage" in mid-February.
Jisoo's release of a music product at a time when Blackpink is busy with a global tour and preparing to return with a new album has also made many people question.
In particular, what is even more shocking is that Jisoo collaborated with another singer for the first time in her solo song, also a famous international artist - British singer Zayn Malik (former member of One Direction).
A good cooperation but not explosive
Eyes Closed is an R&B - pop song. In it, Jisoo and Zayn sang about starting a new love in a feeling of excitement, excitement and acceptance of not looking back at each other's past.
The content of the song is clearly expressed in the lyrics: "Let's keep closed our eyes and love. It would be better not to delve into unknowns/ The beds we have laid on, the names and faces of those we have lived with/ No one is perfect. The past will not hurt us if we do not look back.
Jisoo opened with a characteristic deep voice, then the two singers took turns performing interspersed, then in harmony in the chorus. Jisoo and Zayn's voices are quite harmonious. However, facing a bright voice like Zayn, Jisoo seems to be overwhelmed more or less when singing a duet.
In addition, Eyes Closed overall has a catchy melody, but lacks climax and explosive highlights. The structure of both parts of the song is almost similar and there is no development in the second part. This is easily boring, even though it is not a song that is too long (3 minutes).
Even the chorus is regrettable because it is limited to the mid-range. Jisoo expressed that this range of voice could be due to her limited ability and would be a safe choice. But for Zayn, he was more than capable of showing off.
After the chorus, the song's development was also bland and ended quickly. In general, Eyes Closed is like a recklessless replay of another Western pop song.
Jisoo's confusing strategy
Right after Blackpink did not renew their individual contracts with YG Entertainment, all 4 members established or joined new companies and signed contracts with major American record labels (Rose - Atlantic Records, Lisa - RCA Records, Jennie - Columbia Records, Jisoo - Warner Records).
Obviously, all 4 girls are ambitious to advance to the US. Lisa, Jennie and Rose have released songs and full albums respectively. In which, they collaborated with famous names such as Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, Doechii, Rosalia, Doja Cat...
Their albums contain new colors and musical aspects that the audience has never seen before, and have all achieved certain results. In particular, the hit APT. that Rose sang a duet with Bruno Mars created a global explosion, is expected to compete for the Grammy award.
Meanwhile, Jisoo has a confusing strategy. The singer released a 4-song mini album - Amortage - distributed by Warner Records. But the color and music of this dance-pop album are no different from a regular Kpop album, without any Asian-European collaboration and lacking breakthroughs.
When Jisoo released Eyes Closed with Zayn, many people questioned why Jisoo did not include this song in the album Amortage.
Or in other words, Jisoo rushed to release a mini album with 4 songs that were on the rise, then tried to save it with a duet with a famous international artist. Instead, she can spend more time producing and completing a full album like the previous 3 members.
The release date of Eyes Closed also caused concern. Blackpink is busy with a tour and preparing for a new album, so Jisoo will hardly have promotional conditions in the US like Jennie, Rose and Lisa.
It is not yet clear what next step Jisoo will take. Many people speculate that "Eyes Closed" could be the opening song for her big project. But if Jisoo returns at the same time as Blackpink (believed to be at the end of 2025), the possibility of fans' support will be divided.
