If there’s one thing BLACKPINK’s Jennie knows how to do, it’s make a statement. Whether it’s showing up to this year’s Met Gala in a stunning custom Alaia ensemble, her solo dance scene on The Idol nabbing more views than the show itself or stealing the spotlight on Zico’s own song, Jennie has that undeniable (and undefinable) it factor. It’s no surprise, then, that ‘Mantra’, her first truly independent solo release, is equally as attention-grabbing.
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From the jump, it’s a confident, sassy declaration from the K-pop star that she has finally arrived. A daring acapella opening makes way for a chant-worthy chorus (“This that pretty girl mantra, she’s that stunna, make you wanna swing both ways”), backed by a sick bassline and infectious horn flourishes. But, at the same time, the song is familiar enough to BLACKPINK’s girl crush blueprint that it’s not alienating either.
It’s paired with a slick music video that accentuates both the song’s best qualities and Jennie’s star power. While the bevvy of stunning outfits, expensive cars, scene changes and explosive choreography all threaten to overwhelm, they all come together beautifully to elevate ‘Mantra’ to a show-stopper.
On closer listen, though, the rougher edges of ‘Mantra’ start to reveal themselves. While the song’s chorus is one for the books, the verses don’t quite work at moments, with lines that come off a little too try-hard (“We ain’t even tryna talk no one / Swerve off all the creeps, no weird vibes”) – that is if you’re able to understand Jennie’s rapid-fire mumble talk-singing in the first place.
The song is also so incredibly short – it runs just slightly over two minutes – that it ends before it can become truly great. The final outro chorus of ‘Mantra’ is an excellent example of how intricate vocal layering (here, a whispered delivery mixed with breathy singing and background vocalising) can create a gorgeous, intriguing soundscape that just begs for repeat listens. It’s the best part of the song, and more of this creativity could have just snuck it over the line and onto the next level.
For an adrenaline-pumping two minutes, ‘Mantra’ makes you move and remember that Jennie has arrived – and in that sense, the song goes above and beyond its intended purpose. While the single may not be as consistently strong as its best parts, it’s also proof that the BLACKPINK star has some interesting tricks up her sleeve, which bodes well for her new era as a solo artist.
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