BLACKPINK Stay Review: The Surprising Story Behind Their Raw Ballad

BLACKPINK Stay stands as a surprising departure from the group's signature high-energy dance tracks. While most K-pop hits lean into powerful beats and intense rhythms, this mid-tempo ballad takes an unexpectedly different path.

The combination of acoustic guitar and harmonica creates a nostalgic atmosphere that sets this track apart in YG Entertainment's history. With its slow-paced, melancholy acoustic sound and emotionally resonant opening verse featuring Rosé on guitar, the song has earned an impressive 8.5 out of 10 rating from critics.

This raw, stripped-down approach reveals a different side of BLACKPINK, proving their versatility extends far beyond their usual hard-hitting anthems. The song's chorus introduces well-timed tempo changes and clapping effects, adding subtle complexity to what appears to be a simple acoustic track.

The Unexpected Birth of Stay

Released in November 2016 as part of BLACKPINK's second digital single album Square Two, "Stay" emerged from an unexpected creative direction. Initially conceived alongside "Playing with Fire," this emotional pop ballad marked a significant shift in the group's musical approach.

From Dance Track to Acoustic Gem

The transformation of "Stay" into an acoustic masterpiece showcases YG Entertainment's willingness to experiment with different musical styles. Rather than following their established formula of high-energy dance tracks, the production team chose to emphasize folk music elements as the song's foundation. The melancholic harmonica opening, paired with lyrical guitar strings, creates a distinctive country-pop atmosphere that sets it apart from typical K-pop releases.

Producer's Original Vision

Renowned South Korean producer Teddy Park, alongside Seo Won Jin, crafted "Stay" with a clear artistic vision. As a key figure in shaping BLACKPINK's sound, Teddy's expertise in creating memorable hooks shines through in this emotional ballad. Furthermore, the song's development involved collaborative input from group members themselves. Both Jennie and Jisoo contributed to the songwriting process, although their contributions remained officially uncredited.

The production process focused on maintaining a delicate balance between simplicity and emotional depth. The track's arrangement deliberately keeps instrumentation minimal, allowing the group's vocals to convey the song's message about loneliness and relationship anxiety. This artistic choice proved successful, as music critics praised the song's restraint and ability to showcase BLACKPINK's melodic strengths.

The song's production particularly stands out for its innovative use of tempo changes. During the chorus, the addition of hand claps and strummy singalong elements elevates the emotional impact while maintaining the track's somber undertones. This careful attention to production details demonstrates how "Stay" successfully bridges traditional acoustic elements with modern pop sensibilities.

Breaking Down Stay's Musical Elements

The musical composition of "Stay" showcases a masterful blend of acoustic elements and vocal arrangements. Seo Won-jin's production expertise shines through the song's intricate layering of instruments and voices.

Guitar and Harmonica Arrangement

The song opens with a melancholic harmonica melody that sets an emotional foundation. Subsequently, the guitar arrangement features a distinctive combination of lyrical repetition and string accompaniment, creating a sorrowful country-pop atmosphere. The guitar progression follows a structured pattern in Am-F-C, incorporating finger-picking techniques that add depth to the acoustic foundation.

Vocal Distribution Analysis

Each member's unique vocal contribution adds distinct layers to the song's emotional narrative. Rosé's voice demonstrates improved pitch control, marking significant progress in her vocal development. The group employs sophisticated harmonies throughout the track, creating rich textures that enhance the song's emotional impact. Notably, Jisoo's mix exhibits a characteristic throaty quality, especially in higher registers.

Production Techniques

The production team employed several innovative approaches to craft "Stay's" signature sound. Multiple vocal tracks are strategically layered to create a harmonious blend while preserving each member's individual vocal color. The mixing process incorporates specialized techniques such as:

Sidechain compression for dynamic balance
EQ adjustments for vocal clarity
Strategic placement of electronic elements

The song's arrangement specifically emphasizes emotional expression through careful vocal distribution. The producers maintained a delicate balance between the acoustic instruments and vocal performances, ensuring neither element overshadowed the other. Additionally, the incorporation of finger snaps and hand claps adds rhythmic texture without compromising the song's intimate atmosphere.

The production team's attention to detail extends to the song's dynamic range, where they effectively utilize both powerful belting sections and softer, more delicate passages. This thoughtful approach to arrangement and production has resulted in a track that successfully merges traditional acoustic elements with contemporary pop sensibilities.

BLACKPINK's Vocal Evolution

The vocal prowess displayed in "Stay" marks a significant milestone in BLACKPINK's artistic journey. Each member's distinct vocal qualities blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious balance that showcases their growth as performers.

Individual Member Contributions

The song highlights the unique vocal characteristics of each member. Jisoo's rich, warm tone anchors the track with remarkable stability, maintaining consistent pitch control even through complex harmonies. Moreover, her ability to execute precise vocal runs without jaw movement demonstrates advanced technique.

Rosé's emotive delivery adds depth to the track's melancholic theme. Her voice carries a distinctive quality that resonates with listeners, though vocal coaches note her technique requires careful management to prevent strain. Jennie combines her rap expertise with refined vocal control, particularly evident in her natural placement and balanced larynx position.

Lisa, primarily known for her rap segments, showcases improved vocal abilities in "Stay." Her performance demonstrates enhanced breath control and stable pitch maintenance, despite the challenges of transitioning between dance movements and vocal delivery.

Recording Process Revealed

The recording process involved intensive preparation and technical refinement. The group's vocal coach implemented specialized training sessions focusing on:

Breathing exercises for sustained note delivery
Pitch control during harmonization
Individual vocal warm-up routines

The production team placed considerable emphasis on maintaining vocal health throughout the recording sessions. Each member followed strict vocal care protocols, including proper hydration and rest periods between takes. The recording process also incorporated detailed harmonization work, ensuring each voice complemented the others without overshadowing.

Behind-the-scenes footage reveals the meticulous attention paid to emotional expression. The members received guidance on conveying authentic feelings through their vocals, with particular focus on the song's themes of longing and attachment. This emotional authenticity shines through in the final recording, where the group's harmonies create a powerful, cohesive sound that elevates the acoustic arrangement.

The recording sessions also highlighted the group's commitment to live performance quality. Through months of rehearsals, BLACKPINK perfected their vocal delivery while maintaining the energy needed for stage presence. This dedication to excellence resulted in live performances that closely match the studio version's quality.

Impact on BLACKPINK's Artistry

"Stay" marked a pivotal moment in BLACKPINK's musical journey, showcasing their ability to transcend genre boundaries. The song's success opened new creative avenues for the group, ultimately influencing their artistic direction.

Genre Experimentation Success

The track's departure from BLACKPINK's signature sound proved successful, demonstrating their versatility beyond dance-heavy productions. Their strategic approach to releasing music, characterized by carefully timed releases, helped build anticipation among fans. This method of creating scarcity effectively enhanced the impact of their experimental tracks.

Fan Reception Worldwide

"Stay" resonated deeply with global audiences, accumulating over 300 million views on YouTube by 2021. The song's universal appeal transcended language barriers, connecting with listeners through its emotional depth. At live performances, the track consistently drew strong responses, with fans appreciating its raw authenticity.

The Born Pink World Tour further cemented the song's impact, attracting 1.8 million attendees across 66 concerts in 22 countries. The tour grossed USD 148.30 million from 29 reported shows, setting a new record for female groups.

Critical Response

Music critics praised "Stay" for its innovative approach and emotional depth. The song earned recognition for its:

Restraint in composition
Effective use of anti-climactic elements
Seamless integration of rap segments

Professional reviewers consistently highlighted the track's ability to maintain interest despite its slower tempo. The song's production quality and emotional authenticity garnered particular praise, with critics noting how it successfully avoided common ballad clichés.

The track's influence extended beyond its initial release, inspiring numerous cover versions and establishing BLACKPINK as versatile artists capable of handling diverse musical styles. This artistic growth continued through their subsequent releases, with each member developing distinct creative identities. Consequently, "Stay" became a cornerstone in BLACKPINK's evolution from dance-focused performers to multifaceted artists.