LALISA Album Review: Why LISA's Solo Debut Broke All K-pop Records in 2021

LALISA album shattered expectations when it debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart, becoming the best-selling album by a female soloist in South Korea at the time of its release. The 2021 solo debut set an unprecedented record for the highest first-week sales among all female acts with 736,221 copies sold.

Furthermore, the lalisa song reached impressive global heights, peaking at number two on the Billboard Global 200 and achieving 152.6 million streams worldwide in its debut week. Lisa's solo album didn't just perform well in Korea—it reached the top ten in Hungary, India, Singapore, and claimed the number one spot in Malaysia.

The impact of Lisa's debut extended beyond sales figures. The LALISA MV recorded a staggering 73.6 million views on YouTube within 24 hours, breaking Ariana Grande's record to become the most-viewed music video in the first day by any solo artist. This achievement highlighted Lisa's massive global appeal outside the Blackpink framework.

In 2023, the LALISA album earned a Guinness World Record by becoming the first album by a solo K-pop artist to reach one billion streams on Spotify. With triple platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association for selling over 750,000 copies, Lisa's bold solo venture proved to be a history-making moment in K-pop that continues to influence the industry today.

Lisa’s Solo Debut: How 'Lalisa' Was Born

After years as Blackpink's main dancer and rapper, Lisa's transition to solo artistry marked a significant milestone in her career path. YG Entertainment officially announced her solo debut in July 2021, making her the third Blackpink member to venture into individual projects following Jennie and Rosé.

From Blackpink to Solo: Lisa's Journey

Lisa's path to solo stardom began long before her debut. As Blackpink's main dancer and lead rapper, she consistently demonstrated exceptional stage presence and versatility throughout the group's rise to global fame. Her distinct style and charisma earned her a massive personal following, with fans eagerly anticipating her individual musical direction.

The Thai superstar joined YG Entertainment as a trainee in 2011, enduring a rigorous five-year training period before debuting with Blackpink in 2016. During those formative years, Lisa honed her skills in dance, rap, and performance – elements that would later become central to her solo identity.

Despite her individual popularity, Lisa remained patient about her solo career. While fellow members Jennie and Rosé released their solo projects in 2018 and 2021 respectively, Lisa waited for the right moment to showcase her unique artistry. This calculated timing allowed her to refine her vision and build anticipation among fans worldwide.

Production Team and Recording Studio

Behind the lalisa album stood an impressive team of industry veterans. Teddy Park, Blackpink's long-time producer and YG Entertainment's in-house hitmaker, took the helm as the primary producer. His signature sound – combining hard-hitting beats with catchy hooks – formed the backbone of Lisa's debut tracks.

The album also benefited from contributions by 24, Danny Chung, and R.Tee – all respected producers within YG's inner circle. Recording primarily took place at The Black Label studios, a subsidiary of YG Entertainment founded by Teddy himself. This creative environment provided Lisa with both familiarity and freedom to experiment with her sound.

Unlike traditional K-pop albums featuring multiple tracks, Lisa's debut was deliberately concise with just two songs: "LALISA" and "Money." This focused approach allowed the production team to pour all their resources into crafting two distinctive yet complementary tracks rather than diluting efforts across multiple songs.

Why the Album Is Named 'Lalisa'

The decision to name the album lalisa carries profound personal significance. Lalisa Manobal is Lisa's birth name, representing her Thai heritage and identity. By choosing her given name rather than her stage name, Lisa made a bold statement about authenticity and cultural pride in an industry often criticized for homogeneity.

"I wanted to show the world who I really am," Lisa explained in an interview with Billboard. This naming choice served as both a reintroduction to fans and a declaration of artistic independence. Additionally, the album title created an immediate connection with her birth country, Thailand, where she remains an influential cultural ambassador.

The lisa lalisa album title also cleverly establishes brand consistency across her musical identity. By aligning her personal name with her professional output, Lisa created a cohesive narrative that bridges her role in Blackpink with her individual artistic expression. This strategic decision undoubtedly contributed to the album's record-breaking commercial success and cultural impact.

Through this thoughtful naming approach, Lisa effectively communicated that her solo work would be deeply personal while maintaining the high-energy performance style that made her famous as part of Blackpink.

Release Strategy and Global Promotion

YG Entertainment orchestrated an expertly timed promotional campaign for the lalisa album, building anticipation through strategic content drops and high-profile appearances. The multi-phase rollout began in August 2021, carefully designed to maximize global visibility for Lisa's highly anticipated solo debut.

Teasers and Pre-Order Campaigns

The official campaign kicked off on August 25, 2021, when YG Entertainment revealed the album's title with a striking teaser poster, simultaneously opening pre-orders for eager fans. Just two days afterward, on August 27, the company released a visually captivating 26-second teaser showcasing one of the album's aesthetic concepts. This brief preview made a substantial impact, gathering over 7.2 million YouTube views and nearly 500,000 views on Twitter.

On August 30, YG confirmed the title track would share the album's name—"LALISA"—further strengthening brand consistency. The full tracklist was subsequently revealed on September 5, completing the pre-release information rollout. Perhaps most impressively, the lalisa album accumulated over 700,000 stock pre-orders before its official release, establishing it as the highest pre-ordered record by any female K-pop soloist at that time.

Throughout the pre-order period (August 26 to September 9), YG's merchandise shop incentivized purchases by offering chances to win autographed albums, special gift shopping bags, and exclusive photocards. This strategy effectively converted fan enthusiasm into tangible sales figures.

Live Appearances and Interviews

Lisa's television debut as a soloist occurred on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where she delivered an electrifying performance of the lalisa song just hours after its release. She sparkled in a sequined top alongside backup dancers wearing diamond-studded face masks. This high-profile American television appearance immediately established her global promotional approach.

Following her international debut, Lisa made strategic appearances on key Korean music programs:

Performed on SBS Inkigayo in a distinctive red paisley outfit with puffy sleeves
Returned to Inkigayo a week later showcasing a fluffy all-pink ensemble with her hair in ponytails
Appeared on MBC's Show! Music Core in an all-white outfit contrasted by her dancers in black

Beyond performances, Lisa's interview schedule was equally strategic. On September 11, she appeared as a special guest on The Woody Show, marking her first appearance on a Thai talk show. This deliberate choice highlighted her connection to her Thai heritage. In the following months, she participated in multiple international interviews, including The Zach Sang Show and radio show 102.7KIISFM on November 18.

Social Media Countdown Events

Initially, YG Entertainment posted a "coming soon" teaser on BLACKPINK's social media accounts on August 23, generating immediate speculation. As release day approached, Lisa hosted an online live countdown event concurrently on V Live and TikTok. During these sessions, she discussed the album concept and offered behind-the-scenes insights about the lalisa mv production.

These digital engagement strategies proved particularly effective with Lisa's international fanbase, allowing direct interaction regardless of geographic boundaries. For her first solo project, Lisa balanced traditional promotional tactics with innovative digital approaches, creating a comprehensive campaign that yielded record-breaking results for the lisa lalisa album.

Track Breakdown: 'Lalisa' and 'Money'

The lalisa album showcases two distinct tracks that highlight Lisa's versatility as a performer. Each song presents a unique artistic vision while maintaining her signature charismatic delivery.

Lyrical Themes and Cultural References

The title track "Lalisa" serves as Lisa's personal declaration of identity. Throughout the song, she makes direct references to her Thai heritage with lyrics like "From Thailand to Korea, and now here, went for the throat". This conscious inclusion was intentional, as Lisa explained: "This is my first solo, and I want to represent that I'm Thai to all the fans around the world".

Beyond nationality, the lyrics project confidence with assertive statements such as "being the greatest of all time ain't fantasy". Additionally, the song contains subtle nods to Blackpink with lines like "When it gets dark, the light shines pink" and "Jet black and pink crown belongs to we". These references create a narrative bridge between her group identity and solo career.

In contrast, "Money" embraces a more straightforward theme focused on wealth and success. The track features boastful lyrics about spending money and being rich, with memorable hooks like "I came here to drop some money, dropping all my money". This approach creates an empowering, indestructible persona that resonates with fans globally.

Musical Style: Hip-Hop Meets Thai Elements

"Lalisa" is a dynamic hip-hop and EDM track composed in E-flat major with a tempo of 150 beats per minute. The production incorporates provocative brass riffs and siren-like sounds. Most notably, traditional Thai instrumental elements appear in the dance break section, a feature Lisa specifically requested from producer Teddy Park.

"I wanted 'Lalisa' to have a Thai feel to it," Lisa explained in an interview. "After I said that I wanted to include a Thai vibe, Teddy arranged the song in a Thai style, and I was so touched". This fusion of contemporary K-pop production with traditional Thai sounds creates a distinctive sonic identity.

Differences Between Title Track and B-Side

Although both tracks showcase Lisa's rap skills, they differ significantly in style and approach. "Lalisa" expands on "the maximalist, globe-trotting sound of Blackpink bangers", emphasizing cultural identity and personal branding. Conversely, "Money" leans heavily toward "contemporary American rap music" built around a "languid horn loop" in E minor with a tempo of 140 beats per minute.

Notably, "Money" eventually outperformed expectations, becoming the longest-charting song by a K-pop female soloist on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart. Despite receiving less initial attention than "Lalisa," it steadily gained popularity and became a surprise hit, demonstrating Lisa's ability to succeed across different musical styles.

Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews, Strong Performance

The lalisa album received mixed reviews from music critics upon its release, with experts primarily praising Lisa's undeniable stage presence while questioning song quality. This critical division created an interesting contrast with the record's exceptional commercial performance.

Praise for Lisa's Charisma and Rap Skills

Music professionals consistently acknowledged Lisa's commanding presence and technical abilities across reviews. Chase McMullen from Beats Per Minute highlighted how her "confident performance took center stage," praising her ability to transition smoothly between parts "as to make each component feel perfectly natural". Her "formidable rapping skills" received particular recognition from Allison S. Park of The Harvard Crimson, confirming what many Blackpink fans already knew about her abilities.

Jenna Guillaume writing for MTV praised Lisa's comprehensive performance skills, noting her excellence in rapping, singing, and dancing. Anwaya Mane from Pinkvilla similarly complimented Lisa's "bold and confident rap" and her "inimitable and awe-inspiring high-energy performances". Indeed, most critics agreed that Lisa's personal charisma elevated the material beyond its limitations.

Criticism of Lyrics and Production

Nevertheless, reviewers expressed disappointment regarding the album's lyrical content and production quality. Rhian Daly of NME delivered perhaps the harshest assessment, calling the album "disappointingly flat" and describing the title track as "an awkward song". The review pointed out that "Money" was "even more disappointing" with "cringe-y" lyrics and "uninventive" sonic elements.

Critics commonly cited the "absence of a cohesive lyrical narrative" as a significant weakness. Several reviews mentioned that Lisa lacked creative input on either track, with both written and produced by YG Entertainment's standard team including Teddy Park, 24, Bekuh Boom, and R.Tee. This lack of artistic involvement became a sticking point for critics who felt it affected authenticity.

Media Outlets' Ratings and Quotes

Critical assessments varied considerably across publications:

NME criticized the album as having "no heart or soul," focusing "more on empty brags"
The Harvard Crimson offered a more balanced view, appreciating Lisa's skills but noting lyrical shortcomings
Beats Per Minute praised Lisa's "supremely confident Korean verses" and her ability to "kick her flow up a notch"
Pinkvilla described "Money" as "a smooth, flowy and conversational kind of rap" showcasing "Lisa's different side"

Altogether, the critical reception highlighted a common pattern in K-pop solo debuts: exceptional performance skills sometimes overshadowed by production limitations. Yet most reviews acknowledged that Lisa's "jaw-dropping dance skills, fiery rap abilities, eye-catching visuals, and strong charisma" made her "one of the strongest performers in K-pop today", regardless of the mixed reactions to her debut album.

Commercial Success: Breaking K-pop Records

The lalisa album catapulted Lisa into record-breaking territory immediately upon release. Beyond establishing her as a formidable solo artist, it rewrote K-pop history books with impressive sales figures and unprecedented achievements.

First-Week Sales and Pre-Order Milestones

The momentum behind Lisa's solo venture began even before release, with the lalisa album amassing over 700,000 pre-orders within just four days of announcement. This immediately shattered the record previously held by Blackpink's Rosé, establishing Lisa's project as the highest pre-ordered album by any female K-pop soloist. As anticipation built, pre-orders surpassed 800,000 copies by September 10, 2021.

Once released, the lisa lalisa album achieved extraordinary first-day sales of 330,129 copies according to Korea's Hanteo Chart. Throughout its debut week, sales reached a staggering 736,221 copies, decisively breaking Blackpink's previous record of 690,000 initial sales for their album "THE ALBUM". Moreover, Lisa became the first female solo artist in K-pop history to exceed 500,000 copies in first-week sales.

Chart Performance in Korea and Globally

The physical edition of Lisa's album debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart, with the kit version simultaneously entering at number four. On monthly charts, lalisa secured the third position on Gaon Album Chart, selling 693,079 copies plus 60,000 kit versions in September alone.

Internationally, the lalisa song claimed the top spot on iTunes Top Song charts across 72 countries. It entered Spotify's global chart at position 15, maintaining strong streaming numbers in the weeks following release. By November 2022, the song had reached number one in 103 countries on iTunes Top Songs chart, setting another record for most number ones by a female artist.

Certifications and Guinness Records

In November 2021, the Korea Music Content Association certified the lalisa album double platinum for exceeding 500,000 sales. By August 2023, it earned triple platinum certification after surpassing 750,000 copies sold.

Lisa's Guinness World Records collection expanded impressively through this release. The lalisa mv became the "most viewed YouTube music video by a solo artist in 24 hours" with 73.6 million views. Her B-side track "Money" later became the "first K-pop track by a solo artist to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify". Additionally, Lisa made history as the "first solo K-pop winner at the MTV Video Music Awards" and "first solo K-pop winner at the MTV Europe Music Awards".

Visual Impact: Music Video and Styling

The lalisa mv stands out for its visual extravagance, featuring over 13 outfit changes throughout its three-and-a-half-minute runtime. Behind the striking aesthetics lies a thoughtful blend of contemporary fashion and cultural homage that helped cement Lisa's individual artistic identity.

Thai-Inspired Visuals and Cultural Symbolism

At the heart of the lalisa mv lies Lisa's proud celebration of her Thai heritage. Most notably, she appears in a stunning gold ensemble custom-created by Thai designer ASAVA, made using traditional Thai brocade golden silk woven with metal-threaded ancient patterns from Lamphun Province. This outfit modernizes traditional Thai elements like the sabai (breast covering) and zin (sarong wrap).

Completing this look is an intricate headdress called rad klao yod from Hooks by Prapakas, inspired by the chada worn in traditional Thai dance performances. Fine jewelry designer Sarran Youkongdee contributed golden jasmine ear cuffs reminiscent of the Sangwan, a ceremonial breast necklace symbolizing wealth. Consequently, after the video's release, sales of traditional outfits surged in Bangkok markets.

Record-Breaking YouTube Views

The visual spectacle paid off handsomely in viewer engagement. Upon release, the lalisa mv amassed 73.6 million views within its first 24 hours, shattering the previous record for a solo artist set by Ariana Grande's "thank u, next" (55.4 million). This achievement earned Lisa a Guinness World Record for "most viewed YouTube music video by a solo artist in 24 hours".

The video reached 100 million views in just 49 hours, becoming the fastest video by a K-pop female soloist to achieve this milestone. In time, it surpassed 500 million views by June 2022, extending Lisa's record as the fastest K-pop female soloist to reach this mark.

Fashion, Choreography, and Set Design

Beyond the Thai-inspired ensemble, the lisa lalisa album visuals showcase fashion diversity with pieces from global luxury brands. These include a Giambattista Valli dress, an Isabel Marant jacket, Vivienne Westwood corset, and Paco Rabanne gold dress.

The choreography, created by renowned choreographers KIEL TUTIN and Leejung from YGX, features a memorable point move where dancers form the letters 'L' and 'A' during the chorus. The set design incorporates subtle nods to Lisa's heritage, from Thai-language signage in the opening street scene to a backdrop inspired by the Phanom Rung temple from her hometown of Buriram.