BLΛƆKPIИK Born Pink

BLACKPINK Album 'Born Pink': Complete Tracklist and Details

BLACKPINK, the world's biggest K-pop girl group, has taken the music industry by storm with their second studio album, "Born Pink." Released on September 16, 2022, through YG Entertainment and Interscope, this highly anticipated album showcases the essence of the group's signature style. The album features a blend of pop, hip-hop, rock, and EDM, with uptempo production that surpasses their previous work, "The Album".

"Born Pink" incorporates a diverse range of musical styles, from disco and bubblegum pop to pop-rock and stadium rock. The album's lyrics explore themes of love, self-confidence, self-encouragement, and the challenges of fame. BLACKPINK members Jisoo and Rosé contributed to the songwriting process, co-writing the track "Yeah Yeah Yeah".

The album's success has been remarkable, with two singles reaching number one on the Billboard Global 200. The pre-release single "Pink Venom" topped the national charts in 10 countries and peaked at number two on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart. The second single, "Shut Down," also achieved significant success, reaching number three on the Circle Digital Chart.

BLACKPINK's impact extends beyond music, as they have become influential figures in fashion and entertainment. Their rise to stardom has been meteoric, with historic performances at Coachella and collaborations with pop's A-list, including Taylor Swift. As they continue to dominate the global music scene, "Born Pink" stands as a testament to BLACKPINK's unwavering commitment to delivering vocal perfection and their ability to push the boundaries of K-pop.

'Born Pink'

Artist: Blackpink

Release Date: September 16, 2022

Type: full album

Genre: Kpop, EDM, house pop, hip hop, classical, synth pop, pop, new-wave, rock

Label: YG Entertainment

Writers: Jisoo, Rosé, Teddy, Danny Chung, Vince, Bekuh Boom, VVN, Kush, Freddy Wexler, Bianca “Blush” Atterberry, Max Wolfgang, Teddy Sinclair, Willy Sinclair, Paro, Nat Dunn, David Phelan, Alex Oriet, Brian Lee, and Soraya LaPread

Composers: Teddy, R.Tee, 24, IDO, Bekuh Boom, Dominsuk, Kush, VVN, Freddy Wexler, Bianca “Blush” Atterberry, Max Wolfgang, Teddy Sinclair, Willy Sinclair, Paro, Nat Dunn, David Phelan, Alex Oriet, Brian Lee, and Soraya LaPread

Arrangers: 24, R.Tee, IDO, Dominsuk, Kush, and Nohc

Tracklist:

1. “Pink Venom” – 3:13

2. “Shut Down” title – 2:57

3. “Type Girl” – 3:00

4. “Yeah Yeah Yeah” – 3:00

5. “Hard to Love” (Rosé solo) – 2:43

6. “The Happiest Girl” – 3:43

7. “Tally” – 3:04

8. “Ready for Love” – 3:07

The Making of 'Born Pink'

Concept Development

BLACKPINK's approach to "Born Pink" was to recreate their authentic yet unpredictable sound while pushing boundaries. The album features a diverse range of genres, including classical-trap fusion, punkish rock, stripped piano ballads, groovy EDM, and '90s grunge. This melting pot of musical styles allowed the group to showcase their versatility and growth as artists.

The concept also involved incorporating cultural elements, as seen in the intro of "Pink Venom," where chants of "BLACKPINK" grow louder with the pizzicato of the Geomungo, a traditional instrument played by Jisoo in the music video. This blend of traditional and modern elements reflects the group's evolving identity and confidence in the industry.

Recording Process

YG Entertainment played a significant role in the album's creation, stating that "a lot of music that is BLACKPINK-esque has been completed with much effort over a long period of time". The recording process involved a collaborative effort, with the members having more input in the songwriting process than ever before. Notably, Rosé and Jisoo contributed to writing the lyrics for "Yeah Yeah Yeah".

The production team focused on creating a sound that was distinctly BLACKPINK while introducing new elements. This approach resulted in tracks like "Shut Down," which features a sample from Franz Liszt's "La Campanella" looped into trap beats and 808s. The recording process also allowed for experimentation, as seen in "Tally," where a stripped electric guitar loop was elevated with complex layering of swelling violins.

Album Title Significance

The title "Born Pink" holds deep meaning for the group and their identity. YG Entertainment explained that it "portrays BLACKPINK's confidence and self-esteem for being born different". This concept aligns with the group's reputation and "unrivaled presence" in the industry.

Rosé elaborated on the title's significance, stating that if their previous album "The Album" focused solely on music, "Born Pink" aimed to express the essence of BLACKPINK. She emphasized that the album represents their commitment to trying new things while maintaining their original identity. This approach is evident in the album's diverse tracklist and the group's willingness to take risks, such as releasing an explicit album mostly in English and featuring a solo member track.

Album Composition

Musical Style

BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" showcases a diverse range of musical styles, blending various genres to create a unique sound. The album draws inspiration from hip-hop and combines it with pop, rock, and EDM elements. The production is characterized by more uptempo beats compared to their previous work, "The Album". This eclectic mix of genres allows BLACKPINK to demonstrate their versatility as artists.

The album features a fusion of traditional and modern elements, as evident in the intro of "Pink Venom," where chants of "BLACKPINK" grow louder with the pizzicato of the Geomungo, a traditional Korean instrument. This blend of cultural elements reflects the group's evolving identity and confidence in the industry.

Lyrical Themes

"Born Pink" explores a variety of themes, including love, self-confidence, self-encouragement, and the challenges of fame. The album's lyrics are structured to showcase different facets of BLACKPINK's persona. The first half of the album contains lyrics that portray the group's "extremely confident" and "untouchable exteriors," while the second half reveals their insecurities through "emotionally charged" ballads.

Songs like "Pink Venom" express BLACKPINK's confidence and dual identity as both sweet and deadly, while also highlighting their growing international popularity. "Shut Down" contains self-referential lyrics about the group's fame and success, addressing their critics and doubters. "Typa Girl" is described as a "song to empower women," further emphasizing the album's themes of self-assurance and empowerment.

Genre Exploration

"Born Pink" demonstrates BLACKPINK's willingness to experiment with various musical genres. The album incorporates elements from disco, bubblegum pop, pop-rock, and stadium rock. This genre exploration allows the group to showcase their musical range and appeal to a diverse audience.

Some standout examples of genre exploration include:"Yeah Yeah Yeah," which features retro synths and recalls 1980s music in its composition.

"Hard to Love," incorporating elements of 90's rock and roll.

"The Happiest Girl," a melancholic ballad that conveys a desire for contentment.

"Shut Down," which samples Niccolò Paganini's classical composition "La Campanella," blending classical music with modern trap beats.

This diverse approach to genre allows BLACKPINK to push the boundaries of K-pop while maintaining their signature style, creating an album that appeals to both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

BLACKPINK's Artistic Growth

BLACKPINK's artistic growth has been a subject of discussion among fans and critics alike. While some argue that their musical evolution has stalled, others recognize the group's efforts to maintain their signature style while exploring new dimensions.

Vocal Performances

The vocal performances of BLACKPINK members have shown development over time. Jisoo, in particular, has demonstrated improved control over her voice, despite limited support. She has expanded her range, reaching as low as D3, and has taken on the role of harmonizer within the group. Rosé's vocal prowess has been highlighted in solo tracks like "Hard to Love," which showcases her ability to handle lite-disco sounds.

Rap Sections

The rap sections in BLACKPINK's music have evolved, with members demonstrating versatility in their delivery. Jisoo has surprised fans with her rapping skills, as seen in "The Album" and her ability to cover Jennie's rap parts. Lisa's growth as a rapper is evident in tracks like "Pink Venom," where she seamlessly blends her rapping with singing through the chorus.

Dance Choreographies

While specific details about dance choreographies are limited in the provided information, it's worth noting that BLACKPINK's performances often involve powerful dance moves. Jisoo, for instance, has been praised for her ability to maintain vocal stability while executing challenging choreography.

BLACKPINK's artistic growth is also reflected in their willingness to experiment with different musical styles. "Born Pink" incorporates a range of sounds, including traditional Korean instruments, 19th-century classical music, and vintage synthesizer work, all blended with contemporary pop and hip-hop trends. This diverse approach allows the group to showcase their versatility while maintaining their signature "BLACKPINK-esque" sound.

Breaking Records

Pre-order Milestones

BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" album achieved remarkable pre-order success, surpassing 1.5 million pre-orders in just six days. This milestone was quickly followed by an even more impressive achievement, as the album reached over two million copies in worldwide pre-orders by August 25, 2022, making it the first album by a K-pop female act to achieve such a feat.

Sales Achievements

Upon its release, "Born Pink" shattered multiple records. It became the first album by a K-pop girl group to sell over one million copies on its first day on Hanteo, accomplishing this in less than 12 hours. The album debuted at number one on the Circle Album Chart with an astounding 2,141,281 copies sold in less than two days of tracking, making it the first album by a K-pop girl group to sell over two million copies.

BLACKPINK's success extended beyond South Korea. In the United States, "Born Pink" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 102,000 album-equivalent units, including 75,500 pure album sales. This achievement made BLACKPINK the first female Korean act to top the chart and the first female group to do so since 2008.

Streaming Records

The album's lead single, "Pink Venom," made a significant impact on global charts. It spent two weeks atop the Billboard Global 200 and three weeks at number one on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. tally. The music video for "Pink Venom" achieved the biggest music video debut of 2022, receiving an astounding 90.4 million views in just the first day.

Global Impact

BLACKPINK's influence extends far beyond their native South Korea, solidifying their position as one of the most notable K-pop acts globally. Since their debut in 2016, the group has consistently broken barriers and challenged stereotypes, offering a more transgressive take on femininity in the K-pop industry.

International Chart Performance

BLACKPINK's album "Born Pink" has achieved remarkable success on international charts. In the United States, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 102,000 equivalent album units, including 75,500 pure album sales. This achievement made BLACKPINK the first female Korean act and the first female group since 2008 to top the chart.

The group's success extended to the United Kingdom, where "Born Pink" became the first album by a K-pop girl group to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart. This dual achievement marked the first time a girl group simultaneously topped the album charts in the United States and United Kingdom since Destiny's Child in 2001.

BLACKPINK's global impact is further evidenced by their performance on international charts:

The album topped charts in Canada and Portugal, and reached the top ten in several European countries.

Both singles "Pink Venom" and "Shut Down" peaked at number one on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts.

According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), "Born Pink" was the eighth best-selling album worldwide across all formats in 2022.

Cultural Influence

BLACKPINK's cultural impact extends beyond music charts. The group has established partnerships with luxury brands like Celine and Chanel, further cementing their status as global fashion icons. Their performances at major events, such as becoming the first girl group to perform at Coachella, have helped introduce K-pop to wider audiences.

The group's influence is also evident in their fan interactions. K-pop concerts, including BLACKPINK's, feature long moments of interaction before, during, and after the show, creating a unique bond between artists and fans. This connection has helped BLACKPINK build a loyal fanbase known as Blinks, who actively support the group's achievements and contribute to their global success.

K-pop Industry Implications

BLACKPINK's success has significant implications for the K-pop industry:

Setting new standards: The group's achievements have set new benchmarks for girl groups in the industry, influencing the strategies of other agencies.

Global recognition: BLACKPINK's success has helped elevate K-pop beyond its traditional label, with the group now being defined as one of the "biggest girl groups" globally.

Industry adaptation: The group's international success has highlighted the need for the K-pop industry to adapt to global markets, particularly in terms of language and musical style.

BLACKPINK's impact on the K-pop industry is undeniable, with their success inspiring future generations of artists and reshaping the global perception of K-pop.

Fan Engagement and Social Media

BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" album release sparked significant fan engagement and social media activity, demonstrating the group's global influence and the power of their fanbase, known as BLINKs.

Hashtag Campaigns

The album's release on September 16, 2022, triggered an immediate response on social media platforms. Twitter saw worldwide trends dominated by BLACKPINK-related hashtags, with #BLACKPINKCOMEBACK and #BORNPINK occupying the first and second positions respectively. As the day progressed, individual song titles from the album, such as "THE HAPPIEST GIRL," also trended on the platform.

Fan Events

To celebrate the album's release, Spotify organized a special event called "Born Pink: The Pop-Up Experience" in Los Angeles from September 16 to 18, 2022. This event provided fans with a unique opportunity to engage with the album and the group's music in an immersive setting.

BLACKPINK also announced a Pink Carpet event for their "Born Pink" movie, scheduled for August 9, 2024, at CGV Yeongdeungpo SCREENX Theater in Seoul. This event will allow 150 lucky fans to meet the group in person, with applications open to all Blackpink Weverse membership holders.

Social Media Records

The album's impact on social media platforms was substantial. "Born Pink" achieved 75 #1 positions on the iTunes Top Albums Chart and 60 #1 positions on the Apple Music Top Albums Chart. On Spotify, the album amassed over 500 million streams. It also spent 14 days at #1 on the Worldwide Apple Music Chart.

BLACKPINK's Evolution

Comparison to Previous Works

BLACKPINK's second studio album, "Born Pink," represents a significant evolution in the group's musical journey. While their debut album, "The Album," focused primarily on musicality, "Born Pink" aims to capture the essence of BLACKPINK. The new album showcases a more experimental approach, incorporating styles that are relatively uncommon in the current K-pop landscape while maintaining the group's signature sound.

"Born Pink" features a diverse range of musical styles, blending pop, hip-hop, rock, and EDM. The album's production is characterized by more uptempo beats compared to its predecessor, "The Album". This eclectic mix allows BLACKPINK to demonstrate their versatility as artists while staying true to their original identity.

Individual Member Contributions

Each member of BLACKPINK has contributed to the group's evolution in unique ways. Jisoo and Rosé took a more active role in the creative process by co-writing the track "Yeah Yeah Yeah". This marks a significant step in the group's artistic development, showcasing their growing involvement in songwriting.

Rosé shared insights into the album's concept, stating that "Born Pink" expresses the essence of BLACKPINK while exploring new territories. Lisa described the group's collective decision-making process when choosing "Shut Down" as the album's second single, highlighting their collaborative approach to music selection.

Group Dynamics

BLACKPINK's evolution is also evident in their strengthened group dynamics. Jennie reflected on the recording process, noting that new ideas continuously emerged during concept meetings and recording sessions. The members exchanged feedback and realized that they shine brightest when working together as a unit.

The group's close bond is further demonstrated in their interactions outside the studio. While they often pair off in different combinations, each member has formed unique relationships with the others. These dynamics contribute to their cohesive performance and overall group chemistry, which has been a crucial factor in their continued success and evolution as artists.

Pink Venom MV

Conclusion

BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" album has solidified the group's position as a global powerhouse in the K-pop industry. The album showcases their signature style, blending pop and rock elements with their trademark swagger and confidence . While some critics argue that the album lacks musical evolution, others praise it as the great pop album BLACKPINK was born to make.

The album's production, led by YG Entertainment's team including Teddy Park, delivers a consistent sound that has become synonymous with BLACKPINK's identity. This consistency has both delighted fans and sparked debates about artistic growth. Some critics argue that the album falls flat against expectations of evolution, while others contend that BLACKPINK's formula has proven successful, questioning the need for change.

"Born Pink" features a mix of genres, with the group excelling particularly in rock-inspired anthems. The album's tracks, from the pre-release single "Pink Venom" to the title track "Shut Down," showcase BLACKPINK's versatility and charisma. While some songs, like "Ready For Love," have received mixed reactions from fans, the overall reception has been positive.

As BLACKPINK continues to dominate the global music scene, "Born Pink" stands as a testament to their impact on the K-pop industry. The album's commercial success and critical reception highlight the group's ability to captivate audiences worldwide, even as discussions about their musical direction continue.