JISOO 'Amortage' Review: The Unexpected Side of BLACKPINK's Vocalist

JISOO's solo journey takes an unexpected turn with "Amortage," her first mini-album released on Valentine's Day 2024.

After signing a global deal with Warner Records in January 2024, JISOO demonstrates her artistic growth through four distinct tracks, including two full English songs that showcase her expanding musical range. Her previous solo single "Flower" already proved her standalone power, becoming the first K-pop female soloist to sell over a million copies while maintaining a top-ten position on the Circle Digital Chart for 12 consecutive weeks.

The title "Amortage," cleverly combining "amor" and "montage," presents a collection of love stories co-written by JISOO herself. With production handled by THE WAVYS, the album delivers a fuller, more dynamic sound that sets it apart from her previous work.

The lead single "earthquake" channels a Britney Spears-inspired confidence, while staying true to JISOO's signature understated approach that focuses on melody and emotional storytelling.

What Makes JISOO's New Solo Album Different

JISOO's departure from YG Entertainment marks a significant shift in her musical direction with Amortage. The four-track mini-album, released through her newly established label BLISSOO, represents a bold step away from her previous work.

Moving Beyond BLACKPINK's Sound

After spending much of 2024 focused on acting and modeling, JISOO quietly crafted a record that diverges from her group's signature style. The EP showcases a more experimental, Western-influenced sound, particularly evident in her English tracks. Rather than adhering to K-pop's traditional structure, Amortage demonstrates JISOO's artistic evolution through polished, catchy tracks that highlight her versatility.

Working with Warner Records

In January 2025, JISOO signed a global label deal with Warner Records, joining a roster that features prominent artists like Paramore, Arctic Monkeys, and Bebe Rexha. This partnership provides her with additional international resources for A&R and promotion. Aaron Bay-Schuck, CEO and co-chairman of Warner Records, emphasized JISOO's unique artistic vision: "The energy, passion, and artistry JISOO brings to her music is on another level".

Creating Her Own Label BLISSOO

BLISSOO, launched in February 2024, represents more than just a record label. The name combines "BLISS," symbolizing complete happiness, with "JISOO," reflecting her desire to share joy through her artistic endeavors. The label's mission extends beyond music, aiming to showcase JISOO's multifaceted talents across various creative fields.

The establishment of BLISSOO demonstrates JISOO's commitment to creative independence. Through this venture, she seeks to establish her own identity and amplify her influence beyond music. The label serves as a special space, described as a "gift box containing JISOO's absolute happiness," where she can freely express her artistic vision.

Amortage stands as the first release under this new chapter, produced entirely by BLISSOO and The WAVYS. JISOO's involvement in co-writing all four tracks alongside Jordan Roman and other collaborators showcases her growing confidence as a songwriter. Furthermore, the album's unique title, a creative fusion representing "a montage of love," reflects her personal touch in every aspect of the project.

Breaking Down the 4 Songs on Amortage

Released on Valentine's Day 2025, Amortage presents four distinct tracks that showcase JISOO's artistic evolution. The mini-album delves deep into various aspects of love, from intense attraction to heartfelt emotions.

Earthquake: The Lead Single

"earthquake" emerges as a shape-shifting electronic-pop masterpiece that aligns JISOO with prime Britney Spears material. The track opens with an ominous, brooding synth that underscores her husky vocals. Subsequently, the song builds into a dynamic dance track with groovy elements and hefty beats.

The production maintains a sleek, tense atmosphere with low tones before expanding into a fuller soundscape. JISOO's vocal performance shines through, especially in the pre-choruses where her delivery reaches its peak. The memorable "da-da, da-ra-ra-ra" bridge creates an instant earworm effect, reminiscent of her previous hit "Flower".

The music video amplifies the song's impact through a compelling narrative. Set in the Department of Heart Security, JISOO faces interrogation by officer Cha Seung Won about her true feelings. The visual spectacle includes dramatic explosions and scenes of JISOO commanding a sports car, perfectly complementing the track's theme of love's disruptive power.

Your Love: First Full English Track

"Your Love" marks a significant milestone as JISOO's first all-English song. This effervescent pop ballad with R&B influences explores the pure exhilaration of love through poetic lyrics and smooth instrumentation. The arrangement features warm guitar riffs and mellow bass lines, creating an inviting atmosphere.

The track's chorus proves particularly captivating: "Your love feels like the rain/ Feels like a song I used to know/ And your love feels like the way/ There's only green lights driving home". The addition of background vocals from co-writers, notably Warner Records label mate Jenna Raine, enhances the song's euphoric quality.

JISOO's vocal delivery on "Your Love" demonstrates remarkable growth, as she stretches both her range and emotional vulnerability. The song's dreamy instrumentals and comforting beat perfectly complement her smooth, calming voice. Through masterful use of similes and metaphors, JISOO compares the strength of her attachment to various physical phenomena, creating vivid imagery that resonates with listeners.

The Production and Sound Design

The sonic landscape of Amortage emerges from a collaborative effort between BLISSOO and production duo THE WAVYS, who crafted all four tracks on the mini-album. This partnership yields a fuller, more dynamic sound that enhances JISOO's vocal performances through careful attention to warmth and texture.

THE WAVYS Production Style

THE WAVYS, known for their work on IVE's "Rebel Heart," bring their signature electronic-pop expertise to Amortage. Their production approach shines through in "Earthquake," where magnetic syncopation meets finger-snaps and bold melodies. The duo's style incorporates elements ranging from minimal electronic intros to classic pop-rock arrangements, often featuring haunting, distorted vocal samples that create depth and intrigue.

Throughout the EP, the production seamlessly blends various musical elements. Smooth guitar riffs interweave with mellow bass lines, consequently creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that supports JISOO's vocals instead of overshadowing them. The arrangement demonstrates remarkable versatility, shifting from somber piano melodies in emotional ballads to upbeat tempos with lively brass elements.

Studio Recording Process

In the studio, JISOO maintained a hands-on approach to the recording process. For the English tracks specifically, she devoted considerable time to analyzing the hidden meanings within lyrics, interpreting them thoughtfully, and adjusting certain parts into her own words. This meticulous attention to detail ensured that each song's essence remained intact during recording.

The production team prioritized creating synergy between various elements - from choreography to overall presentation. As JISOO explains, "I always consider the overall harmony of the image, choreography, outfits, and concept when selecting music because I perform along with it". This holistic approach to production resulted in a cohesive sound that supports both the musical and visual aspects of the project.

The studio sessions focused on capturing pure, unpretentious pop sensibilities. Unlike her previous solo release, which relied heavily on instrumentals to carry the songs' most impactful moments, Amortage places JISOO's voice at the forefront of the mix. This strategic production choice allows her artistic growth to shine through each carefully crafted track.

JISOO's Vocal Evolution in Amortage

On Amortage, JISOO's vocal prowess reaches new heights, showcasing a remarkable evolution from her previous releases. The mini-album demonstrates her ability to blend warmth and texture in her delivery, creating a more assured and expressive sound.

New Singing Techniques

JISOO masterfully employs her signature passaggio technique throughout the album, skillfully manipulating voice breaks for emotional effect. This distinctive approach, previously glimpsed in BLACKPINK's "Kill This Love," finds its fullest expression in tracks like "Hugs & Kisses". The richer production enhances her vocals, compensating for raw power with nuanced texture that allows her delivery to feel more confident and expressive.

Emotional Range

The album's four tracks present diverse emotional landscapes, enabling JISOO to display unprecedented vocal versatility. In "TEARS," she delivers a heartfelt ballad that showcases her vocal depth, with her voice slightly cracking during the bridge to add raw authenticity. The stripped-down arrangement, primarily featuring piano and subtle string elements, creates an intimate atmosphere that highlights her ability to convey deep emotions without relying on heavy production.

Working with Vocal Coaches

Through collaboration with Warner Records, JISOO accessed world-class vocal coaching that elevated her technical abilities. This professional development manifests in her enhanced control over dynamics and improved emotional expression. The progress heard in just two years indicates significant dedication to her craft, moreover signaling an exciting trajectory for her future musical endeavors.

The mini-album's production, handled by THE WAVYS, provides a sophisticated framework that complements JISOO's evolved vocal style. Each track strategically showcases different aspects of her voice, from the magnetic syncopation in "Earthquake" to the vulnerable delivery in her English tracks. Additionally, her co-writing involvement in all four songs allowed her to craft melodies that perfectly suit her vocal strengths.

Amortage stands as testament to JISOO's growth as a vocalist, presenting an artist who has found confidence in her unique sound. Her ability to maintain her distinctive tone alongside newly acquired techniques demonstrates thoughtful development rather than complete reinvention. This evolution reflects careful consideration of her artistic identity, as she previously expressed uncertainty about her solo direction: "The music I listen to, the music I can do, and the music I want to do — what should I choose?".

How JISOO Wrote Her Solo Songs

Taking creative control of her musical direction, JISOO emerges as a co-writer on all four tracks of Amortage, marking a significant milestone in her artistic development. The mini-album showcases her songwriting abilities alongside established industry professionals, resulting in a collection that balances personal expression with commercial appeal.

Songwriting Journey

After contributing to BLACKPINK's "Lovesick Girls," JISOO's involvement in songwriting has grown significantly. Through her newly established label BLISSOO, she gained greater creative freedom to shape her musical identity. Her approach to songwriting reflects careful consideration of both artistic vision and performance aspects, as she explains, "If I only chose songs based on my personal preference, I might not be able to showcase a wider range of performances".

Collaboration with Co-Writers

The songwriting process for Amortage involved close collaboration with Jordan Roman and other seasoned writers. Working alongside these professionals, JISOO participated in crafting melodies that complement her vocal strengths. For the English tracks, she devoted considerable attention to analyzing and interpreting lyrics, ensuring their essence remained intact while adapting certain parts to suit her artistic vision.

Personal Stories in Lyrics

Each track on Amortage tells a distinct story within the broader narrative of love's emotional stages. The album title itself, combining "amor" and "montage," reflects JISOO's intention to create a collection of meaningful snapshots. The lyrics explore various facets of relationships:

"Earthquake" captures the initial rush of falling in love
"Your Love" expresses the joy of deepening emotional connections
"Tears" portrays the complexity of masking heartbreak
"Hugs & Kisses" celebrates post-breakup liberation and self-discovery

The songwriting process allowed JISOO to infuse personal experiences into her music, making it more relatable to listeners. Her involvement in the album-making process has also prepared her for future projects, as she notes, "This time, I was involved in the album-making process, so I think the next album production will go more smoothly".