The Album cover

Released 6 years ago this October

The Album

Blackpink · 2020

24 min · 8 tracks · J-pop

A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and polished production that fuses K-pop energy with electronic dance music elements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    How You Like That -JP ver.- Start here — As the lead single, this track exemplifies Blackpink's signature sound with its dynamic shifts and anthemic chorus, setting the tone for the entire album.
  • →
    Ice Cream — Featuring Selena Gomez, Ice Cream combines playful lyrics with an upbeat melody, highlighting Blackpink's versatility and appeal across different music markets.
  • →
    Lovesick Girls -JP ver.- — This track captures a blend of vulnerability and empowerment, showcasing lyrical depth that resonates with listeners while still delivering a catchy pop sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The Album showcases strong production and catchy hooks but remains within familiar pop structures.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered vocal harmonies, with each member contributing distinct lines that blend seamlessly.
  • Each track employs a strong, danceable beat, often incorporating electronic elements that enhance the pop sensibility.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • catchy hooks for instant enjoyment
  • short bursts of energy
  • upbeat and playful vibes
  • fun background for socializing

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Blackpink's reputation, achieving historic chart positions.
Career context
Released on October 2, 2020, The Album marked Blackpink's first full-length studio release following their successful EP Kill This Love in 2019. At this point in their career, the group was solidifying their global presence, having already conquered charts worldwide and amassed a fervent international fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors
Twice· Itzy· Red Velvet

Tracklist

  • 1 How You Like That -JP ver.- Start here 3:01
  • 2 Ice Cream 2:56
  • 3 Pretty Savage -JP ver.- 3:19
  • 4 Bet You Wanna 2:39
  • 5 Lovesick Girls -JP ver.- 3:12
  • 6 Crazy Over You 2:41
  • 7 Love to Hate Me 2:49
  • 8 You Never Know -JP ver.- 3:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata