BLACKPINK, known as the world’s most popular girl group, has released a new song called “How You Like That” on June 26, 2020.
The song has already broken many records. Including topping the MelOn charts by debuting number one. Beating out another kpop girl group, Twice. Joining BTS and IU as the only artists to chart so high. Also HYLT is the fastest song in youtube history to reach 100 million views, only taking 1.3 days to do so. Their fans, Blinks, trended all of the members names, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa, and Rosé, on twitter and also the name of their song before and after it’s release. As a blink myself, I had to make a review on it.
Disclaimer: I am not hating on BLACKPINK or trying to give out that impression. I’m just giving my honest opinion on the song.
The meaning: The girls are singing/rapping about overcoming their difficult obstacles and wanting to finally shine and show everyone how amazing they are. Saying how before, they were trapped in this dark place, but now is free and better than ever. As most fans and non fans know, Blackpink has many haters and this song is a clap back to them and everyone else who doubted them. So, kind of a similar meaning to their other hit song, DDDD, which is also about targeting their haters. Yes, you go BLACKPINK, I’m so glad that they’re more confident in themselves and don’t care what others think about them. The girls also wanted the song to make others and their fans feel good about themselves. I’m glad that they’re giving out the message that you should just be yourself and not listen to others that try to bring you down.
The Visuals: I have to say that the best part about BLACKPINK’s music videos is that the visuals are just insane. When watching the music video, the music isn’t the only thing that will grab your attention, but the beautiful scenery. Also the girls look amazing with their different vibrant outfits and makeup. Jisoo really gained my attention. She looked stunning. Jennie’s iconic sharp bob and a third black and a quarter blond hair will go down in history. I can say that they really have an impact on others, I saw someone dye their hair the same color as Jennie and did the same hairstyle. Many people look up to them. On the visuals, I have to give BLACKPINK an A+.
The Choreography: Another thing I really loved from the song was the choreography The dance moves were very different from any of their other songs. Which would have come as a surprise if they wouldn’t have given out a spoiler, since most of the choreography from their other songs are all similar in a way. HYLT’s choreography is harder than the others and a lot of energy has to be used to do them. Jisoo and Jennie shined so much when they danced that I couldn’t stop looking at them.
The song: Since I’m giving an honest review…the song itself didn’t come to or exceed my expectations. With previous amazing title tracks like DDDD and Kill This Love..I was expecting way more than what we got. I’m not saying it’s a bad song, it’s just that waiting 14 months was a long time and we expected something out of the ordinary. If I were to rank their comeback songs from most liked to least, this would be last. The chorus wasn’t really anything special, a lot of unnecessary noises were used and the beat didn’t really go that hard. I could say that I did like Lisa’s rap, Rosé and Jisoo’s parts of the bridge, and Jennie’s iconic “Bring out the boss chick”. On the other hand, there were some things I was upset about. Jennie is the main rapper and hasn’t had a rap on a title track since 2018 in DDDD. Many blinks were expecting to see main rapper Jennie and even trended it, but we never got her. I didn’t understand how she’s just the lead vocalist, but had more vocal lines than rap lines. Many blinks have been waiting for a Lisa dance break since 2016 and we still didn’t get one in HYLT. It upsets me when she’s the main dancer, but danced in the back during the dance break. It really confused me how the lead rapper got more rap lines than the main rapper. It’s like Lisa became the main rapper and Jennie became the main dancer and one of the main vocalists. But I guess it’s YGE(the company they’re in) fault since they never give Lisa any vocal lines. At least when the camera was on Lisa, she still out did herself when she had a little dance move. Lastly, I’m disappointed that Jisoo didn’t get to say “BLACKPINK IN YOUR AREA” like how all the other members got to say it and the fact that she wasn’t on the thumbnail like how the other members got to previously been on. What I am thankful for is that at least Jennie got a lot of vocal lines and center twice. Also Jisoo finally got a good amount of lines and screen time and Lisa got a rap verse. So, I’m glad for that.
In conclusion, I believe this comeback could have been way more powerful. All the girls did shine though. I was told HYLT wasn’t a title track, but just a pre-release. So I kind of felt a little better and began appreciating it more. I can say that the song is growing on me, some parts are actually quite catchy. For Example: The bridge. But I do hope we get to see main rapper Jennie for the title track. Lastly, I recommend watching the music video since I believe it will leave a mark on you by how incredible it is and also make sure to listen to their other music. They are extremely talented and if you decide to watch their music videos and performances, you’ll see why they are one of the most popular groups in the world. Let’s all look forward to their first and upcoming full album release in September.