Review
'Ruby' showcases Jennie stepping into her own light with a delicious cocktail of pop, hip-hop, and R&B vibes that feel both fresh and familiar. The fifteen-track collection takes its name from her alter ego "Jennie Ruby Jane," which perfectly captures the duality she presents throughout—polished pop princess meets raw, introspective artist. This album isn't just a career move, it's practically a style statement—like trading your group uniform for a custom-designed outfit that finally shows off all your best angles. You can hear her personality sparkling through tracks like 'Mantra' and 'Love Hangover,' serving earworms that'll have you humming for days.
The collaborator lineup on this record is giving major fashion week front row energy—Childish Gambino, Dua Lipa, Kali Uchis, Doechii, Dominic Fike, and FKJ all bring their unique textures to the mix. These features are styled beautifully, complementing rather than overshadowing Jennie's distinctive voice and flow. The way she weaves between singing and rapping feels as effortless as transitioning from daywear to evening glam. Throughout 'Ruby,' she explores relationships and personal growth with a confidence that suggests she's been planning this solo debut the way one plans a signature fragrance—carefully curated notes that represent exactly who she is.
What makes 'Ruby' truly shine is how Jennie balances commercial appeal with artistic expression. 'ExtraL' in particular struts down the runway of her musical capabilities, showing off both her vocal range and her storytelling skills. The production throughout feels expensive and intentional, like a well-constructed designer piece rather than fast fashion. As Jennie crafts her identity outside her group roots, she's created something that feels true to her evolution—a debut that serves as both an introduction and a declaration. If this album were an outfit, it would be that perfect statement piece that makes people ask, "Who are you wearing?" and the answer would simply be: "It's all me." - Isla
