This album is a cinematic and auditory collection of intimate love stories.
When Jisoo announced her first solo mini-album under her own label I was surprised. This woman has been booked left and right for so many K-drama projects, both movies and tv-shows, that I was like: she is probably going to wait to release music. I thought if we get another single album from her before the BlackPink members are going to have a comeback as a group… well that would already be a lot! But nope, here she is with a very well curated mini-album.
A montage of Jisoo’s love by blending “amore” and “montage”, created a poetic concept that transforms her album into a cinematic and auditory collection of intimate love stories. Perfect for Valentine’s day (when the mini-album was released). Doesn’t matter if you have a significant other or are single, there is going to be a song for you on this mini-album! An album that portrays a montage of the complex experiences of love.
But the fact it could also be “amore” and “sabotage” really adds something to the premise to me. You can look at the album’s narrative trajectory as a form of sabotage, ignoring the warning signs, etc. Anyhow, his musical work is definitely a project with intention.
Before listening to the album I honestly did not know what to expect from Jisoo’s solo under her own label. Fellow Blinks like me probably know that Jisoo loves traditional Korean instruments. So I was wondering if that would be a possibility for her to incorporate in her new music. And she also adores ballads. However, we got something completely opposite from her: EDM and dance filled with high energy! Jisoo seems to have a strong sense of self, which translates throughout the entire mini-album.
earthquake
Let’s start with the title track that translates the overwhelming feeling of falling in love. Sudden and uncontrollable, just like an earthquake.
The lyrics describe the all-consuming nature of desire. From feeling their heart race uncontrollably and their body trembling, that emphasises the physical and emotional impact of this connection. It captures the paradox of wanting to escape yet being unable to resist.
What’s interesting are the musical drops, to observe the incoming earthquake that represents the moments of overthinking and deep contemplation about what to do or say next to someone you like.
The pre-chorus builds tension, while the chorus delivers an explosive release. During the bridge emotions get embraced despite knowing they are falling. The high energy delivery and pulsating beat makes this song incredibly catchy
The mv encapsulates Jisoo’s passion for acting and music. The release has opened up a complex side of Jisoo that YG failed to show. Besides, earthquake gives Jisoo a lot of room to be vocally expressive.
Your Love
This song describes it perfectly when you meet that one person. It’s an amazing follow up after the previous song. Your Love feels like a love story told from the perspective of the person that fell in love after searching for love for a long time.
The production feels very intimate, especially the verse that feels like the mind of the singer and the chorus explodes like a musical theater scene in a movie. It’s that song you want to put on when you are driving on a warm summer night with the sunset as the backdrop. She sings: “Your love feels like the rain, feels like a song I used to know”. About that last part, well with this song I had exactly that feeling. It feels nostalgic, but I have no clue which song this reminds me of. Maybe it’s the lyrics that use gentle, dreamy imagery?
Your Love beautifully captures the feeling of deep, comforting love and painting it as something both familiar and magical.
TEARS
Gotta love the rock-influenced chorus accompanied by the stomping beat that fits the laid-back verses. TEARS reconciles with the feeling of love being easy, something is missing and she no longer wants to be comforted by this person. So one last cry before continuing as a new and changed person!
I wished I had more to say about this song, but I just love the song for the empowering anthem about moving on from a relationship. And that it is one of the most poppy diss tracks I have heard.
Hugs & Kisses
Let it go! From a diss track we move on to a final, dismissive mic drop. I love how the title of this song is used ironically to highlight how empty gestures cannot undo the pain caused.
The song illustrates a sense of relief and newfound freedom after moving on. It explores themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and self-empowerment, with the narrator rejecting insincere affection after being deceived in a relationship.
With its catchy melody and emotionally charged lyrics (mix of anger, defiance and confidence), the song becomes an anthem of self-respect and moving on, proving that love alone cannot repair broken trust.
Conclusion
earthquake = love struck
Your Love = honeymoon stage
TEARS = downfall of relationship
Hugs & Kisses = savage ex
I kinda think it’s interesting which letters got written in full capital, how it is supposed to be in the English language or not at all. By how earthquake is written, like a flatline, could we have known from the start that this relationship was doomed?
Anyhow, I adore this mini-album! This is a very well curated album that listens as a cinematic experience. The incredible high energy and danceables songs make it hard to choose my favourite song. Although, I will never forget the first time I heard Hugs & Kisses, it’s just the it-girl of this album. This truly makes me so excited for future projects of Jisoo, but first… take a rest girl! Jisoo’s work attitude is next level.
Love,
Leave a Reply