With ‘ALTER EGO’, LISA Makes A Strong Statement Of Her Sonic Identity – Review

Since BLACKPINK’s official debut in 2016, it was undeniable that LISA was a pop superstar in the making.

Sure, one could already see her potential during her time with the group, especially as she shined throughout nearly every live performance, individual verse, or even dance practice video that was shared across the vast landscape of the internet. 

In many ways, one could’ve easily shoe-horned LISA as the ‘it girl’ and undeniable star of the group given her unshakeable confidence and immense star power. As the girl group’s most popular member, it was easy to note just how powerful of a presence she held as part of the quartet, but the major challenge for her came along once she and her fellow members decided to embark on their own paths for their solo careers outside of YG Entertainment. 

Though LISA made the surprising (yet equally impressive) decision to establish her own entertainment company and label LLOUD, many detractors, critics, and even her most loyal of fans came to ponder — who is LISA without BLACKPINK?

Luckily, that’s a valid inquiry that she acknowledges (and responds to) with the release of her debut album, ALTER EGO — a fifteen-track record that nearly totals the number of songs in BLACKPINK’s entire discography. And given the variety of sounds that we’ve heard from the album’s previously released singles, this album perfectly showcases LISA’s versatility as an artist, whether it be through her skills as a vocalist, rapper, or even as a visionary of sorts. 

Using her alter egos of Roxi (the confident rockstar), Kiki (the empowered woman), Vixi (the edgy villain), Speedi (the risky daredevil), and Sunni (the soft-hearted lover) to explore various genres, LISA is bold enough to experiment and toy around with an entire sandbox of soundscapes to not only find what suits her best, but also to refine the aspects that she isn’t exactly used to.

Rebirth and evolution seem to be reoccurring themes throughout the record, as LISA embraces them on two tracks, such as the album’s opener “Born Again” with Doja Cat and RAYE, and “New Woman” featuring Rosaliá. Yet despite their similarities, they couldn’t even be more different sound-wise, as the former kicks off the record with a dynamic, disco-tinged anthem that differs greatly from anything BLACKPINK or LISA had ever done in the past. 

With Doja Cat and RAYE’s inclusion on the track, it actually works as a strong opener as their undeniable chemistry and flow give it the ‘joie de vivre’ it needs to make it an impactful and soaring introduction to ALTER EGO, even if it does feel quite out of place once you finish going through the entire record.

“New Woman” fits right along the alley to most of the tracks on the album, especially with the gloss of Max Martin and ILYA’s production of the track, which still glistens all these months past its release. The track’s incorporation of an industrial-styled bass, synth, and drums with filtered vocals and CD-scratching techniques in the mix become elements that never feel repetitive nor tiresome when paired with the Catalan diction of Rosaliá’s distinct verses. 

Throughout the entirety of the album, one standout aspect that’s worth noting on nearly every track of ALTER EGO is the stellar production. “Rockstar”’s addictive bass and innovative sampling of Tame Impala’s “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” result in a more impressive and polished take on what made her previous solo tracks “LALISA” and “MONEY” such massive hits, while the Thai-inspired “Elastigirl” and electronic-trap heavy sound of “Thunder” make for an excellent display of LISA’s ever-evolving confidence.

What’s most striking about “Elastigirl” is how it utilizes an intriguing mix of Indigenous strings and rattling beats to heighten the tension of the Thai rapper’s verses, and the subtle echoes of each instrument allow her self-assurance to flow a lot easier, given that it simultaneously embraces LISA’s heritage and rap prowess in perfect unison.

The album reaches its overdrive moment by the time “F*ck Up The World” comes in, as the production by ATL Jacob and Future’s feature adds a whole lot of edge to what we’re used to from LISA. This is where she goes full ‘Vixi’ (her self-described “villain mode”) to unleash what may very well be her most hip-hop-leaning song, which is arguably her darkest and most edgy track to date (with the potential to become one of the biggest hits of this record).

While it surely makes up for it in sound, it’s the songwriting aspect wherein ALTER EGO staggers a bit, given the simplicity and somewhat uninspired nature of some tracks on the record. Sadly, it’s the softer songs wherein such a flaw becomes more evident than normal — particularly with the lackluster impression of “Moonlit Floor,” which feels more like a cover of Sixpence The Richer’s “Kiss Me” than it does an original song. 

The heavy sampling of the 1998 hit song paired with the half-hearted lyricism does little to affect the overall record, and even tracks like “BADGRRRL,” “Chill,” and “Lifestyle” end up heavily utilizing the aspect of production to elevate its substance and tone — given that their lyricism lacks substance or a particular set of identity.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that all the softer songs on the record are lacking in a similar vein, given how much more impressive the album’s closer “Dream” is both lyrically and sonically in comparison to the aforementioned tracks. With “Dream”, LISA gives listeners the love song we’ve long been wanting to hear –– with her vocal capabilities shining more so than we’ve ever heard them before.

Even the Megan Thee Stallion-guested “Rapunzel” makes good use of the Houston rapper’s easy-going flow and LISA’s softer rap skills on the track do well in emphasizing one’s swagger, while the gorgeous Tyla feature on “When I’m With You” adds a whole lot heart and sensuality to LISA’s sonic capabilities (especially by the point that their voices harmonize on its final chorus).

Despite its occasional missteps, ALTER EGO ultimately solidifies LISA’s place as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. While some tracks may fall short in terms of songwriting, the album’s slick production, stylish sound, and self-assured execution from start to finish showcase her undeniable star power. LISA’s debut solo venture embraces her versatility through her alter egos — whether as the confident rockstar Roxi, the empowered woman Kiki, or the edgy villain Vixi — with each persona allowing her to explore new genres and expand her musical boundaries.

Throughout the record, LISA strikes a remarkable balance by collaborating with a wide range of guest artists and producers. Yet rather than being overshadowed, she serves as a perfect complement to their talents, harmonizing with their unique sounds and elevating the songs in a way that reflects her growth as an artist. For with each track on the record, LISA was able to take risks and find her voice across diverse musical landscapes, showcasing her ability to adapt while maintaining the swagger and charisma that made her a star in BLACKPINK.

In the end, ALTER EGO is more than just an album — it’s a statement. LISA’s ability to experiment with different sounds, sharpen her skills, and make her presence felt on every track proves that she is much more than your usual K-pop icon. 

Because outside of BLACKPINK, LISA is undeniably one hell of a musical superstar — one who commands attention in any genre she chooses to conquer, leaving no doubt that her artistry is as expansive as her ambitions.

Listen to LISA’s debut album ALTER EGO below: