One Year of Ruby: Jennie’s Bold Step as a Solo Artist
- Konekonek Staff
- Mar 6
- 2 min read
It has been a year since Jennie of Blackpink released her first full solo album, Ruby.
(Listen to the album on Spotify)
The project was met with strong critical attention and solid reviews from major publications. Critics noted the album’s confident sound and artistic direction, with outlets such as Pitchfork giving it a respectable score. Ruby also appeared on several year-end lists from major music publications like Billboard and Rolling Stone, marking it as one of the notable pop releases of its year.
Hard-to-ignore, captivating aura
I’ve liked Jennie since my college days. The first time I watched Whistle by Blackpink on YouTube, she immediately stood out. She had this captivating aura that was hard to ignore. Her presence, visuals, and distinctive voice drew me in right away.
When Blackpink decided to pause their group activities and pursue solo projects, I honestly didn’t expect Jennie to go this far creatively. I thought she might release an album simply because it was expected from a global star. Instead, she delivered something much more intentional and ambitious.
The album performed well commercially. Several tracks charted globally, appearing on major platforms like the Billboard Hot 100 and the Spotify Global Top 50. Songs like Mantra and Handlebars gained attention, while Like Jennie became one of the album’s most viral moments, especially through dance trends on TikTok.
But among the album’s 15 tracks—many of which Jennie co-wrote and co-produced—my personal favorite is Zen, which for me, feels like one of the songs that truly defines her.
Imagine being constantly scrutinized online for almost everything: the clothes you wear, the way you smile, or even the smallest mistakes. Jennie has experienced intense public criticism throughout her career. Yet instead of responding to every wave of negativity, she seems to choose calmness—her own version of “zen.” Despite the noise around her, she continues to rise above it and focus on creating art the way she wants to.
Perhaps it also helps that she doesn’t appear to be chronically online. When controversies arise, she rarely reacts impulsively. If anything, she lets her work—and sometimes carefully crafted statements from her team—speak for itself.
Cohesive album
Going back to the album: what I appreciate most about Ruby is how cohesive it feels. The central theme is clear: Jennie owning her voice and artistic identity. She collaborated with producers who understood her vision, and the result feels authentic because the music reflects her personal story.
From a marketing perspective, it was also interesting to note the understated rollout, which was neither flashy nor excessive, and which remained focused on the music.
What made me admire Jennie even more is realizing how thoughtful and intentional she is about her career. She understands what she wants artistically. And that’s not always common in pop music. Even if you have the most talented creative team behind you, it’s difficult to produce something meaningful if the artist herself lacks vision and authenticity.
With Ruby, Jennie proved that she is not just a global idol but a clear-eyed artist. And in many ways, the album remains an influence on how other artists approach their own solo projects in the future.
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