Review

Song Review: Jennie (BLACKPINK) – Mantra

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Jennie - MantraBLACKPINK’s Jennie has a sparse solo discography to her name, both in quantity and quality. 2018’s Solo and last year’s You & Me felt quite underdeveloped as songs. However, she played an integral part in Zico’s irresistible Spot! earlier this year, paving the way for more solo work. Mantra emerges as her third single, continuing many of the charismatic themes that highlight both her and her group’s discographies.

In this case, “charismatic” is my very nice way of saying “one-note.” Has there ever been a K-pop act as massively successful as BLACKPINK with as shallow a theme running through their music? There’s only so many ways to say “I’m so cool, I’m the best, I’m pretty/hot/rich/fun/etc.” Me, me, me, me, me. Regardless of the musical quality, these rallying cries ring more hollow with each repetition. Cool, pretty people don’t need to talk incessantly about how cool and pretty they are — and when they do it makes them infinitely less cool. (Cool people also release songs longer than 2:16, by the way!)

This arrested development isn’t solely a BLACKPINK problem, but when you release music so infrequently there isn’t enough opportunity to deepen the well. Mantra isn’t much of a song, anyway. It’s… well… a mantra. But even seen through this lens, Jennie’s affirmation misses the opportunity for specificity in favor of the most predictable faux-edgy turns. It would be different if the music felt noteworthy or exciting. After all, many dumb pop songs have succeeded (even thrived) on the strength of their melodies, production or general star power. Jennie has a surplus of charisma, but Mantra‘s irritating, catchphrasey sing-talk does her no favors whatsoever. It succeeds only as an extension of a brand, which was probably the point anyway.

Hooks 4
 Production 6
 Longevity 5
 Bias 4
 RATING 4.75

Grade: F

122 thoughts on “Song Review: Jennie (BLACKPINK) – Mantra”

        • I assume the intent is that we’ll all adopt it as our own “pretty girl mantra” and feel empowered, but it’s just a bunch of lip service that doesn’t really mean anything. To me, that’s the opposite of empowering.

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              • the whole concept is about what it means to “love yourself,” how to do so, and how to find true happiness and be comfortable with who you are as a person

                you have to understand and read the lyrics in order to understand considering its a different language and nick doesnt really take lyrics into account for reviews

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            • In a single or an entire album?

              The song is about owning up to your flaws and embracing them.

              she made a bop song that you dance to while showering or want to have a boost of confidence. There’s no way I am going to play magic shop and start dancing as I get ready for the club brother

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          • Nick, I’m a proud BLINK 🖤🩷 and multi-K-pop stan. I not only disagree with your review, but I also wonder if you genuinely appreciate K-pop, especially when it involves women. As a man, you don’t have the sole authority to decide what is empowering for women, particularly those from marginalized groups that you’re not a part of. As a queer woman, I can attest this

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            • hope you know that nick grew up 90s music influencing his taste, ofc he’s gonna be nitpicking, but to assume he doesn’t appreciate kpop is not only offensive but borderline disrespectful to his tastes.

              also, he doesn’t take lyrics and concept into account, just vocals and instrumentals and their quality. Just because it has a beautiful mv doesn’t mean he will automatically give 9.75/10 on a comeback. It’s how he ranks music and kpop comebacks and stuff.

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              • I still disagree with Nick’s assessment of the song in the music video. There are additional factors he should consider, although I realize I may have been a bit hasty in my initial comments. I maintain that HF doesn’t fully understand what empowerment means for women, especially those from marginalized groups, which he isn’t part of. K-Pop songs can be fun, have meaningful lyrics, or exist somewhere in between. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a catchy K-Pop track that you hear in clubs or that gets you up and dancing! I believe “Mantra” is a great example of a fun K-Pop song that also carries a positive message. It showcases JENNIE’s diverse talents, with more to come. By the way, I’m also a proud STAY, which aligns with my faves and others I enjoy as a multi-K-Pop fan! LOL 💚💚. I’m also a metalhead and a woman with eclectic tastes in music, entertainment, fashion, and hobbies, so I’m really curious to hear Nick’s reviews on songs from other genres as well.

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                  • my end! 😊 I’ve been a rookie but proud STAY since 2022, and honestly, it’s hard for me to pick just one favorite when there are so many bangers by the SKZ Kings! 💚 But I have to say, “Miroh” is definitely a standout! 🔥💙

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                • As a girl, even though I find the song catchy, I definitely dislike the lyrics. I mean, why do only pretty people get a mantra, and these well wishes, for one? It’s just shallow, and seems to prioritise appearance as something important in other people beyond romantic contexts.

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            • You’re calling yourself “Sarah J Collins” and that tells me plenty about what kind of woman you are. I was born in 92, and I’m a queer woman myself, and I’ve also been into KPOP since 2011 thanks to 2NE1s I AM THE BEST. While I do like MANTRA (surprisingly) you need to stop being an insufferable “stan”, because this shit isn’t cute.

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              • Girl, are you for real? 🙄 First of all, let me clarify: my issues with you have nothing to do with your age, being a woman, or being queer—that would be bigoted. My issue is your behavior. Sarah J Collins is literally my full name, with ‘J’ being the initial for my middle name.

                That’s also my account on Facebook, where I logged in from. By the way, I’m the woman in my current profile pic. 😏 In what world can you suss out someone’s personality from their given name? That’s wild!

                I was born in December 1991, so I’m just a year or a few months older than you—another younger millennial. 🎉 I’ve been into K-pop since the fall of 2005, thanks to the OG queen Lee Hyori and her bop “10 Minutes.” Then came PSY and “Gangnam Style” in 2012. 2017 was when I really dove in—becoming a BLINK, ARMY, BLACKJACK, V.I.P (though I no longer support Seungri), and a multi-K-pop stan. My fandoms have continued to increase since then.

                I acknowledged a particular mistake and hasty judgment about PSY’s musical tastes in a follow-up reply to someone else, but I still stand by my view of his overall review. He, along with certain other factions of men, are not the sole arbiters of what’s empowering for women—especially when it comes to marginalized groups they aren’t a part of. Yes, he spoke out of line when he said certain things weren’t empowering, clearly missing the point of some lyrics. This isn’t hate; it’s valid criticism, even if a particular song isn’t his cup of tea. ☕️✨

                I was critical of Nick’s review and his response to a commenter, but I voiced my opinion in an affable way—something you did not. How is it that I or others who echoed a similar, non-offensive opinion in a respectful way are being insufferable? I think you’re projecting. 😏

                Unfortunately, there are going to be a-holes and overly rabid fans (not the same as being an avid stan), as well as fake fans within and outside of every fandom. It’s one thing if a group or artist’s music isn’t your cup of tea, but the fact you mentioned that you surprisingly liked “Mantra” leads me to believe you’re one of those haters who seem to dislike the BP queens, BLINKs, and other artists/groups for the most ridiculous reasons. Do you target BLINKs or other fans of artists you don’t like for saying something positive? Your behavior is not becoming of a K-pop stan.

                I love 2NE1 too! 💖 They seem to be one of your faves, but them and the PINKS are friends and mutual fans of each other. They would not be here for fake fans and antis jumping on the bandwagon against their group, their true fans, or other groups and fanbases. Oh, and can we talk about how stunning, stylish, multi-talented, and iconic 2NE1 are, just like the BP queens? 🖤✨

                I’ve already resolved a disagreement with another commenter. Either you didn’t read or you forced yourself into the conversation with your unsolicited hot take. And by the way, just because you’ve been an avid K-pop stan longer doesn’t make you superior to anyone else. My fellow K-pop multi-stans have mentioned how certain factions of older K-pop stans can be insufferable and hateful—sounds like you might fit that bill.

                The K-pop industry has genuine issues that need addressing, and there has been some progress. K-pop, K-music, and K-entertainment are supposed to be fun and inclusive spaces for artists, groups, and fans from diverse backgrounds and generations—especially those from marginalized groups. Any form of bullying, gatekeeping, bigotry, forced hate, misinformation, or unethical behavior has no place in the K-pop community. You should know better as a member of a disenfranchised group yourself and a fellow 2SLGBTIQ+ person. 🌈 It also seems you don’t value diverse opinions when it comes to positive views of groups or artists that aren’t your faves.

                So kindly refrain from coming for me again unless you want to be blocked. Voicing a non-offensive and valid criticism or a positive opinion about their faves and music doesn’t make someone an insufferable stan just because you disagree. 😂✌️

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        • The songs actually about her bp girls getting hate by posts like this and that she will defend her.

          this is a failure of a review. SMH.

          thats why she says this isn’t deep.

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  4. Hear me out: I really like it on first listen.

    I think its great as what its supposed to be, a catchy song. Also, I really really like the production for being an easy-listening song.

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  6. “makes you want to swing both ways” is a godawful lyric. according to this song, being bisexual is something that could only be spurred by a pop star’s supernatural beauty. according to this song, bisexuality doesn’t naturally exist in the world. 🙄

    the lyric gets under my skin! it’s gross!

    it just made me think… jennie is so well-resourced, she MUST have someone on her team who could sniff out this sort of thing???

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      • we can disagree on the significance of the line, but you know what we can’t disagree about? my feelings, lol.

        i am a queer woman, and i feel alienated by that line. i’m not out here surveying all the gays, but i bet i’m not alone.

        i don’t need jennie to turn me gay. i already am (mwahaha), so this song is not for me.

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        • im sorry about the way you feel but that’s just an odd way of interpreting that line.

          this has been a saying for a WHILE. “I’m gay for X person” Literally all it means is that the person is so attractive that even a straight person gets attracted to the person. Just a way of praising someone’s looks. There should be nothing offensive about it.

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        • –Rachel, your experience as a queer woman is completely valid. As a fellow queer woman , BLINK and multi-kpop stan , I actually appreciated that line; I thought it was a fun nod to the validity of queer identities. I loved everything about Queen JENNIE’s new banger and

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    • “I’m so hot that I can change your sexuality” is definitely not a new concept, but I agree it feels tacky almost every time (exceptions being when someone is clearly being tongue-in-cheek or ironic).

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    • It’s less “according to this song” and more “according to your interpretation of the song.” Whatever happened to “IMO”?

      I took Jenny’s boast as, “I’m so hot that I can turn anyone on.” I didn’t read that as exclusive-to Jenny.

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  7. I actually really like it despite thinking I wouldn’t… intentional or not, the fact that it’s out on Oct 11 I(national coming out day) and the lyrics nod at bisexuality is kinda meaningful to me. Not speculating about her specifically, but in terms of meaning, that mantra of trying to convince yourself you’re badass and pretty and wanted in a world that doesn’t really want queer women definitely resonates. Again not saying it was intended to be this deep, but that’s my interpretation.

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    • I’m the same – I thought for sure I wouldn’t like it, saw Nick’s rating, and almost didn’t bother listening. But I do like it. It’s only too short. As is, it would be a great b-side; but if it’s a single, I’d expect it to be longer. But then, I’ve never downloaded TikTok and so the appeal of this whole short song thing escapes me.

      I guess if I’m evaluating it as a single, I would understand Nick’s rating. But as a musician and a fan of music (all music, not just pop music or singles), I appreciate this song.

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  8. Just went checked a lot of your reviews- this is lowest ranking project from Blackpink, although I suspect that Money would rank in a similar spot if you were forced to review it. The next lowest rating is 6, from Jisoo. Can’t say that this is undeserving of that score however.

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  9. Yoooo the comment section has a lot of people taking things too seriously, I think you guys might have to a apply the “it’s not that deep” part hahaha. Besides dropping music you may or may not like, what did this woman do to you? omg!

    To me, the song it’s just a fun little bop. I was just hoping she would not try to replicate the “YG” sound, where the track is divided into sonically different section and the chorus is chating or beat drop. I also see that “El Guincho” (known for working for Rosalía) is credited in the production, and I’m surprised he was involved in this type of sound.

    7/10 to me!

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    • they act like jennie attacked them personally or something. and giving this song a 4/10 like it’s the worst song of the year is WILD. at worst, its average. But the production is great, the mv is stunning and she delivers a good and charismatic performance. Not my jam either really but people be overhating so bad for no reason 😂👋

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  10. I was originally surprised at the very low rating, but then again, this isn’t worth much.

    I kinda, maybe? liked it at first listen. I was somehow expecting better and worse at the same time, so this song is just mid. And I know it my fault for being disappointed every time, but, she’s always singing about the quality of her life, so where is that quality in music??? -_-

    Despite this disappointment, I just realised how much I enjoy Loosemble’s sound, so atleast I’ve got some happiness to look forward to after this.

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  12. i actually really like how it sounds when i don’t mind the lyrics! but im also very tired of 2 minute songs… but its okay i guess it does what it sets out to do though i long for something more exciting, something to equal the allure of someone like jennie

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  14. I’m not at a point on my life where the capitalist and hot girl empowerment kpop loves so much right now does anything for me. I mean, I get that it’s the not that deep and fun brand of empowerment, but this kind of thing is still not my idea of fun anymore.

    I really do feel like an old woman yelling at clouds when it comes to recent kpop, but my favorite kpop empowerment song/lyric (“There’s no need to run without purpose/It’s okay to not have a dream/If there are brief moments in which you can feel happiness”) wasn’t all that long ago, so I don’t want to write off this genre as not being for me anymore in this era! At the very least, maybe it would be nice if artists backed off the English so we don’t have to perfectly comprehend the cringe!

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    • But maybe that’s the point? I’m a bit weird, because I long ago realized that almost everyone else in the world interprets rock/pop lyrics as being autobiographical. But not only do I not do that, but I generally refuse to. When I read a work of fiction, I don’t enjoy it because I imagine I’m peering into the mind of the author. Rather, I enjoy it because of the characters and their (fictitious, and usually very flawed) views of the world. So if we approach literature that way, where’s the enjoyment of approaching song lyrics as being anything other than flawed characters commenting on their view of the world that we live in? I find that much more enjoyable.

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      • that’s a cool perspective, I’ve never heard that before. However, a decent amount of artists are writing songs from their own perspectives and may even make it a point to emphasize that in press. And even if it’s not reflecting the artist themselves, someone had to write those lyrics and those lyrics can be revealing. Even songs that are stories are saying something. And in both literature and music, problematic/bad themes and messages are going to be criticized. Even when you’re trying to make non political art you’re making a political statement

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        • That’s true, a lot of American pop singers these days *are* emphasizing that their lyrics are about themselves and where they’re currently at. I’m so not interested in that! I prefer fiction and storytelling. As others have pointed out, Jennie didn’t write this song, so we don’t have to worry about interpreting these lyrics through a narrow autobiographical lens. We can view her as merely the conduit, the actor, portraying a character. And we can enjoy as such.

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          • No one is viewing it autobiographically. Song writing is story. And just like fction it has a message, it’s reflecting something. That’s undeniable. Just say you don’t care

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            • Go ahead and immerse yourself in Pitchfork reviews going back a decade-plus. Nearly every review these days ties the lyrics and thematic concepts of any given album to the artist’s personal life – who they’re dating or broke up with, a personal loss in the family, recovering from an illness, turning 21 (or 22, or 23, etc), how stardom (or wealth, or failure) has informed their new work. It’s so exhausting. AI could write it. I used to love to pour over music reviews as a kid back in the previous century, back when reviews were an artform written by aspiring poets, novelists, and philosophers.

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      • I’m not a big fan at all of “diary pop” so that’s not what I was trying to say. I was saying that at my age and life situation, songs about cars full of shopping bags or being hot with the girlies don’t resonate with me, my idea of a fun and fulfilled life, or what inspires me to shine as a person. I love reading stories and songs from different characters and perspectives of course, but I want them to add value and reflect things and ideas that interest me, and this just doesn’t, either lyrically or melodically.

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    • So true, those lyrics are etched in my mind, the only time I have teared up reading lyrics of any song. I hold that song very dear to me.

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  16. There’s a lot going on here musically that I love, and which sounds quite original – in the sense that it’s combining elements I haven’t heard mixed up together in quite this way. Is it a song, a single, a prelude to an album – or a mantra? And I’m fine with that. It kind of escapes categorization, and for that, I appreciate it. It’s going on my playlist, for sure.

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  17. Idk if it warrants a 4.75, but wasn’t a massive fan of it either. I liked the production, it was groovy, but they could have tried to utilize the trumpet synths further for a more anthemic feel instead of throwing it around and ending up feeling annoying. The hooks also reminds me of Pink Venom’s, but faster-paced so it doesn’t seem too dull. But the fact that the song is so short, it doesn’t give the song room to develop into something more interesting.

    Idk, I’d give it a 6.75 (7, 7, 7, 6).

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  20. I kind of vibe with it. I think it’ll grow on me.

    Random side note: Between all the sexy dancing, the outfits in the MV, and the sassy attitude, part of me wants to see Hwasa cover this song. Maybe that’s just because NA is fresh in my mind, though.

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  21. i love love LOVE the “it’s not that deep, im not that drunk” part SO much. i believe if the track was taken in that route as a whole, then it would sound much better and would fit in with the lyrics better as a carefree, live my life type anthem. i like the experimentation but overall it doesnt feel cohesive and the main beat feels dry and underused. i also hate the “this that” lyric – it’s giving me pink venom flashbacks; the writing could’ve been better, especially considering there were lots of ppl on this track!

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    • I think the number of collaborators are the reason the song isn’t better. The more people you have the harder it is to please all of them so you get ok/good ideas not fantastic ones

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  22. I really wasn’t expecting such a low score. I didn’t find it irritating like other songs that have gotten F ratings. I think the chorus is catchy and I like the production. Granted, that switch at 0:44 definitely hints to a more adventurous song, but for how short the whole thing is it’s really not that offensive. I’m also appreciative of all the harmonies.

    Lyrical it’s in the same range as the majority of blackpink songs but just being a “pretty girl” feels more realistic and less fake in comparison to the AAVE riddled tough act BP has given us before. The only line that stood out in a really bad way was the one about shaking ass…. Those will always take me out of the illusion. No disrespect, but we can see you don’t have an ass Jennie, don’t remind me that you didn’t write this

    all in all, this isn’t as bad as everyone’s saying it is. It’s a new sonic palette for Jennie with a more believable message. Not groundbreaking by any means, but it’s not BP’s job to actually be groundbreaking it’s blinks job to unsuccessfully convince us it is (I’m joking). 7.25

    watch this be on the risers list, watch (I’ve clocked it before)

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  24. Woah, surprising! I expected the worst when I saw your rating, and this is not that, I’d say.

    I’m not exactly about to add this to any Best Of lists, but I way, WAY prefer it to her other solo releases. I honestly really like the instrumental — even the bare-bones chorus keeps the momentum going where most Blackpink songs drop it — and I feel like Jennie just sounds so much more interested in this track than most others I’ve heard her on. And no weird synths! It’s polished, easy to head-bob to, and has some personality, and I really couldn’t care less about the lyrics (this sort of posturing has been a thing for decades, even if it’s especially prominent nowadays, and I wouldn’t be into foreign music if lyrical content was a big deal to me). If it’s not what you were hoping for, I can totally understand that, but I’m surprised it’s rated so terribly low when it’s a performance that I’d say she sells quite well and there are no trademark grating Blackpink synths to be heard. I don’t need it to be revolutionary, I just need it to sound good.

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  25. i have no idea why blackpink is so polarising to everyone. people in the comments are acting like jennie called y’all ugly personally and then robbed you with a baseball bat. it’s a very basic song, nothing new of course, which is a shame and i wish there was more going on in terms of lyrics and production but its not…bad?

    this is just one of those party club songs that would be fun to get ready to, and go out with friends with ❤

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  26. I gasped out loud at the 4.75 rating before I had heard the song. I thought this was going to be Sheep 2.0 or something.

    To be honest I just find this song bland rather than offensively bad. I completely agree about Blackpinks song themes/concept, though. It’s why the group never resonated with me, their concept has been almost completely onedimensional. The song is sonically also pretty much a flat line. It’s sort of catchy, but not in a way that will stick in my head. It’s a shame because they have a huge fanbase and could be exploring some more musically risky or creative things.

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  28. At this point, I have accepted that this is all we will get from Blackpink theme-wise.

    That done, I had 0 expectations of any depth from this in terms of theme and I enjoy it for what it is- a catchy against haters song.

    Although I accept we are not to expect more thematically, I think it would be a better rebuttal to prove there’s more to talk about than what they wear, who they date and how rich they are. The thing is, they rarely offer more publicly, so whether the talk is positive or negative, it will revolve about superficial stuff like this.

    With all this into account, I would give it a 6,5- it delivers what it tries to, but it doesn’t feel unique to Jennie. Basically any half-confident beautiful popstar could tackle this and make it work exactly as well as she did. But it’s just a single, so she still has the album! I do enjoy her voice.

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  29. Oh I missed the party.

    It sure packs a lot of lyrics into 2:28 – though the phrases repeat, the words per minutes count is remarkable. Each time around is slightly different to keep it more interesting, different samples tucked here and there, and different Melodyne-crafts vocal line chords.

    Many of the percussion samples are from old 80’s songs. 0:35 the bubbly sound sounds like “Pump up the volume”. The drum sound either emulates or is an 80’s drum machine. 1:08 the high bipping sounds goes from ear to ear – that was common in the 80’s – Its behind the chorus of “I wanna dance with somebody” for example. I haven’t placed the bass or horns yet.

    I don’t think its 4.something bad. Its just not my genre. I am long past the age of spangly leotard confessional with synchronized backup dancers era of empowerment. Also the sounding like an ad dance club track era is not something I turn to when I need music. Many parts of what I think is the chorus sounds like 15 second ad bits on youtube that are ubiquitous and unskippable for something boring like Staples or Starry soda. The songs like songs that sound like this, nothing more, nothing less. It fits squarely in the contemporary gestalt like greige walls.

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  30. I still disagree with Nick’s assessment of the song in the music video. There are additional factors he should consider, although I realize I may have been a bit hasty in my initial comments. I maintain that HF doesn’t fully understand what empowerment means for women, especially those from marginalized groups, which he isn’t part of. K-Pop songs can be fun, have meaningful lyrics, or exist somewhere in between. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a catchy K-Pop track that you hear in clubs or that gets you up and dancing! I believe “Mantra” is a great example of a fun K-Pop song that also carries a positive message. It showcases JENNIE’s diverse talents, with more to come. By the way, I’m also a proud STAY, which aligns with my faves and others I enjoy as a multi-K-Pop fan! LOL 💚💚. I’m also a metalhead and a woman with eclectic tastes in music, entertainment, fashion, and hobbies, so I’m really curious to hear Nick’s reviews on songs from other genres as well.

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    • It might be a good idea for you to put women’s empowerment into praxis and not be so fixated on what a man thinks of a song. Just enjoy it if you enjoy it! Enjoy the feeling of empowerment it gives you.

      Ultimately, Nick is just some dude on the internet who doesn’t like a song that you personally find meaningful. There’s no need to get so hung up on it. I read his blog because I like his often thoughtful reviews and because it helps me discover songs that I might not even have known about otherwise and it happens often enough that he gives a song I love a mid review and that’s… fine. It’s really not a problem in any way.

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    • Girl .. you are over explaining yourself. You needn’t just because you feel like getting defensive over a post from Nick about a girl group’s musical outputs and inclinations. Being a Kpop fan is fun in and of itself, that is all. You are no longer from a marginalized group, and Nick definitely is not playing down empowerment for women, queer women or anyone. He is simply saying that the way that the message is delivered and by extension the message being delivered itself are not musically too astounding. Stop taking everything so personally. This is Kpop music, nothing less and certainly nothing more.

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  31. A fan of neither, but can’t believe this scores lower than actual utter irritating song (Lisa’s Rockstar) or even the circa YG’s garbage (Jisoo’s Flower)

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  33. This song’s okay. I’d give it a 7.

    I’m trying to think of a Western comparison to this song but I’ve got none. This sort of female empowerment we’ve kind of left in 2017. I’m not necessarily saying Mantra is dated, but (Western) female artists have moved onto more vulnerable but relatable topics in their songs, think Olivia Rodrigo with envy or Charli XCX with her insecurities we hear on Brat. It seems like some people in this comment section feel very empowered from Jennie’s song and have a message over music sort of approach, which is valid and I am not denying that. I just don’t think it’s gonna hold up well compared to the year we’ve had in music.

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    • You are right, it is high time we move on. Also, maybe another artist who have actually been “crucified” for their looks singing this song may have carried more weight but a perfect size, perfect skin color, perfect body (acc. to beauty standards) person singing such a song makes it less appealing to me. This is not just about Jennie or this song though, K-pop idols singing about “my life, my rules” or doing what I want or being a badass always makes me feel strange because these are people who cannot even choose what to wear, eat or even find a person to be with themselves. How are young people listening to it supposed to relate to it? I have no idea.

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      • I do somewhat agree with what you’re saying, K-pop acts talking about how they’re different whilst all being trained under the industry and therefore succumbing to its standards are hypocritical. But to me at least I don’t really mind what the message in a K-pop song is because I don’t understand Korean. ‘Mantra’ is different though because a. it is sung in English and b. this song isn’t for the K-pop audience but the global audience which immediately changes the standards that I weigh it too. It’s why I brought Western music in my comment not K-pop itself. I think if ‘Mantra’ was sung in Korean I’d rate it higher because I’d just be focusing on the lyricism and beat.

        I also agree with someone else singing it too. A commentor above mentioned Hwasa who I think would be a good choice.

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  36. Interesting take! Jennie’s charisma shines through, but it sounds like “Mantra” could have benefited from deeper lyrics and a more engaging melody. It’s a challenge when tracks lean heavily on brand appeal rather than musical innovation. Hopefully, her next solo project will bring more growth and variety!

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  37. hmmm….pleasant surprise to see a 4 star, but I liked it enough to give it a 6/10. It at least isn’t terrible. What your wrote is my opinion on all their music (including Rose). I feel like the problem isn’t that they had zero growth, it’s grappling with western producers who may not respect them enough to give them serious music.

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  38. For something to rank this low to me it generally has to be actively annoying. I dig the backing track, especially the cowbell, which helps it a whole lot. And Jennie is much better at making sloganeering addictive than others are.

    I also like the lyrics. They’re fun/cheeky and I appreciate them going more in the direction of “my girls are great” > “I am great”.

    Yeah, this is good actually! I’m glad there’s more rapping than singing because it makes it easier to make out the instrumental. And the harmonies add some depth.

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  39. I just came back here to reread this messy fandom fight 😅 The blinks are hilarious… they manage to entertain me more than their artists’ songs

    moreover… is this Korea’s “it girl”? More like “it boring”.

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  40. I’m gonna review months after the song’s release and give the highest rating in this entire comment section: 8.75.

    I think it’s excellently done – short, but I don’t think it needs to be longer (or, if longer, only by 20 seconds or so). It actually covers a lot of sonic ground in the short time it has. Arguably that brevity + simultaneous quantity of different strings of melody / instrumental variety is ‘slogan esque’ (as many others have said here lol) but for me a) slogans aren’t inherently devoid of artistic merit b) it makes for a fun introduction to a “new” artist, something short and super catchy c) it fits the “story”, a great night out with the gals.

    The pre-chorus is a highlight for me. That chord progression + those warm synths (? I think) introduce some tonal complexity after the super upbeat, advertisement-like brass punctuated chorus. I actually like the lyrics, too. It’s a feigned flippancy which nicely captures how meaningful spontaneous party/club nights can be, “It’s not that deep / I’m not that drunk” – it’s telling you not to overread the meaning, that it’s superficial and surface level, but it also doesn’t let you neatly explain any silliness through drunkenness, meaning that it’s about INTENTIONAL joyful behaviour and not giving a shit about what you’re supposed to do.

    Empowerment definitely reads differently for everyone and I make no universal claim to its subjective interpretation. For me, I really love it as a message. It’s about partying, but it’s firmly not about men. And that it’s a mantra? It’s a fragile confidence – something you need to assert over and over again, ignoring negative commentary.

    Sonically, the (more) dramatic bridge is great, and the whispered section introduces nice textural variety – but also, it’s like something you murmur to yourself, it’s not about putting others down by projecting superiority, it’s about raising yourself up. It reads like a prayer to me.

    Hooks: 9

    Production: 9

    Longevity: 8

    Bias: 9

    Maybe it’s obvious I’m heavily procrastinating writing my uni essays lol.

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