Less than a week after surprise dropping pre-release single ZEN, BLACKPINK’s Jennie is already back with the second taste of her upcoming album. Teasers so far have promised a host of guest artists featuring on the project, and Love Hangover invites American singer/rapper Dominic Fike as duet partner. As I anticipated, the track offers a very different sound than either of its predecessors.
With Love Hangover, Jennie adopts many current trends driving global pop music while keeping an eye on the distant past. Elements of the production borrow from various decades — particular the 60’s and 70’s. This is a bit surprising, as Jennie’s work with BLACKPINK never dabbled in these sounds. The song spins its wheels for its lackluster opening verse, dragged down by melodic phrasing that feels ripped from any number of similar tracks. But as soon as we hit the first chorus, Love Hangover blossoms. The melodies here have a wonderful contrast between rhythm and flourishing mini-climaxes that give it a touch of classic soul. I wish more of the song had anchored itself around this style. It’s super effective and fits Jennie well.
Love Hangover‘s second strength arrives at its climax when the song gets a bit weird. Jennie’s vocals are warped into a hiccupping rhythm that feels as if it’s about to explode. If only the song had gone full bore and built toward a huge tempo shift! Instead, we’re left wanting more. Dominic Fike’s second verse also delivers nice contrast. I’m not familiar with his work, but he’s got a great tone — especially when supported by the stately strings that glide under his voice. Overall, Love Hangover works better than it has any right to. This Jennie solo album may be something special, after all!
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
not fond of dominic fike and the teaser for this song didnt really resonate with me, but damn was i proven wrong. it’s laid back but never static nor lifeless. it’s dynamic, interesting, and soulful. i think this is a great switch for jennie’s sound. and it’s growing on me the more i listen to it too!! i can now say im actually very excited for her upcoming album!
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i agree the teaser didn’t really hook me and actually lowered my expectations lmao. But love hangover is so good
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jennie ate so hard in her releases that im starving but it’s okay because she also served and gave us everything so it’s like a mutualism or commenalism or whateva
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what i meant to say is i like her new stuff and am lowkey excited for the album
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Am i the only one
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am i the only one who really likes the opening? Despite it being in a variety of popular songs, its really catch, showcases jennies vocals, and works really well as a hook to the whole song. It gives variety and appeals to some younger listeners.
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its really an upgrade from whatever the fuck mantra was (i get it yall like the meaning and empowerment or whatever but the song in general sucks). Love hangover is the first collab released in the album so we can guess that the later collabs will only get better.
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Writing in defense of Mantra. I don’t care about the meaning or empowerment. But it’s funny and fast, quirky and hook-filled. Not for everyone, sure, but big dumb fun for me.
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the music video is right on par with big names like sabrina carpenter
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Ooh, I like this one. It’s a little weird, but I also like its old-fashioned style mixed with modern elements.
Rating’s the same.
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this is so boring m…
7/10 (7, 7, 7, 7) for me
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Hilarious music video! I didn’t expect such a 90 degree tonal shift from Mantra and Zen (my favorite song of ’25 so far). Speaking of, it’s so annoying that Zen’s not on spotify, yet the others are.
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At first I thought it was bad acting, but then I caught on and really liked it. I find the choking part a little underwhelming in comparison to the other segments, but it was a great video
I too am disappointed that Zen isn’t on Spotify
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I can see I’m going to have to do a remix for this one too. I really want it to end with the chorus sung a-capella.
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best
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It has some interesting moments, but is it compelling? Also, another one that is 2:30 long. Rating is about right.
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do I’ve to say something? Some vague songs require vague words to sum up what they are: boring music
seriously speaking I hate music with the atmosphere of slow R&B or midtempo in both Western and Eastern pop, I think that’s why I stay away from some Red Velvet tracks, especially from the Chill Kill or Ice Cream Cake albums
let me temper my criticism by admitting that it was unreasonable to expect a song featuring Dominic Fike to be surprisingly exceptional. His attempt to evoke the atmosphere of older compositions results in a mistaken and unconventional approach. As for Jennie, as always, she plays her role within the limits imposed, but moves away from what could bring her closer to the essence of a true K-pop idol
7 (7, 7, 7, 7)
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This is just dull ass music.
BP girls seem incapable of producing anything but.
I guess that’s to be expected when you’re at the mercy of whatever’s trending.
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I think Jennie and lisa haven’t been nearly as trendy as rosé
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We get it, you hate BP.
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I wonder how many surprise pre releases we’re going to get before Jennie drops the full album… I’m personally holding out for her song with Doechii. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised with all of Jennie’s output so far. I had a fear in the back of my mind that every song she released would sound like Mantra, and I’ve been very glad to be proven wrong. Don’t get me wrong, I like Mantra. It’s fun and I’ve definitely been working on learning the dance so I can do it in my room when nobody’s watching. But I’m glad Jennie is doing a lot more. Between Zen and now this, it’s cool to see her jumping between a lot of different styles.
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Listening again tonight, and to be honest, this one reminds me a lot of Kali Uchis’ style – the big fat funky bass, the laidback stoner grooves, the echo on her vocals. Still wish it was longer.
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The official song is longer.
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I think the opening verse is far from lackluster. Jennie opening with falsetto and the “who sent ya” hook reeled me in. I’m a fan of the chorus for the same reasons why you like it, but I’m just a little bit less high on how I feel about it. I just wish they pushed the outro even further
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