BLACKPINK’s Jennie seems intent on promoting as many singles from her debut album as possible, and given how long YG Entertainment kept her music locked in the dungeon I don’t blame her one bit. With talent as notable as Dua Lipa on the track Handlebars, it makes sense to give the song a music video. After all, this is a long-gestating fulfillment after BLACKPINK featured on one of Dua’s tracks way back in 2018.
Given this pairing, I was expecting a much more uptempo song. For me, Dua Lipa is at her best when occupying the dancefloor and Jennie is most potent with material that draws upon her charisma. Handlebars is oddly mid-tempo, like a disco comedown after the party has ended. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but squanders the potential of both artists. Handlebars seeks to portray a soulful warmth through its bass-heavy instrumental and smoldering melodies. This requires a certain style of vocal. Both Jennie and Dua have instantly identifiable tones and that goes a long way toward covering Handlebars‘ flaws, but even with this added personality I’m not quite sold on the song.
When it comes down to it, Handlebars simply sounds like a pleasant b-side — connective tissue between bigger moments on the album. It works in this context, managing expectations to the point where its lilting chorus becomes a dynamic sing-along. But compared with the other high-profile duets on Ruby, the producers could have given this a weightier arrangement.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
nice b-side, very pleasant but as you said i was expecting more from this duo. straight 8 for me.
btw have you already heard all yeji’s bsides? should we expect a buried treasure or a feature on prominent bsides of the week?
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oh forgot to also ask about buried treasures for seulgi’s album
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The production needs way more bite into it. It sounds oddly subdued and almost verges into being plodding. But apart from it, it’s a decent, serviceable track.
Rating’s the same.
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And btw, XG released “Is This Love?”’s music video today, do you plan to review it?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHTI0SXGVS0
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Having listened to Ruby, I was surprised to see Jennie would release this as a single. If I had to pick a “slower” track to be chosen as single I would’ve gone for the RnB one “Damn Right” or the sentimental “Twin.” Anyway, I’m not complaning about this choice because, to me, this is one of the strongest tracks in “Ruby.”
I know when K-pop members go into solo territory, especially if they want to crossover to the West, songwriting isn’t their strongest suit, but I was super surprised with the songwriting on the album, and this song in particular is a highlight in that department.
I can understand why you would say that a Jennie and Dua collab would potentially see both of them doing a dance-pop track, and I agree. The thing is, we didn’t really get much of that on the album. Looking through the “poppiest” tracks I’m guessing “Mantra” and “Starlight” could’ve had Dua Lipa feature on them, but since “Ruby” isn’t the most dance-pop-oriented album, I’m happy with them getting together for this song.
Solid 9 to me.
Also, I forgot to tell you in the XG post lol, but have you ever listened to this Japanese girl group, f5ve? They’re dropping an album this year and their latest tracks have been produced by A.G Cook and Bloodpop. “UFO” and “Magic Clock” are their most recent singles, if you ever want to check them out.
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It’s actually rumored that Damn Right would be the next single! I can’t wait for that too. Also, Nick has covered Magic Clock on his J-pop rundown post yesterday, and made it one of his songs of the week!
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Thanks! I’ll check that out now
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