A BLACKPINK comeback still feels like a big event in K-pop. Not only do they release music infrequently, but that music tends to have a uniquely global appeal that makes it a hit all around the world. Despite some initial hesitations, I warmed to last year’s Jump quite a bit and it became one of my most-played K-pop tracks of last summer. The group attempts to replicate that dancefloor energy with new title track GO, even pairing with prolific DJ/producer David Guetta for the first time since 2020’s Lovesick Girls.
Guetta releases so much music that it’s bound to be hit-or-miss, and sometimes that uneven nature occurs within a single song. Such is the case with GO, which offers thrilling moments of build only to sacrifice that potential with a lumbering, repetitive drop. The first time through, GO‘s opening verse immediately grabbed my attention. Synth strings deliver plenty of anticipation, as if the song will blossom into a truly euphoric moment. Instead, GO makes a sharp turn into its central drop. I wouldn’t mind this moment if used sparingly and strategically. At least the instrumental has a fullness and rugged texture that captures the ear. But without a vocal melody placed over the top (shouting “BLACKPINK’ll make you… GO!” doesn’t count), this instrumental shift loses novelty each time it comes around. A song like this really needs to raise the stakes and keep raising them as it moves toward its finale.
The rest of GO divides itself into various iterations of past BLACKPINK group and solo tracks. Verse two borrows the skeletal hip-hop that characterized some of their most popular hits while the addition of acoustic guitar during the bridge feels like something off a solo Rosé album. At best, GO could be considered a musical retrospective of sorts, but without bringing anything new to the recipe it ultimately spins its wheels. There’s just not enough meat on these bones to forge a discography highlight.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Grade: C+
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Yeah, this is fine, the beat’s cunty but without a good hook…
8 (7, 9, 8, 8) for me
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It is fine but just disappointing.
Scratch that. It was expected, not disappointing
Still, I am just tired of this group, and I really really want to like them again.
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it’s one good hook away from becoming a really great song…
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BLACKPINK is just an iconic group, and I’m happy they’re releasing something 10 years into their career (even when their discography has been scarce and inconsistent). I respect what they mean for KPop and just how they’ve been an opening door for a lot of Gen Z and Gen Alpha KPop fans.
As per the actual song, I really, really liked it. The production value is gigantic here. After 10 years, I’m used to BLACKPINK not having actual choruses in their songs. But GO actually makes up for it with a very high-quality beatdrop. It sounds pretty expensive and also different for them. A lot of their previous drop or anti-choruses sounded empty and kind of dull. This one is actually alive, and it’s very hard-hitting.
I’ve never been super excited about their singles, I always found them a bit inconsistent (especially after Du-du-du). But I think this song is 100% a discography highlight and it’s what I think all their catalog should sound like: very expensive, high quality EDM-infused tracks with hard-hitting production choices.
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I like it. great verses and bridge, the beat drop chorus is worn out at this point but I don’t mind it as much here.
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I just think Teddy’s sample pack was the problem 💀
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Again I have to confess I value the whole music video sensory experience more than many when judging a “song”, and o boy does this offer world class production, but after listening a few times I have to force myself to accept that the actual song in itself is missing something, because I find my enjoyment of it somehow “lagging” the visual experience.
My conclusion when listening to how it is constructed, from the ending with presumably fans chanting their name to how the bridges and refrains are constructed, they are more and more aiming for the arena rock experience. I can already see how great this will be in front a great outdoors audience. Last years Jump does nothing but reinforce this impression, they are just releasing these singles just often enough to be able to be call themselves an active group.
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By the way, what is it with all these sport references? Early claim to being the unofficial olympic anthem of 2026?
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