Jennie’s “Love Hangover” Featuring Dominic Fike: A Playful Take on On-and-Off Love
by Abhilasha Bhattarai | February 13th, 2025
Jennie has once again captivated fans with her latest single, “Love Hangover,” featuring Dominic Fike. Released on January 31st, the track is the third single from her highly anticipated solo album, Ruby, set to drop on March 6th. As with her previous hits, expectations were high, and “Love Hangover” certainly delivered—blending catchy melodies, clever storytelling, and a unique visual narrative.
From the moment you press play, “Love Hangover” takes you on a wild ride, starting with an unexpectedly comedic music video that sets the tone for the song’s playful yet poignant themes. The video stars Jennie and Charles Melton (best known for his role in Riverdale), and while it starts with a funeral scene, the video quickly evolves into a dark comedy. Melton stands at the front of a church, delivering a heartfelt eulogy for Jennie, who he claims tragically passed away. What follows, however, isn’t a somber depiction of loss. Instead, the video takes us through a series of absurd, over-the-top flashbacks to their relationship, where Jennie keeps dying in bizarre ways.
One of the first memories shows the couple at a drive-in movie theater, where a giant monster bursts out of the screen and devours a cartoon version of Jennie. Another flashback features them at a fancy dinner, where Jennie chokes on an olive from her wine glass. Then there’s a bowling alley mishap, where Jennie slips on the lane and gets shot down like a bowling ball. The final memory brings us to a carnival, where Jennie holds a balloon and floats into the sky, only to be struck by lightning and fall back down—straight into the coffin from the opening scene.
The continuous loop of Jennie’s outlandish “deaths” is a clever commentary on the cyclical nature of on-and-off relationships, where even though the couple keeps breaking up and getting back together, they’re bound to face the same inevitable outcomes. Throughout the video, Melton desperately tries to save Jennie, even performing the Heimlich maneuver and shouting “Jennie!” in vain, as if the emotional exhaustion of trying to break free from a toxic relationship is represented by his futile attempts to stop her from “dying” each time.
The humor in the video is unmistakable, making it feel less like a typical love song and more like a whimsical take on the complexities of love. The video reminded me of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” and Jungkook’s “Seven.” Carpenter’s “Taste” also explores the lingering effects of an ex-lover. At the same time, “Seven” features a similar setup, starting with a fancy dinner before taking a more dramatic turn with a funeral scene. Both share a comedic edge and an exaggerated portrayal of relationships, which makes “Love Hangover” feel fresh and relatable, even as it explores deeper emotional themes.
Musically, “Love Hangover” is a catchy, energetic track that resonates with anyone familiar with the push-and-pull nature of a tumultuous romance. The song is about a relationship where both people know it’s unhealthy, yet they return to each other despite knowing the cycle will repeat. The title “Love Hangover” reflects this feeling of emotional exhaustion, comparing the aftermath of a passionate yet destructive relationship to the physical discomfort of a hangover. The song’s infectious beat and Jennie’s breathy, airy delivery give it an ethereal quality, adding to the sense of vulnerability beneath the upbeat melody.
Dominic Fike’s appearance on the track adds an extra layer of depth. He joins Jennie midway through the song, rapping his verse that echoes the sentiment of not wanting to return to a lover but finding himself inevitably drawn back in. Fike’s smooth, laid-back delivery pairs well with Jennie’s more emotive vocal style, creating a harmonious contrast that makes their duet feel natural. Together, they paint a picture of two people trapped in a cycle of conflicted emotions, unable to break free even though they know they should.
One of the most memorable lyrics in the song is the chorus:
“We say it’s over // but I keep messing with your head // And every time I do I end up with this love hangover.”
This line perfectly sums up the song’s central theme: knowing that a relationship is toxic but feeling an irresistible pull to return to it anyway. Many listeners can relate to this feeling, making the song catchy and emotionally resonant. The juxtaposition of upbeat instrumentals with lyrics that explore the pain of love’s cycle adds depth to the music, making it more than just a catchy pop tune.
The inspiration behind the song also adds an absorbing layer to the track. According to Jennie, “Love Hangover” was inspired by Diana Ross’s classic song of the same name, which similarly touches on love's emotional highs and lows. While Ross’s version leans into the soul and disco genres, Jennie’s take is much more modern, fusing pop and rap to create something fresh and familiar. The song bridges the gap between nostalgia and modernity, offering something for listeners of all generations.
Overall, “Love Hangover” is a well-crafted exploration of love, heartbreak, and everything. With its playful, comedic music video and emotionally charged lyrics, it’s clear that Jennie is continuing to push boundaries as a solo artist. Whether you’re drawn to the song’s catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, or memorable visual experience, “Love Hangover” proves that Jennie’s solo career is one to watch. As we eagerly await the release of Ruby on March 6th, “Love Hangover” offers a glimpse of what’s to come—proving once again that Jennie is a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.
