Jisoo has never been one to rush things. As the last member of BLACKPINK to embark on a solo career, she arrives at this pivotal moment on her own terms with ‘Amortage,’
by Abhilasha Bhattarai | February 17th, 2025
Jisoo has never been one to rush things. As the last member of BLACKPINK to embark on a solo career, she arrives at this pivotal moment on her own terms with ‘Amortage,’ a mini-album that doesn’t loudly declare reinvention but instead masterfully refines what she already does best. Unlike her bandmates Lisa, Jennie, and Rosé—who have each leaned into bold transformations and high-profile Western collaborations in their solo ventures—Jisoo takes a more understated approach. She carves out her own lane by leaning into her ear for melody and showcasing a subtler kind of artistry.
The title ‘Amortage’ cleverly blends the words “amor” (love) and “montage,” hinting at a love story told in fleeting snapshots—a classic K-pop play on words that immediately sets the tone for the project. True to its name, the mini-album takes listeners on a journey through the emotional highs and lows of a relationship, weaving through moments of passion, longing, and heartbreak. From the electrifying spark of first love to the slow, inevitable unraveling when the fantasy begins to fade, each song captures a different facet of romance with an effortless charm. Jisoo’s ability to encapsulate these emotions in her music is refreshing; she creates songs that feel as playful and vibrant as her personality, yet imbued with a quiet depth that makes them resonate even more.
Throughout ‘Amortage,’ Jisoo experiments with rhythm and texture, crafting sounds that are as dynamic as they are catchy. This playful exploration is especially evident in the lead single ‘Earthquake,’ which builds upon the magnetic syncopation of her debut track ‘Flower.’ Finger-snaps and all, ‘Earthquake’ delivers a fuller, more layered production courtesy of her label Blissoo and the producer duo The Wavys, who are credited on all four songs of the mini-album. While ‘Flower’ is airy and restrained, ‘Earthquake’ gives Jisoo’s voice room to expand and flourish, allowing her to command the track with a newfound confidence. The richer soundscape enhances her vocal delivery, trading raw power for warmth and texture, letting her voice feel more expressive and assured than ever before.
Jisoo also explores new emotional depths in ‘Your Love,’ a heartfelt pop ballad sung entirely in English. This track stands out as a tender moment on the album, showcasing her vocal range and vulnerability in a way that feels both intimate and sincere. Meanwhile, ‘Hugs & Kisses’ injects a burst of playful energy, pairing clever wordplay with infectious synths that make it impossible not to move along to the beat. In this track, Jisoo cheekily navigates the familiar tale of falling for a heartbreaker, effortlessly brushing him off with the sharp retort, “miss me with that XO.” The song’s lightheartedness doesn’t take away from its impact—it only adds to Jisoo’s effortless charm, proving she can deliver both playful and poignant moments with equal finesse.
The album takes an unexpectedly bold turn with ‘Tears,’ a chill, bass-heavy bop that flips the breakup narrative. Instead of wallowing in sadness, Jisoo turns the tables, making it clear that she’s not the one crying over lost love. In one of the album’s most satisfying moments, she even calls her ex a loser, asserting herself with unapologetic confidence. It’s a standout track that showcases Jisoo’s ability to balance emotional storytelling with an undeniable sense of self-assurance.
There’s an irreverent charm to Jisoo’s music, a breezy self-assurance that recalls the sun-soaked, effortless pop of Katy Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream’ era. It’s catchy and fun without ever feeling forced, proving that pop can be both lighthearted and impactful at the same time. What makes ‘Amortage’ even more special is Jisoo’s involvement in the creative process. As a co-writer on every song, she shapes the album with an authentic, unpretentious pop sensibility. She doesn’t attempt to reinvent herself as a Main Pop Girl with this project, nor does she chase trends to fit into a predetermined mold. Instead, she fine-tunes her own style, subtly evolving her artistry without overhauling her identity.
Jisoo has always carried an enigmatic aura—a sense that she keeps a part of herself just out of reach. On ‘Amortage,’ she steps forward confidently but never too close, maintaining that air of mystery that makes her all the more intriguing. She fully embraces the timeless joys of pop music—melody, emotion, and a touch of mischief—with a quiet confidence that feels genuine and unforced. ‘Amortage’ doesn’t aim to be revolutionary, and it doesn’t need to be. By leaning into her strengths and staying true to herself, Jisoo proves that evolution in music doesn’t always require dramatic change. Sometimes, it’s the quiet, nuanced shifts that leave the most lasting impact, and in this case, Jisoo’s steady refinement of her artistry makes ‘Amortage’ a triumph in its own right.
