8 thoughts I had while listening to Lisa’s genre-defying album, ‘Alter Ego’

Almost a decade after debuting as a quarter of one of the biggest K-pop groups of all time Blackpink, global superstar Lisa’s debut full-length album is finally here. As the members have been focusing on their solo ventures this past year, it’s been rather refreshing and insightful to see their different artistic visions, which unsurprisingly diverge quite a bit from the projects they had put out as a group.

With her recent acting debut in season three of The White Lotus and a myriad of commitments—attending fashion shows, launching her own company, performances at the Victoria Secret fashion show and a sold-out fan meet tour—it seems nearly unfathomable that Lisa still managed to put out a full-length album. But I guess this is why not everyone has what it takes to be a global superstar.

Aptly titled Alter Ego, the album reflects the artist’s vision in being a musical chameleon. It showcases her confidence and swagger that makes up who she is today, but also her versatility and ambition in experimenting with her artistry. Her five alter egos—Vixi, Speedi, Kiki, Sunni, and Roxi—each represent a facet of her diverse album and personality. Partnering with strong female voices like Rosalía, Doja Cat, Tyla, and Megan Thee Stallion, Alter Ego embodies empowerment and versatility, a flashy debut that will leave fans wanting more.

Here are the thoughts I had whilst listening to Lisa’s Alter Ego.

1. Lisa has truly shaken the label of K-pop. While Blackpink has garnered immense success under the genre of K-pop, it seems like many of its members are stepping out from under the umbrella term. Born in Thailand, the megastar already seemed the furthest removed from the label of K-pop, and this all-English album only consolidates her step into the mainstream music industry.
2. Alter Ego puts Lisa’s hard-earned and well-deserved fame and fortune in the spotlight. In her upbeat collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion ‘Rapunzel,’ the chorus is anything but humble: “When I walk by, I hear them say, that’s money.” In the braggadocio ‘Lifestyle,’ the global Bvlgari ambassador flaunts unabashedly, “Fast cars, drop tops and tank tops / Diamonds on my tick-tock / That’s just my lifestyle.” But it isn’t the possessions she’s necessarily highlighting as she follows up in the next verse “She make millions / I did that on my own.” While the public may see her lavish lifestyle and be quick to judge, Lisa is simply telling them that behind the glitz and glamour is years of hard work people don’t see.
3. Actor Lisa is in full bloom. With the drop of her album, the artist also released a music video of her next single ‘FUTW.’ Lisa plays a maniacal Harley Quinn-esque character, as we’re first introduced to her locked up in a prison cell laughing uncontrollably. From the stunning cinematography, visual effects, and engrossing storyline, to her personal style and dance moves, the music video is nothing short of a feast for the eyes. It even features her five alter egos in comic form, perhaps hinting at her latest business venture Lalisa Comics. P.S. Lisa with a bright red mini mullet styled in an all-leather fit? Something I did not know I wanted but absolutely needed.
4. Lisa hits back at haters with full force. Aside from her flaunting her swagger, the performer also references haters who have expressed distaste or disappointment for her changing over the years. As if people don’t evolve over time. She puts it simply, “They want the old LISA, then listen to my old sh*t.”
5. Rapping in your third language must be challenging, but Lisa sure makes it look easy. As fans rejoice with the amount of rapper Lisa they are blessed with on this project, the musician also makes it a point to challenge herself, as we see her experimenting with various styles of rap. And when sharing the track with big names like Future and Megan Thee Stallion, she is indeed able to hold her own.
6. A major switch-up from her previous upbeat tracks, the unofficial closer Dream unveils a more personal and vulnerable side of Lisa that we rarely get to see. In this melodic number, the artist explores a lost connection from her past. I may be biased as a ballad-girl, but this rare gem in her album certainly adds more depth to a rather experimental project. And while Lisa may prefer rap over singing, she continues to prove her vocal abilities to those who have ever doubted her.
7. Lisa is a businesswoman. As she tacks on two solo versions of her tracks with featured artists to the end of her track list, the singer-cum-CEO knows what the fans want—more Lisa. Her idea of dubbing this album Alter Ego and marketing it as a reflection of her multi-faceted artistry is also quite genius when putting forth a project as sonically diverse as this. Some may say that the album is incoherent, but Lisa is outright telling the world that one genre cannot contain her artistic vision.
8. Known for her exceptional dancing abilities and energy on stage, it’s no doubt that fans will be looking forward to the performances of these new songs. As Lisa looks to Coachella as her upcoming stage, I can’t wait to see how the choreography, outfits, and set design will bring each and every one of these tracks to life.

Listen to Alter Ego here.