Album Review: Ruby by JENNIE

From building her team in Los Angeles to embracing Ruby Jane's fearless alter ego, all of this culminates in a body of work that is boldly authentic to who JENNIE is.

Courtesy of OA Entertainment/Columbia Records.

After BLACKPINK’s Born Pink world tour concluded in late 2023, JENNIE set out on an independent path. She founded her own label (Odd Atelier) and headed to Los Angeles at the start of 2024 to begin crafting Ruby. There, she recorded nearly the entire album in L.A., spending months building a new creative network from scratch—meeting fresh producers and writers until she “came across a good group of people” that resonated with her sonically and as friends​. Stepping away from her familiar K-pop production environment forced JENNIE to push beyond her comfort zone. She later revealed that “so many different emotions have been put into this album,” with every step involving “experimenting and going out of that comfort zone… trying something new and fun and being crazy and bold and vulnerable.”​ This adventurous process was crucial for Jennie to discover her sound, eventually yielding the album’s feminist undercurrent theme, offering anthems encouraging young women to be confident and “stick up for who you are.”

A significant source of inspiration for Ruby was JENNIE’s own alter ego and childhood imagination. The album’s title comes from “Ruby Jane,” an alter ego JENNIE created as a child during her years studying in New Zealand​. Growing up abroad, she felt inspired to adopt a cool middle name like her Kiwi friends, and Ruby Jane became a persona symbolizing confidence and creativity​. With this project, Jennie set out to unite her onstage self with that persona, stating that her goal was to complete herself on the record as “Jennie Ruby Jane, for that to be a whole person.” This personal vision directly shapes the album’s empowering tone. JENNIE imbued Ruby with a clear message aimed at young women—she wants listeners to feel inspired “to understand and stick up for who you are.” In other words, the creative impetus behind Ruby was as much about self-expression and authenticity as it was about musical experimentation. JENNIE drew on her alter ego’s fearless spirit to fuel the album’s creation.

This album spans many genres and styles, far beyond the bounds of a typical K-pop release. Jennie effortlessly switches between rap, vocals, and even spoken-word elements, resulting in songs that blend pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic influences​. Some work, and some don’t, which can lack cohesiveness. On the track “Damn Right,” Mike WiLL Made-It gives her space for moodiness, Kali Uchis comes with her usual charisma, and Childish Gambino delivers his soulful flair and charismatic rap verse, which infuse the album with a touch of funk and alternative hip-hop. Mike also created the last three songs, which are completely different styles: the R&B-laced “Seoul City,” the EDM-trap driven “Starlight,” and the acoustic guitar production of “Twin.”

Another key track illustrating the album’s style is “ExtraL.” This high-energy song sees JENNIE teaming up with rapper Doechii for a fierce hip-hop collaboration. Riding on a slick, bass-heavy beat produced by veteran producer Dem Jointz, the song lets both artists trade braggadocious verses and showcase their rap adroitness. “Filter” and “With the IE (Way Up)” delivers messages of confidence and self-love, aligning with her intent to empower her audience. One of the standout examples of Ruby’s musical direction is the lead single “Mantra.” The song’s bold attitude, alongside “Like JENNIE,” and catchy hook set the tone for Ruby, signaling that this album is about embracing confidence and individuality in a fresh new way for JENNIE.

Pop superstar Dua Lipa lends her voice to the track “Handlebars,” adding a dose of slick, slow-burning groove glamour to Ruby, but unfortunately, the chemistry was lacking. French multi-instrumentalist FKJ is featured on the opening track “Intro: JANE,” immediately setting an artful, atmospheric tone for the album. Renowned for his live-looping musicianship and blending of jazz, R&B, and electronic elements, FKJ brings a mellow instrumental richness to Ruby’s introduction. Dominic Fike joins Jennie on the duet “Love Hangover,” a track that dives into the dizzying feeling of an on-and-off romance. Fike’s laid-back, genre-bending style (mixing pop, rock, and hip-hop) makes “Love Hangover” a hazy, synthy pop song with psychedelic touches. Other tracks like “Start a War” sound like a SZA cutting room track, “Zen” has a dynamic production that reminds others of Anti Rihanna, and “F.T.S.” is pretty self explanatory.

Ruby represents JENNIE’s evolution from K-pop idol to multifaceted solo artist. The album’s creation pushed her into new creative territories, from building her team in Los Angeles to embracing the fearless alter ego of Ruby Jane. This resulted in a body of work that is boldly authentic to who she is​, even if certain tracks don’t hit the mark. She stretches beyond the BLACKPINK sound, exploring diverse genres and vocal styles while delivering empowering themes that reflect her artistry. Once she refines her independence, creativity, and confidence by representing how far she has come and heralding a new era in her career, she will stand within her identity as Jennie Ruby Jane, ready to shine on her terms.

Solid (★★★½☆)

Favorite Track(s): “ExtraL,” “Mantra,” “Damn Right”