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+
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