Jennie's ‘Ruby' named one of 2025's best albums by Rolling Stone, Complex
Only K-pop act to make both top lists, Jennie earns global praise for solo debut
Jennie's first solo LP 'Ruby' has been recognized as one of the best albums of 2025 by Rolling Stone and Complex, marking her as the only K-pop artist featured on both lists.
Rolling Stone released its 'Best Albums of 2025 So Far' list, Thursday, spotlighting Ruby for its creative reinterpretation of pop and R&B.
'The latest in this year's series of solo projects from Blackpink's four members, the quick-moving 'Ruby' leans heavily into the idea that dominated R&B-leaning pop in the '00s and '10s, sometimes updating them in intriguing fashion,' Rolling Stone wrote. 'If there's any artist whose specter hands over the album, it's Rihanna.'
Other notable names on the list of 40 selected albums include Bad Bunny's 'Debi Tirar Mas Fotos,' Lady Gaga's 'Mayhem' and Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco's 'I Said I Love You First.'
Complex also included Ruby in its best-of list, calling it 'a new chapter' in Jennie's career.
'Ruby puts Jennie's range of sound on full display,' the outlet wrote. 'Tracks like 'Like Jennie' are catchy pop perfection, showcasing the artist's verified performance abilities, while ballads like 'Twin' display a softer, more vulnerable side and prove her vocal capabilities.'
Ruby consists of 15 tracks across various genres and was produced by Jennie herself. The project reflects her musical identity and signals her expanded potential as a solo artist.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
Hyunjin of Stray Kids collaborates with d4vd
Emotional collaboration blends d4vd's signature sound with Hyunjin's soft vocals Hyunjin of Stray Kids has teamed up with American singer-songwriter d4vd for a new single. The new track 'Always Love (featuring Hyunjin of Stray Kids),' was officially released at midnight on Friday. Even before the collaboration was confirmed, the two artists had been exchanging support via social media, heightening fans' anticipation for a potential team-up. "Always Love" is a heartfelt track that captures the emotions of affirming love for someone special. d4vd's signature dreamy soundscapes are layered with Hyunjin's gentle, emotive vocals, creating a poignant listening experience. Hyunjin's group Stray Kids continues to solidify its presence as a one of the top global acts. Most recently, the group took home the 'Favorite Music Group' award at the 2025 Kids' Choice Awards held in Los Angeles on Saturday — the second time a K-pop artist has won at the awards ceremony. The group is currently in the midst of a world tour, with stops across North America and Europe. Meanwhile, d4vd has also been expanding his global reach. After releasing his studio album "Withered" in April, he visited Korea in May and appeared on the music show "M Countdown," a rare move for an international artist. He also held a busking performance at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul, drawing over 2,000 fans and showing his desire to connect with Korean audiences.
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
G Dragon, Jennie make NME's top albums of year so far
British music publication NME published list of 'The best albums of 2025 … so far!' on Thursday in the UK which included two albums of K-pop artists: G Dragon and Jennie. G Dragon's 'Ubermensch' is a 'commanding, compelling comeback' that 'proves the K-pop star's still got it,' wrote the magazine which previously commented that it 'is firmly on par with G Dragon's best work and yet more proof of his unwavering greatness.' The album is his third solo LP that marked his solo comeback after eight years away. Jennie's first solo LP 'Ruby' was touted as 'a showcase of bold creative vision that goes beyond being Blackpink's 'It Girl.'' Upon the release of the album, it wrote, 'After years of being scrutinized, Jennie flips the lens back onto herself and seizes control of her own mythos with staggering clarity.'
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
Think your Korean handwriting is good? Give Kyobo's contest a shot
11th Handwriting Contest for Foreign Nationals open through Aug. 17 Kyobo Book Center is inviting Korea's international community to put their Korean handwriting to the test. The 11th Handwriting Contest for Foreign Nationals is now open, offering participants a chance to showcase their Korean handwriting skills and celebrate the charm of the language — one beautifully written sentence at a time. The contest encourages participants to write out either a favorite line from a Korean book or lyrics from their favorite K-pop song. Submissions must be received by Aug. 17. The contest is open to all foreign nationals residing in Korea. Application forms are available at any Kyobo Book Center location. Participants may also download the form from the official website, then upload a photo of their handwritten entry, or submit it by post or email. Winners will be announced on Sept. 3, with an awards ceremony scheduled for Oct. 17. One grand prize winner will receive a Kyobo gift certificate worth 1 million won ($738), and three second-place winners will each receive gift certificates worth 200,000 won. 'Handwriting is a way of conveying the heart beyond language,' a Kyobo official said. 'We hope this contest offers foreign participants a meaningful way to experience Korean culture up close and to rediscover the value of handwriting.'
