The K-Pop star from Blackpink, Thai sensation Lalisa Manobal, better known simply as Lisa, is making waves with the release of her debut solo album, titled “Alter Ego”.
Lisa, undoubtedly one of the most globally recognized artists today, delivers a collection of songs that come together as a delightful experience.
It’s clear that the vocalist poured her heart into this project alongside her team of songwriters, producers, and a few guest artists, crafting the 13 tracks that make up Alter Ego, a detailed album bursting with energy and a hefty dose of musical variety.
In fact, this variety ties directly into the album’s title, Alter Ego, which is built around the concept of letting Lisa explore different musical identities, or alter egos. Each one has its own name and genre, with the album featuring songs that match each of the five alter-egos:
- Roxi: Described as a performer who shines on stage, with a synth-bass-heavy pop style and a rockstar aesthetic. She’s tied to the track “Rockstar”.
- Kiki: A Y2CUTE thrill-seeker with pink hair and shiny accessories, exuding confidence and a Y2K vibe. She’s linked to “New Woman”.
- Sunni: Lovestruck and dreamy, with a light, sun-soaked energy, she corresponds to “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)”, possibly hinting at a past romance.
- Speedi: An adrenaline junkie with red hair and a fast-paced, futuristic life, she’s connected to “Lifestyle”.
- Vixi: The villain of the bunch, carefree and reckless with a dark edge, she’s paired with “FXCK UP THE WORLD”, a raw rap cut.
These alter egos even double as promotional tools, popping up on alternate album covers and starring in a comic strip tied to the release.
Diving back into the music, grasping the alter ego concept helps make sense of the album’s diverse soundscape, ranging from disco influences to electronic beats, sometimes dipping into sweet, “girly” pop, R&B, and even a few tracks with a distorted edge and tons of attitude, all while keeping Lisa’s K-Pop roots in sight.
Some of my favorite tracks from the album:
- “Rockstar”, the first single dropped, hooked me instantly with its sharp, slightly eerie sound.
- “New Woman”, another pre-release single, is hands-down one of the standout tracks. It features Spanish singer Rosalía, who trades verses in Spanish with Lisa, who sings in English here and throughout the album.
- “Thunder”, with its more traditional EDM vibe, is, in my personal opinion, one of the album’s peak moments—a track that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Steve Aoki record.
To many it’s pretty obvious that Lisa has something truly special. It’s no surprise she’s Blackpink’s most popular member and one of Instagram’s most-followed artists. From the personality and attitude she radiates, her expressions and stage presence, to her phenomenal voice, Lisa feels almost otherworldly.
For those who can never get enough of Lisa, this album, along with all its promotional goodies, will bring immense satisfaction. Every song is impeccably produced, and Lisa delivers each one with focus and commitment. Her voice shines through everywhere. While the musical diversity between tracks might feel a tad disjointed at times, creating the perception that the album might lack cohesion, it’s also a strength that keeps the album flowing in an entertaining way.
