BLACKPINK Ask “How You Like That” in Pre-Release Comeback Single
In BLACKPINK fashion, the YG Entertainment girl group made a hugely anticipated return to the K-Pop stage with their first Korean single of the year, “How You Like That,” on June 26. The single precedes a second pre-release single coming between July and August and the full album drop in September.
It is apparent how much power the girls have at their fingertips. In the few days after the music video’s release, “How You Like That” has already broken several records: a record 1.65 million people watching the video’s premiere to crossing over 100 million views in just over a single day.
The music video embodies the dramatic grandeur of a BLACKPINK comeback. From the immaculately detailed, high-production sets to the jewels adorning each of the girls’ pristine outfits, it’s difficult to expect anything less from K-Pop’s arguably biggest girl group. Even the bellowing horns introducing the track demand respect and authority—reminiscent of their previous single, “Kill This Love.”
“How You Like That” is energy-boosting, packed full of adrenaline that pushes one to get out of their current rock bottom situation to blast past the haters. The menacing electronic motif combines the pulsing beats previously associated with BLACKPINK’s discography with an almost Middle Eastern influence. Rose’s and Jisoo’s vocal tone bring a silkier complement to the gritty beats while Jennie and Lisa tackle the rap sections and elevate the chorus to the chantable mantra. The song then kicks into overdrive for the doubled tempo of the ending fifth.
It’s hard to deny the similarity in the song’s structure when compared to the group’s most recent comebacks, “Kill This Love” and “DDU-DU DDU-DU.” The question is: Is the similarity meant to strengthen BLACKPINK’s musical image or would it have been more interesting for them to try something a little more different? “How You Like That” checks off the basic elements of a BLACKPINK comeback: heavy electronic bass and beats, decent raps overall, stunning visuals, and a chorus that will inevitably get stuck in your head. However, it didn’t personally feel that the girls went out of their comfort zone with this pre-release single. Lisa has had raps with better lines and the dance lacks a standout moment, especially during the breakdown at the end when the lyrics are reduced to “yeahs” and “doon doons,” allowing for the choreography to become the main element of the performance.
Despite my overall indifference with the song itself—which will probably grow on me as I hear it constantly over the next couple of weeks—I’m still hungry in anticipation for what is coming next, considering the grand scale YG actually went through just for their pre-release single. It only makes me hope the overall album is the epic conclusion to this three-part comeback.