Lisa’s Alter Ego; Power, Prestige, and Personality
Lisa has always been a force—sharp, sinuous, and utterly magnetic on stage. With ALTER EGO, her long-awaited solo debut, she doubles down on that image, crafting a 15-track spectacle packed with high-energy beats, bold collaborations, and a meticulously curated multi-persona concept. Across the record, Lisa introduces five alter egos—Roxi, Sunni, Kiki, Speedi, and Vixi—each tied to specific songs and aesthetics, extending into visuals, covers, and even a comic book tie-in. It’s a flashy, high-concept rollout, but in the process of playing dress-up, Lisa the artist sometimes gets lost.
The album kicks off with "Born Again", a sultry disco-infused collaboration with RAYE and Doja Cat that pulses with a late-night groove, setting a confident, magnetic tone. Lisa’s vocals glide across the track, making it a striking introduction. From there, she dives into "Rockstar", an absolute highlight of the album, where an addictive bassline and an innovative sample of Tame Impala’s New Person, Same Old Mistakes create an electrifying, genre-blending moment. Lisa exudes effortless cool here, and it’s one of her most infectious performances.
Lisa’s signature sound shines through on "Thunder", a track that feels like a quintessential BLACKPINK banger, while "Rapunzel" featuring Megan Thee Stallion promises a fierce, high-energy moment. "Elastagirl" plays into Lisa’s superhero persona, mixing rattling beats and is one of the album’s most intriguing fusions, seamlessly blending her cultural roots with razor-sharp rap delivery.
Not every track lands as successfully. "Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)", which samples Sixpence None the Richer’s Kiss Me, is glittery and sweet, but ultimately lacks the charm of the original. "When I’m With You", her collaboration with Tyla, has smooth R&B production and solid vocals from both artists, but the song itself lacks excitement, coasting rather than captivating. Similarly, "FXCK UP THE WORLD" delivers on attitude but features a throwaway verse from Future that adds little to the track.
Where ALTER EGO truly finds its heart is in its more creative and introspective moments. "Dreams" is a heartfelt, slow-burning ballad where Lisa reminisces about a past relationship, ending on the heartbreaking line, “Could we be friends at least?” It’s a rare moment of emotional depth, made all the more poignant by her soft yet powerful vocal delivery. Likewise, "Chill", with its finger-snaps, smooth synths, and playful "just call me Mona Lisa” hook, delivers an infectious, Y2K-inspired moment. The track’s sleek production and Britney-esque flair make it an undeniable standout.
Elsewhere, Lisa revels in luxury and confidence. "Lifestyle" is a braggadocious anthem built on fast-clapping beats and heavy bass, while "BAGRRRL" leans into a sultry trap sound with Lisa assuring, “I can be a bad girl, don’t have to treat me like a lady.” Meanwhile, "New Woman", produced by Max Martin and ILYA, offers a sleek, pulsating reinvention anthem alongside Rosalia.
If ALTER EGO has one weakness, it’s that it often coasts on surface-level spectacle. The alter ego concept, while ambitious, sometimes feels more like a marketing strategy than a deep artistic exploration. Lisa’s talent is undeniable, but outside of tracks like Dreams, we get little insight into Lisa the person—just Lisa the icon.
That said, ALTER EGO ultimately solidifies Lisa’s place as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. While some tracks may fall short in terms of storytelling, the album’s slick production, stylish sound, and self-assured execution showcase her undeniable star power. Because outside of BLACKPINK, Lisa isn’t just a K-pop idol—she’s a full-fledged musical superstar, commanding attention in any genre she chooses to conquer.
