Although they thrived in the 90s and 00s, girl groups have had less impact on western pop over the past decade. With the exception of Little Mix, who recently went on hiatus, the charts in the 2010s and beyond have largely been the story of solo superstars such as Beyoncé and Adele. South Korean four-piece Blackpink are looking to change that: when their album Born Pink drops on Friday, it will fortify their status as the biggest girl group on the planet and, along with K-pop compatriots BTS, one of the biggest groups in the world.
Tying EDM beats with influences from hip-hop, Blackpink’s music is harsher and far more maximalist than a lot of the music that fills the western charts. Their music videos look like dystopian fashion editorials and their choreography seems crafted with viral dance trends in mind. Many of their hits begin with the same opening line: “Blackpink in your area” – the lyric serving as both calling card and warning shot, and signalling the group’s desire for global success.
