“Alter Ego” is the first solo album by Lisa, a member of the prolific K-pop group BlackPink. RCA Records produced the album.

Lisa is in the midst of a great deal of success. Not only is she a member of BlackPink, but she has also found her way into the acting world. Her breakout role is in the third season of the critically acclaimed show “White Lotus.” On top of all that, she decided to record her first solo album.

premise of “Alter Ego” is Lisa exploring different aspects of herself by taking on different personas. Not only do these personas have a unique look from one another, but each performs their own song. With the themes of self discovery and expression present, the only question that remains is if the album lives up to the expectations placed upon it? To give a brief answer: in some ways it does, but in most ways it doesn’t.

Getting Into the Music

Starting the album off on a high note is “Born Again” featuring Doja Cat and Raye. With an engaging beat, synth chords and a bass guitar stealing the show in the background, this song makes for a good listen. If one were to put it on at a party, more than a few people would start swaying their heads to it. Unfortunately, the later tracks in the album don’t manage to keep the momentum going. The tone of the album shifts into a much more mainstream Pop sound. Meanwhile, the lyrics take on the rapping style that Lisa is known for. All the songs, even the ones with features from Future and Megan Thee Stallion, start to blend into one another as there is very little that sets them apart. The album has an unfortunately static feel to it.

An Artist Finding Their Way

With all that said, it is important that this is Lisa’s first debut album. So part of the aforementioned cirques could come down to the fact that Lisa is not entirely used to making music on her own yet, which is valid. Though it is disappointing to not see the sense of exploration explored further in the music, as not many of the songs focus on who Lisa is as a person. One of the songs that does is “Dream.” In it, Lisa reminisces about a past relationship and wishes things could have gone differently. This is in stark contrast to most of the other songs, where the main focus is flexing status, wealth and cars. These topics are the focus of hundreds, if not thousands of other songs occupying the same genre as “Alter Ego,” making it have less of an identity than it already does.

“Alter Ego” is Lisa’s first solo album, and it feels like it. While catchy, it comes off as yet another mainstream pop album with nothing to distinguish it from its peers. Fans of Lisa will most likely enjoy it. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if they found the album lacking in certain areas.

“Alter Ego” is available now and can be listened to anywhere music can be streamed.

 l.utley@dailyutahchronicle.com