BLACKPINK’s major active songs
Page Info
Writer AndyKim
Hit 1,422 Hit
Date 25-02-12 10:49
Content
Below is a detailed, chronological overview of BLACKPINK’s major active songs—those they actively promoted as singles—highlighting their evolution in style, sound, and global impact. Each track not only defined a moment in the group’s career but also helped shape the contemporary landscape of K-pop.
---
### **2016 – The Debut and Early Hits**
**1. "Boombayah"**
- **Release Date:** August 8, 2016
- **Context & Style:**
As one of BLACKPINK’s debut tracks from their first single album *Square One*, "Boombayah" burst onto the scene with an energetic EDM-infused beat, fierce rap sections, and vibrant choreography. The song’s bold, confident style immediately set the tone for the group’s image, merging pop, hip-hop, and dance elements to captivate a global audience.
**2. "Whistle"**
- **Release Date:** August 8, 2016
- **Context & Style:**
Released simultaneously with "Boombayah," "Whistle" offers a more minimalist approach. With its signature whistling hook and laid-back hip-hop vibe, the track contrasts with the high-octane energy of its counterpart, showcasing BLACKPINK’s versatility right from the start.
**3. "Playing With Fire"**
- **Release Date:** November 2016
- **Context & Style:**
Featured on their second single album *Square Two*, this track combines tropical house elements with pulsating beats and dynamic drops. The imagery of fire is used as a metaphor for passion and risk, and the song’s catchy refrain and vivid production underscored the group’s growing confidence and experimental edge.
**4. "Stay"**
- **Release Date:** November 2016
- **Context & Style:**
Also from *Square Two*, "Stay" presents a softer, more emotional side of BLACKPINK. Emphasizing melodic vocals and a tender instrumental backdrop, the track provides a reflective counterpoint to the group's typically high-energy releases, highlighting their capacity for emotional nuance.
---
### **2018 – Breaking Through with a Signature Sound**
**5. "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du"**
- **Release Date:** June 15, 2018
- **Context & Style:**
As the lead single from the EP *Square Up*, "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" quickly became an international phenomenon. The song is characterized by its hard-hitting trap beats, infectious hooks, and groundbreaking choreography. Its striking visuals and bold production techniques not only reinforced BLACKPINK’s distinctive aesthetic but also cemented their status as global pop icons.
---
### **2019 – Expanding Global Influence**
**6. "Kill This Love"**
- **Release Date:** April 5, 2019
- **Context & Style:**
Serving as the title track of their single album *Kill This Love*, this track delivers a fierce, empowering message. With a dramatic mix of pounding drums, brass instrumentation, and intense rap segments, "Kill This Love" channels a sense of defiance and liberation. The song’s powerful visuals and high-impact choreography played a key role in broadening BLACKPINK’s appeal across international markets.
---
### **2020 – A Year of Diverse Musical Exploration**
**7. "How You Like That"**
- **Release Date:** June 26, 2020
- **Context & Style:**
Released as a prelude to their first full-length album *The Album*, "How You Like That" is an anthemic track that blends elements of EDM, hip-hop, and pop. With its uplifting message of resilience and overcoming adversity, the song is driven by explosive production and dynamic transitions, making it a standout hit during challenging global times.
**8. "Ice Cream" (with Selena Gomez)**
- **Release Date:** August 28, 2020
- **Context & Style:**
This playful, bubblegum pop track marked a fun collaboration with American singer Selena Gomez. "Ice Cream" showcases a light-hearted and catchy sound, characterized by its sweet, summery vibes and breezy production. The track allowed BLACKPINK to explore a softer, more whimsical side while broadening their cross-cultural appeal.
**9. "Lovesick Girls"**
- **Release Date:** October 2, 2020
- **Context & Style:**
As the lead single from *The Album*, "Lovesick Girls" merges pop sensibilities with EDM influences to deliver a song that’s both catchy and emotionally charged. The lyrics delve into the bittersweet nature of love, blending themes of vulnerability and strength. Its anthemic chorus and dramatic arrangement further highlight the group’s ability to balance energetic production with introspective storytelling.
---
### **2022 – Continued Evolution and Artistic Maturity**
**10. "Pink Venom"**
- **Release Date:** August 19, 2022
- **Context & Style:**
Released as a pre-release single for their second full album *Born Pink*, "Pink Venom" is a bold fusion of hip-hop, pop, and traditional Korean musical elements. The track’s edgy verses combined with a catchy, melodic hook underscore BLACKPINK’s signature fierce yet stylish approach, marking a continued evolution in their sound and aesthetic.
**11. "Shut Down"**
- **Release Date:** September 16, 2022
- **Context & Style:**
Debuting concurrently with the *Born Pink* album, "Shut Down" is an audacious track that features a sophisticated blend of trap beats and classical string arrangements. The song’s confident rap segments and polished production signal a matured artistic direction, embodying the group’s journey toward a more refined and evolved musical identity.
---
Each of these songs represents a significant chapter in BLACKPINK’s journey—from their explosive debut in 2016 to their continued reinvention in 2022. With every release, the group has pushed creative boundaries and redefined what it means to be a global pop act, blending diverse musical styles and compelling visual artistry to captivate audiences around the world.
---
### **2016 – The Debut and Early Hits**
**1. "Boombayah"**
- **Release Date:** August 8, 2016
- **Context & Style:**
As one of BLACKPINK’s debut tracks from their first single album *Square One*, "Boombayah" burst onto the scene with an energetic EDM-infused beat, fierce rap sections, and vibrant choreography. The song’s bold, confident style immediately set the tone for the group’s image, merging pop, hip-hop, and dance elements to captivate a global audience.
**2. "Whistle"**
- **Release Date:** August 8, 2016
- **Context & Style:**
Released simultaneously with "Boombayah," "Whistle" offers a more minimalist approach. With its signature whistling hook and laid-back hip-hop vibe, the track contrasts with the high-octane energy of its counterpart, showcasing BLACKPINK’s versatility right from the start.
**3. "Playing With Fire"**
- **Release Date:** November 2016
- **Context & Style:**
Featured on their second single album *Square Two*, this track combines tropical house elements with pulsating beats and dynamic drops. The imagery of fire is used as a metaphor for passion and risk, and the song’s catchy refrain and vivid production underscored the group’s growing confidence and experimental edge.
**4. "Stay"**
- **Release Date:** November 2016
- **Context & Style:**
Also from *Square Two*, "Stay" presents a softer, more emotional side of BLACKPINK. Emphasizing melodic vocals and a tender instrumental backdrop, the track provides a reflective counterpoint to the group's typically high-energy releases, highlighting their capacity for emotional nuance.
---
### **2018 – Breaking Through with a Signature Sound**
**5. "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du"**
- **Release Date:** June 15, 2018
- **Context & Style:**
As the lead single from the EP *Square Up*, "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" quickly became an international phenomenon. The song is characterized by its hard-hitting trap beats, infectious hooks, and groundbreaking choreography. Its striking visuals and bold production techniques not only reinforced BLACKPINK’s distinctive aesthetic but also cemented their status as global pop icons.
---
### **2019 – Expanding Global Influence**
**6. "Kill This Love"**
- **Release Date:** April 5, 2019
- **Context & Style:**
Serving as the title track of their single album *Kill This Love*, this track delivers a fierce, empowering message. With a dramatic mix of pounding drums, brass instrumentation, and intense rap segments, "Kill This Love" channels a sense of defiance and liberation. The song’s powerful visuals and high-impact choreography played a key role in broadening BLACKPINK’s appeal across international markets.
---
### **2020 – A Year of Diverse Musical Exploration**
**7. "How You Like That"**
- **Release Date:** June 26, 2020
- **Context & Style:**
Released as a prelude to their first full-length album *The Album*, "How You Like That" is an anthemic track that blends elements of EDM, hip-hop, and pop. With its uplifting message of resilience and overcoming adversity, the song is driven by explosive production and dynamic transitions, making it a standout hit during challenging global times.
**8. "Ice Cream" (with Selena Gomez)**
- **Release Date:** August 28, 2020
- **Context & Style:**
This playful, bubblegum pop track marked a fun collaboration with American singer Selena Gomez. "Ice Cream" showcases a light-hearted and catchy sound, characterized by its sweet, summery vibes and breezy production. The track allowed BLACKPINK to explore a softer, more whimsical side while broadening their cross-cultural appeal.
**9. "Lovesick Girls"**
- **Release Date:** October 2, 2020
- **Context & Style:**
As the lead single from *The Album*, "Lovesick Girls" merges pop sensibilities with EDM influences to deliver a song that’s both catchy and emotionally charged. The lyrics delve into the bittersweet nature of love, blending themes of vulnerability and strength. Its anthemic chorus and dramatic arrangement further highlight the group’s ability to balance energetic production with introspective storytelling.
---
### **2022 – Continued Evolution and Artistic Maturity**
**10. "Pink Venom"**
- **Release Date:** August 19, 2022
- **Context & Style:**
Released as a pre-release single for their second full album *Born Pink*, "Pink Venom" is a bold fusion of hip-hop, pop, and traditional Korean musical elements. The track’s edgy verses combined with a catchy, melodic hook underscore BLACKPINK’s signature fierce yet stylish approach, marking a continued evolution in their sound and aesthetic.
**11. "Shut Down"**
- **Release Date:** September 16, 2022
- **Context & Style:**
Debuting concurrently with the *Born Pink* album, "Shut Down" is an audacious track that features a sophisticated blend of trap beats and classical string arrangements. The song’s confident rap segments and polished production signal a matured artistic direction, embodying the group’s journey toward a more refined and evolved musical identity.
---
Each of these songs represents a significant chapter in BLACKPINK’s journey—from their explosive debut in 2016 to their continued reinvention in 2022. With every release, the group has pushed creative boundaries and redefined what it means to be a global pop act, blending diverse musical styles and compelling visual artistry to captivate audiences around the world.