LISA delivers catchy melodies and danceable beats on PRESS PLAY.

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TOP 3

3. Cut U Off

“Cut U Off” is a very clever song musically. This same EP features the song “Tarantino,” and it samples the iconic whistling from Kill Bill, making “Cut U Off” and “Tarantino” companions. The production choices were interesting in general here. The panning of LISA’s vocals, harmonies on select parts of the chorus, and how the producer plays with dynamics and effects are what particularly made this takedown of her former friend.

2. Sweat

“Sweat” lets LISA get a little freaky. It could be about dancing; she talks about yoga; it could be about a third option. They worked a minor vocal line into the production of the track in a way that adds interesting texture to the mix. The panning of the production feels like it’s coming in from all sides. It’s an immersive track. I’ve seen the word “cinematic” pop up about this EP, and while I don’t agree, “Sweat” is the closest it really comes to that territory.

1. Tarantino

“Tarantino” is the best song by far. The chorus has some of the best singing LISA has ever done. I thought she was RAYE for a second. This action-movie-inspired track has hints of rock along with the pop and K-pop of the rest of the EP. I hate Quentin Tarantino’s movies, so I didn’t expect to like the song very much. I was pleasantly surprised. She only really mentioned Quentin Tarantino because of Kill Bill similarities and the fact that he’s a film director. I did laugh out loud when she mentioned her “feet hanging out the Camino.” Even in a song honoring him, you still have to call the man out.

SONG-BY-SONG RATING

SaWaDiKa (4/5)

V12 (4/5)

Cobra (4/5)

Tarantino (4/5)

Cut U Off (4/5)

Sweat (4/5)

RGM RATING

(B-)

I have mixed feelings on this EP. On the one hand, I like the songs individually. On the other hand, I don’t really see why PRESS PLAY exists. The songs don’t feel like a body of work on their own, and none truly improve upon anything she’s done in the past. Art doesn’t have to push the envelope, but it’s more interesting to be surprised than it is to hear the same thing again. The girls from BLACKPINK have fallen into this trap before, but this is the strongest example.

LISA could have saved these songs, waited until there were more, and released an album. She also could have refined these ones so that they could be great. I wanted to be impressed by PRESS PLAY, but instead, I just thought, “Yep, LISA made a new EP.” She has a solid ear for melodies, but not a good ear for lyrics. When the melodies on PRESS PLAY aren’t refined enough, there isn’t much to hold onto. The production carries a lot of the EP.

Something I do appreciate is that LISA has branched out thematically. People didn’t like how many of her songs were so heavily about money, and PRESS PLAY only had one song talking about wealth. I like that she saw the criticism, took it, and implemented it in a positive way.

LISA is very talented. I love a lot of her music. “Born Again” with Doja Cat and RAYE is one of my favorite songs. My respect for LISA and love of some of her music is why I simultaneously enjoyed individual songs and felt disappointed. I hope that the tracks will grow on me as I continue to listen, but for now, I can more easily see myself coming back to LISA’s previous work.

Emma Platt