The song we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. After months (and possibly years) of teasing, last night (Aug. 15), BLACKPINK member and K-pop soloist Lisa’s new song “New Woman” was released featuring Rosalía. Additionally, it was co-written by Swedish singer Tove Lo and produced by iconic pop producers Max Martin and Ilya.
“New Woman” is a song about the struggles, empowerment, and eventual freedom that women face — both in our daily life and in the music industry — and the power reinventing ourselves can hold. The song features a deep bass and dancy beat with echo-y vocals that’ll make you want to start dancing as soon as you hear it. Lisa sings, “Soak up, all new / So I cut / I go, go to the root / Off to bloom, yeah,” and “Purple into gold / Pain has come and gone again / Walked through that fire / I rediscover.” She makes it clear that she’s breaking through the boxes society (and potentially her previous record label) has put on her and that to get to where she is now (“a brand new woman”) she had to go through feeling the pain and struggle. The song serves as a pop-y reminder that for us to heal and rediscover ourselves after difficulties, we have to face our emotions — not avoid them.
Rosalía jumps in the second verse (accompanied by a beat breakdown that’s reminiscent of Rosalía’s sound), singing, “Por to’ lo quе soy, yo puedo frontear / No por lo que tеnga siempre me la dan / Y mi energía inmaculá’, bajo perfil (Y tú ‘tás fuera) / Yo vivo pa’ cantar, no canto pa’ vivir, nací pura, sí [For everything I am, I can brag / Don’t always get what I want just because of what I have / And my energy immaculate, under profile (And you’re outside) / I live to sing, don’t sing to live, born pure, yes].” She closes it with a Catholic reference in “La noche estrellá’, así sea / Hasta la madrugá, que así sea [The night starry, so be it / Until the sunrise, so be it].”
The music video, directed by Dave Meyers (who also directed “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar), shows incredible cinematic vision. It’s book-ended with Lisa in an audition room, opening with her in the waiting room and ending with her walking in. In between, we see striking repeating images: an apple falling between legs; shaving legs covered in pink glitter; Lisa photocopying herself; several hands messily putting on Lisa’s makeup; a man looking through blinds and watching Lisa dance in her bedroom; Lisa bending over backward; Rosalía’s lip ring interlocked with Lisa’s earrings and whispering in her ear; Lisa, in all white, and Rosalía in all black, posing in a yin-yang position, among others. It definitely takes a few views to understand all of its meanings, but even at first glance, it’s clear that this video is the perfect mix of Lisa and Rosalía’s styles.
And I’m not the only one who thinks that. At the time of publishing, the music video had over 14 million views in just 14 hours since its release. Fans online are, of course, freaking out about the song, saying: “So unexpected & so fresh! The more I listen to it, the more I get addicted! Vocals/Visuals of both artists compliment each other.” It’s safe to say, fans are satisfied and the wait was definitely worth it.
Check out the music video for “NEW WOMAN” below.