“DEADLINE” is the fourth EP (Extended Play) by BLACKPINK. This mini-album consists of five tracks: “JUMP,” “GO,” “Me and My,” “Champion,” and “Fxxxboy.” The song “JUMP” is their pre-release single, while “GO” serves as the title track. According to the initial announcement of their CEO, the EP was supposed to be released in early November. When I saw that it was a mini-album, I raised my eyebrows in disbelief. Imagine waiting for three years for only 4–5 songs. Then, their company pushed back its release to February 27, 2026. Since it got delayed, two of the tracks were leaked. Anyway, let’s try our best to review this EP.
First on the list is this song. The track doesn’t sound like BLACKPINK at all—in a good way. When you hear BLACKPINK, their songs usually have that hip-hop vibe with a harmonious bridge. That’s one of their trademarks in the K-pop landscape. By the way, I love how it sounds more K-pop for them while still staying on brand. Moreover, I like that it doesn’t sound rushed. You can’t deny that it feels like a cash grab since that’s the only song they released to promote their concert, lol. The music video is also good, and it’s my first time seeing them use a green screen. Overall, I love it, but it’s not my ultimate favorite from them. It’s just frustrating that we didn’t get a dance performance.
The next song we’re going to review is the title track. Like “JUMP” it also sounds different compared to their overall discography. You will also hear 2NE1 vibe from this single, and I’m saying that because “GO” feels like a scrapped 2NE1 song. The track is futuristic, and the music video looks magnificent. Personally, it’s my first time seeing their company invest in such a high-budget MV. However, I don’t like that they didn’t include a dance choreography. If we judge the track’s flaws, there are several. It sounds rushed, and the harmony in the bridge is not balanced. The line distribution is also an issue since Jisoo barely sings. Plus, I don’t like it that much because it feels messy. It is their weakest single in my opinion.
This is my favorite song from the mini-album. I just didn’t give it a perfect score because of Dr. Luke’s involvement. You know, he knows how to create bangers, but he’s problematic. This song looks like a women empowerment anthem, and it sounds very BLACKPINK. However, if you read its lyrics, they are bringing down other girls. I just ranked it higher because it feels like a LISA solo. I mostly hear her in the track, and it sounds perfect. If their company were smarter, they should have made this a sub-unit single for JENNIE and LISA. Adding the two vocalists just for a few lines feels unnecessary, haha.
This is the song I currently play while moving on. Although the system messed me up, I still believe I’m a champion. Anyway, this song also doesn’t sound like BLACKPINK at all. I hate how their company delayed the EP because this track is very concert-worthy. It’s also the type of song you play when celebrating achievements. The line distribution here is fair since each member gets a single line only. The only thing holding me back from rating it higher is Dr. Luke’s involvement. Still, I love how it sounds like a championship anthem since EJAE co-wrote it. She is the lyrical genius behind the successful “K-Pop Demon Hunters” movie.
I was expecting a bolder side of BLACKPINK, but I was disappointed that this turned out to be a ballad. I thought it would be more intense because of the title. Nevertheless, it sounds very similar to “Tally,” so it was fair enough. The song feels like something ROSÉ would release as a soloist. Although it has strong vocals, Jisoo still received the least lines. I don’t understand why she doesn’t get to showcase her vocals more in group songs. Overall, I like it, but it’s not my top favorite.
I rate this album a 9.26/10. The mini-album is good, but it still has some flaws. Thank you for reading!
