Two of K-pop’s biggest icons — Jennie of BLACKPINK and Chaeyoung of TWICE — earned major global recognition as their solo albums were selected for Rolling Stone’s ‘100 Best Albums of 2025’.
On December 3 (local time), the influential U.S. music magazine announced its annual year-end list, placing Jennie’s first full album Ruby at No. 29 and Chaeyoung’s LIL FANTASY Vol. 1 at No. 86.
Jennie’s “Ruby” — No. 29
Rolling Stone praised Ruby as the standout among this year’s BLACKPINK solo releases, highlighting Jennie’s ability to reinterpret 2000s–2010s R&B-pop influences with a modern twist.
The magazine noted that Jennie channels the spirit of artists like Rihanna, drawing parallels between Ruby and the introspective tone of Rihanna’s iconic 2016 album ANTI. According to the publication, Jennie showcases both “candy-coated R&B charm” and moments of deep emotional clarity, proving her versatility as a soloist.
Chaeyoung’s “LIL FANTASY Vol. 1” — No. 86
Chaeyoung’s debut solo album was described as intimate and dreamlike, exploring themes of loss, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
Rolling Stone highlighted several tracks, including:
- “BF” — a neo-soul/trip-hop blend that reveals how fame can feel isolating.
- “Shoot (Firecracker)” — a disco-inspired track carrying an empowering message: “Don’t say goodbye — every ending sparks a new beginning.”
The magazine called the album “unfinished in the best way,” showing Chaeyoung’s potential as a growing singer-songwriter.
Korean-American Artist Japanese Breakfast Also Named
Korean-American musician Michelle Zauner (Japanese Breakfast) ranked No. 43 with her fourth studio album For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), which the magazine described as emotionally rich, mythic yet grounded, and a refined evolution of her earlier work.
Top 5 Albums of 2025
Rolling Stone’s Top 5 included:
- Bad Bunny — Debí Tirar Más Fotos
- Lady Gaga — Mayhem
- Rosalía — Lux
- Dijon — Baby
- Geese — Getting Killed
Jennie and Chaeyoung’s placements reflect the growing influence of K-pop soloists on the global music scene — further proving that 2025 was a major year for Korean artists expanding their individual identities.
Editor’s Insight — Why Jennie and Chaeyoung’s Ranking Signals a New Era for K-pop Soloists
Jennie and Chaeyoung’s inclusion on Rolling Stone’s ‘100 Best Albums of 2025’ reflects a deeper shift in how K-pop is being recognized globally not just as a group-driven industry, but as a space for individual artistic identity. What stands out is that both albums were evaluated not for commercial impact alone, but for their musical narrative, tone, and creative direction, placing them within the same critical framework as Western artists. Jennie’s polished reinterpretation of R&B-pop and Chaeyoung’s introspective, genre-blending approach represent two different but equally important paths: one rooted in global pop appeal, the other in personal storytelling. Together, they highlight how K-pop soloists are moving beyond idol branding to establish themselves as artists with distinct voices, capable of competing on a global critical stage not just dominating charts, but shaping conversations around music itself.