One Of The Girls – The Weeknd, Jennie Kim & Lily Rose Depp
In a groundbreaking collaboration, The Weeknd, JENNIE from BLACKPINK, and actress Lily-Rose Depp have come together to deliver “One of the Girls,” a track that seamlessly blends their distinct musical styles into a cohesive and emotionally charged anthem. Released as part of the soundtrack for the HBO series The Idol, the song is an exploration of power, vulnerability, and the complexities of modern femininity.
A Star-Studded Collaboration
The combination of these three artists alone is enough to generate significant buzz. The Weeknd, known for his sultry vocals and dark, moody productions, brings his signature style to the track. JENNIE, the South Korean pop sensation and member of BLACKPINK, adds a layer of sophistication and international flair with her smooth and confident delivery. Meanwhile, Lily-Rose Depp, primarily known for her acting, surprises listeners with a vocal performance that is both delicate and haunting.
The collaboration is a testament to the power of global music, where artists from different backgrounds and genres can come together to create something truly unique. It’s also a reflection of the growing trend of blending music with film and television, where soundtracks become integral to the storytelling process.
Musical Composition: A Perfect Blend of Styles
Moody and Atmospheric Production
The production of “One of the Girls” is a masterclass in creating mood and atmosphere. The track is built around a minimalist beat, with brooding bass lines and ethereal synths that give it a dreamy, almost hypnotic quality. The Weeknd’s influence is palpable in the dark, melancholic tones that permeate the song, reminiscent of his earlier work in albums like House of Balloons and Beauty Behind the Madness.
What makes the production stand out is its ability to balance the different elements without overwhelming the listener. Each artist’s voice is given space to shine, and the transitions between their parts are seamless. The result is a track that feels cohesive despite its varied influences.
Vocals and Delivery
Each of the three artists brings their own unique vocal style to the track, creating a dynamic listening experience. The Weeknd’s smooth, almost hypnotic voice serves as the anchor, setting the tone for the song with his signature blend of vulnerability and seduction. His delivery is both powerful and restrained, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage.
JENNIE’s contribution adds a layer of sophistication to the track. Her vocals are confident and controlled, reflecting the poise and charisma that have made her a global superstar. She delivers her lines with a subtle intensity, capturing the complexities of the character she portrays in the series The Idol.
Lily-Rose Depp, while not traditionally known as a singer, surprises with a vocal performance that is both delicate and evocative. Her voice adds a fragile, almost ethereal quality to the track, complementing the more intense vocal styles of The Weeknd and JENNIE. This contrast enhances the song’s emotional depth, highlighting the themes of power and vulnerability.
Lyrical Content: Themes of Power, Vulnerability, and Identity
Exploring Complex Female Characters
“One of the Girls” is a song that delves deep into the themes of power, vulnerability, and the complexities of modern femininity. The lyrics explore the duality of being a woman in today’s world, where strength and vulnerability often coexist in a delicate balance.
The chorus, where The Weeknd sings, “One of the girls, she’s got a way of making you feel / Like you’re one of the boys, but she’s playing for keeps,” speaks to the idea of women navigating spaces traditionally dominated by men. It’s about the struggle to assert oneself in a world that often demands conformity, and the tension between maintaining one’s identity while also adapting to the expectations of others.
JENNIE’s verse adds another layer to this narrative, touching on the theme of self-empowerment. Her lines, “I’m not just a pretty face, I’ve got a heart that’s made of steel / But even steel can break if you push it too far,” reflect the inner strength that women often need to muster in the face of adversity, while also acknowledging the fragility that comes with being human.
Lily-Rose Depp’s contribution further enriches the song’s narrative. Her verse is more introspective, exploring the internal conflict that comes with trying to live up to societal expectations. Her delivery, almost whispered at times, conveys a sense of vulnerability that contrasts with the more assertive tones of The Weeknd and JENNIE.
A Reflection of the Show’s Themes
As part of the soundtrack for The Idol, “One of the Girls” is deeply connected to the themes of the series. The Idol, which explores the dark side of fame and the entertainment industry, provides the perfect backdrop for a song that grapples with issues of power, identity, and self-worth. The characters in the show, much like the women portrayed in the song, are complex and multifaceted, navigating a world where appearance often trumps reality, and where the line between empowerment and exploitation is blurred.
Visual and Cultural Impact
A Song with Global Appeal
The release of “One of the Girls” has garnered significant attention not only for its star-studded lineup but also for its exploration of themes that resonate with a global audience. The song’s blend of English and Korean lyrics reflects the increasingly global nature of pop music, where artists from different cultures come together to create something that transcends language barriers.
The track has also sparked discussions on social media, with fans dissecting the lyrics and the message behind the song. Many have praised the song for its honest portrayal of the challenges women face in a world that often tries to box them into certain roles. The collaboration between The Weeknd, JENNIE, and Lily-Rose Depp has been hailed as a powerful statement on the importance of diversity and representation in the music industry.
A Visual Experience
Although primarily an audio release, “One of the Girls” is also a visual experience, thanks to its association with The Idol. The song’s moody, atmospheric sound perfectly complements the show’s dark and edgy aesthetic. Fans have been quick to create fan-made videos and edits that pair scenes from the show with the song, further blurring the lines between music and visual storytelling.
Conclusion: A Bold and Timely Anthem
“One of the Girls” by The Weeknd, JENNIE, and Lily-Rose Depp is more than just a song—it’s a powerful anthem that speaks to the complexities of modern femininity. With its moody production, compelling lyrics, and the unique vocal performances of its three artists, the track stands out as one of the most impactful releases of the year. As part of The Idol soundtrack, it not only enhances the narrative of the show but also resonates with listeners on a deep emotional level. In a world where music and storytelling are increasingly intertwined, “One of the Girls” is a shining example of how powerful that combination can be.
Lock me up and throw away the key
He knows how to get the best out of me
I’m no force for the world to see
Trade my whole life just to be
Tell nobody I control you
I broke you just to own you
They can’t tell that I love you
‘Cause you’re loyal, baby
I love when you’re submissive
Love it when I break skin
You feel pain without flinchin’
So say it
Give me tough love
Leave me with nothin’ when I come down
My kinda love
Push me and choke me ’til I pass out
We don’t gotta be in love, no
I don’t gotta be the one, no
I just wanna be one of your girls
Tonight (tonight)
We don’t gotta be in love, no
I don’t gotta be the one, no
I just wanna be one of your girls
Tonight (tonight), oh
Push me down, hold me down
Spit in my mouth while you turn me on
I wanna take your light inside
Dim me down, snuff me out
Hands on my neck while you push it out
And I’m screamin’ out
Give me tough love
Leave me with nothin’ when I come down
My kinda love
Force me and choke me ’til I pass out
We don’t gotta be in love, no
I don’t gotta be the one, no
I just wanna be one of your girls
Tonight (tonight)
We don’t gotta be in love, no
I don’t gotta be the one, no (oh)
I just wanna be one of your girls
Tonight, oh
Lock me up and throw away the key
He knows how to get the best out of me
I’m no force for the world to see
Trade my whole life just to be
Top of the world but I’m still not free
It’s such a secret that I keep
Until it’s gone, I can never find peace
Brace my whole life just to be
We don’t gotta be in love, no
I don’t gotta be the one, no
I just wanna be one of your girls
Tonight (tonight)
We don’t gotta be in love, no
I don’t gotta be the one, no (oh)
I just wannа be one of your girls
Tonight (ooh), oh