One Of The Girls – The Weeknd, JENNIE, Lily-Rose Depp
The collaboration between The Weeknd, JENNIE of BLACKPINK, and actress Lily-Rose Depp on the song “One Of The Girls” stands as a significant moment in pop culture. The track, part of the soundtrack for the HBO series The Idol, has generated considerable attention due to the star-studded lineup and its connection to the highly anticipated show. The official video for “One Of The Girls” further amplifies the song’s impact, blending musical talent with cinematic flair.
A Cross-Cultural Collaboration
At its core, “One Of The Girls” represents a cross-cultural collaboration that brings together artists from different backgrounds and industries. The Weeknd, known for his moody, atmospheric music, and powerful falsetto, is one of the most influential figures in contemporary music. JENNIE, a member of the global K-pop sensation BLACKPINK, brings her unique blend of pop, rap, and dance influences, making her a perfect fit for a project that seeks to bridge Eastern and Western pop culture. Lily-Rose Depp, though primarily recognized as an actress, adds a layer of intrigue to the collaboration, blending her cinematic presence with musical experimentation.
Musical Composition and Themes
“One Of The Girls” is a sultry, slow-burning track that combines elements of R&B, pop, and electronic music. The production is smooth, with a focus on creating an atmospheric soundscape that complements the song’s themes of desire, power, and identity. The Weeknd’s signature vocal style is immediately recognizable, setting a dark and seductive tone that has become synonymous with his work. His voice, layered over a minimalistic beat, creates a sense of intimacy and tension.
JENNIE’s contribution to the track is equally compelling. Her vocals, delivered with a mix of softness and assertiveness, provide a counterbalance to The Weeknd’s deep and brooding tones. Singing primarily in English, JENNIE showcases her versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles. Her presence on the track adds a layer of sophistication, highlighting her role as a global pop icon capable of crossing linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Lily-Rose Depp’s involvement is more subtle but no less important. Her voice weaves through the track, adding an ethereal quality that enhances the song’s dreamlike atmosphere. While she is not primarily known as a singer, her contribution adds depth to the song, making it feel more like a piece of performance art than a conventional pop track.
Lyrical Exploration
Lyrically, “One Of The Girls” delves into themes of identity, seduction, and the blurred lines between reality and performance. The lyrics suggest a narrative of someone who is both a participant in and an observer of a glamorous, yet potentially toxic, world. The Weeknd’s lyrics often explore the dark side of fame and desire, and “One Of The Girls” is no exception. The song’s protagonist seems to be both enamored with and wary of the superficial world they inhabit.
JENNIE’s verses reinforce this narrative, as she sings about the allure of being “one of the girls,” but also hints at the disillusionment that comes with it. The interplay between her and The Weeknd creates a dynamic that reflects the duality of glamour and the emptiness that can accompany it.
The Official Video: A Cinematic Experience
The official video for “One Of The Girls” is a visual feast that complements the song’s moody and introspective tone. Directed with a keen eye for detail, the video blends elements of high fashion, film noir, and surrealism to create a visually arresting experience. The video is less about telling a linear story and more about creating a mood, using imagery to evoke the themes of the song.
The Weeknd, JENNIE, and Lily-Rose Depp all play central roles in the video, each bringing their unique presence to the screen. The video’s aesthetic is luxurious and decadent, with each frame meticulously crafted to highlight the contrast between beauty and darkness. The lighting, set design, and cinematography all work together to create a sense of unease, as if the viewer is peeking into a world where everything is not as it seems.
One of the most striking aspects of the video is its use of symbolism. Mirrors, masks, and shadows are recurring motifs, alluding to the idea of hidden truths and the performance of identity. The video’s visual language is rich with meaning, encouraging viewers to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper implications of the images presented.
Impact and Reception
Since its release, “One Of The Girls” has sparked considerable discussion among fans and critics alike. The collaboration between such high-profile artists was always going to attract attention, but the song and video have been praised not just for the star power involved, but for the artistry and depth they bring to the project.
Critics have highlighted the song’s production quality and the seamless blending of the artists’ voices, noting that it feels like a natural collaboration rather than a forced pairing of celebrities. The video, too, has been lauded for its bold visual style and the way it complements the song’s themes.
For The Weeknd, “One Of The Girls” continues his streak of creating music that pushes the boundaries of pop and R&B. For JENNIE, it represents another step in her journey toward becoming a global superstar, capable of transcending the boundaries of K-pop. And for Lily-Rose Depp, it’s an intriguing foray into the music world, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Conclusion
“One Of The Girls” is more than just a song; it’s a statement about the power of collaboration and the blending of different artistic worlds. The Weeknd, JENNIE, and Lily-Rose Depp have come together to create a piece of music that is both sonically and visually compelling, offering listeners and viewers a glimpse into a world where music and cinema intersect. The track is a testament to the idea that when artists from different backgrounds come together, the result can be something truly special. As the song continues to resonate with audiences, it’s clear that “One Of The Girls” is a standout moment in all three artists’ careers.
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