Lisa of Blackpink, “Alter Ego.”

As fans anxiously await a series of reunion concerts by K-pop superstars Blackpink this summer, its members are venturing out with solo projects. Rapper and singer Lisa offers up a juggernaut with Alter Ego.

Where her group-mate Rosé opted for an introspective sound, this record is all about the pop spectacle. The hooks are huge and drenched in swagger, with fiery, hard-hitting beats and an ambitious sound. Lisa, whose real name is Lalisa Manobal, took risks and they paid off, while the record still sounds authentic to her.

“Born Again” channels a Dua-Lipa-esque blend of modern pop and classic disco, but that’s really where the comparison ends. Here, Lisa partners Doja Cat and RAYE for a scintillating opener that sets the bar high. She trades vocals with RAYE, before Doja comes in with a smokey rapped verse. From the production to the delivery, the song is just about everything you could ask for in a pop anthem.

Lisa leans into her alter ego on the feisty “Rockstar,” fusing rapping and singing as a scandalous antagonist.

“Been on a mission, boy, they call me catch-and-kill/ I’m stealin’ diamonds, make them chase me for the thrill,” she sings.

“Elastigirl” has a defiant stomp that recalls a little Gwen Stefani crossed with Cardi B. It’s not lyrically complex, but it’s an earworm. “Thunder” rumbles with a low bass thump, lyrically jumping back and forth between a sung chorus and rapped verses. Lisa gets an assist from Spanish artist Rosalía on “New Woman,” a cool pop banger.

The swagger returns on hip-hop heavy cut “FXCK UP THE WORLD,” featuring rapper Future. The shouted call-and-response chorus adds a layer of attitude and a punk flare. The all-star cast keeps coming with Megan Thee Stallion on “Rapunzel.” But it’s more of a restrained hip-hop track. Lisa again explores her personality, though the guest verse from Megan really makes things here.

The funky throwback disco returns on “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me),” a song that nods to the Sixpence None the Richer tune in the chorus. Lisa builds a narrative about her flashy, high-flying alter ego. She’s at her best fusing pop, rap, dance and electronica, such as on “When I’m With You,” which features an assist from South Africa’s Tyla.

Quick-hitter “BADGRRR” feels like an extended interlude with a thumping distorted backbeat as Lisa lays out her bad girl laurels in the verses.

OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder produces the clap-laden, rhythmic “Lifestyle.” The album concludes with “Dream,” which takes on a much rawer sound than the more tightly produced material on the record. Other than that, it leans heavily on marquee features and delivers a load of fun; the Blackpink star doesn’t take herself too seriously. The songs are memorable and set a mood.

Follow writer Mike DeWald at mikedewald.bsky.social.