Jul 24, 2026 11:20am IST
‘Less than a Lover’ Review: Jennie Casts Off Responsibilities in Mellow Summer Track That’s Unlike Her Usual Self
Bringing an apparently personal tale of a casual relationship, Jennie marks her return with new music via the solo song, "Less than a Lover". The BLACKPINK member, known for hard-hitting numbers including "Mantra" and "Like JENNIE," which have become global hits, sets down her dancing shoes to opt for some beachy flip-flops in this one.
Setting the mood with a voiceover that talks about her plans for a relationship that demands nothing more than what she's ready for, the song settles with a lighter guitar note in the track. It's unlike her to get so intimate with lyricism, which ends up being its unique selling point for fans of the star.
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With very limited supporting instruments to back her, it's Jennie's calm voice that does all the heavy lifting in the song. The music video for "Less than a Lover" takes on a stop-and-go approach to relay the storyline as she romances a handsome male model to talk about her desires.
There's a feeling of yearning throughout the track and the 30-year-old keeps it easygoing for the most part. The sound itself is not very experimental and maybe that's exactly what the singer needed to keep her discography interesting after going for multiple tunes with heavy beats and keeping it performance-focused. It’s lo-fi and tells of a change in her tastes, keeping the audience guessing about whether she’ll take it further with her romantic interest after all.
Jennie ensures she keeps herself intriguing with a 'to be continued' message at the end of the music video.
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