JENNIE, ZEN | Bangerz N Bopz

In the 31^st edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2026), we highlight “ZEN” performed by pop/K-Pop singer-songwriter JENNIE. 

 

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and/or stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 31^st edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2026), we break down “ZEN” performed by JENNIE.

JENNIE (Jennie Kim) sings in the first verse of “ZEN”. “ZEN” is the ninth track from JENNIE’s debut album, Ruby.  It appears as the 15^th track on Ruby (The Complete Collection).  So, what is Zen? According to one definition in Merriam-Webster, Zen is “a state of calm attentiveness in which one’s actions are guided by intuition rather than by conscious effort.” Of course, it can also be associated with Zen Buddhism. JENNIE composed “ZEN” with Jelli Dorman, Asheton Hogan, Badriia “Bibi” Bourelly, and Kristen Allyssa Spencer. Pluss produced it. 

Like the rest of Ruby, “ZEN” features a polished musical backdrop.  The highlights include the hard-nosed, hit-you-in-the-chest drum programming and the polychromatic synths.  JENNIE has plenty of instrumental inspiration to fuel her vocal fire. While she never overreaches, she brings plenty of attitude and energy, particularly during the centerpiece, the chorus.

“Nobody gon’ move my soul, gon’ move my aura, my matter

Nobody gon’ move my light, gon’ touch my glow, my matter…”

Say it, JENNIE! Beyond the chorus, there are many other memorable lyrical moments. “Bad bitch, ‘kay, so make me better / Fire aura quiets chatter,” she sings in the first pre-chorus, and continues, “Shoo, shoo, shoo, I make ‘em scatter / They can’t move my matter.” Word. In the second verse, she keeps things Zen: “Rain, midnight bloom / In the dark, I grew.” JENNIE does an awesome job of maintaining the Zen concept throughout “ZEN”. Ultimately, this is a fabulous pop record.

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JENNIE » Ruby » Columbia Records » 2025

JENNIE, ZEN: Bangerz N Bopz No. 31 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Columbia Records; Art Laurence Luzon, cottonbro studio, Osmar Vasques, Sebastian Ervi, Wallyson Nascimento from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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