The release of “Eyes Closed,” the collaborative single between former One Direction member Zayn and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, immediately shattered expectations and dominated global music charts, proving the magnetic force of a major pop culture crossover. The soulful and tender pop track, described as having a dreamy melody, beautifully highlights the smooth, powerful vocal textures of both artists. The song’s premise—diving into a new romance by deliberately ignoring past failures and maintaining faith in the present moment—resonated universally. Accompanied by a stunning music video featuring a unique intergalactic concept, the single successfully fused the distinct visual and sonic identities of two of the 21st century’s biggest music icons, marking a significant moment for both artists in their respective careers.
A Collaboration Born of Sonic Chemistry
The success of “Eyes Closed” lies fundamentally in the complementary vocal dynamics and the sophisticated production that allows both artists to shine without overshadowing the other.
The track is built upon a warm foundation of keys, acoustic guitar, and atmospheric elements, creating a dreamy, soulful pop sound. The lyrics center on a relationship that defies expectation due to past wounds, captured in the chorus: “Oh, we should fall in love with our eyes closed / Better if we keep it where we don’t know.” Jisoo’s deeper, husky vocal tone starts the ballad, setting a delicate mood as she sings about tracing a body with fingertips. Zayn responds with his signature smooth, powerful tone, trading lines about the necessity of patience and the inevitability of risk. The blending of their voices during the chorus creates an almost magnetic melody, confirming the collaboration’s surprising but undeniable sonic chemistry.
The Interstellar Visual Narrative of the Music Video
The official music video, directed by Frank and Ivanna Borin, provided a visually stunning and thematic narrative that reinforced the song’s concept of starting fresh, away from history.
The video features the two stars waking from suspended animation aboard a sleek, futuristic spaceship, floating in zero gravity. As the only two awakened passengers, they drift through the vast, empty halls of the vessel, embodying the feeling of isolation and the search for connection. The high-fashion visuals are stark and refined; Zayn is seen in a classic all-black ensemble and a sophisticated leather jacket, while Jisoo complements him in an ultra-chic, sculptural leather dress. The climax sees them finally finding each other mid-orbit, falling in love as their spaceship zooms toward a dramatic landing on Saturn, symbolizing a new beginning in a world defined only by them.
Cultural Crossover and Global Impact
The collaboration’s release instantly became a major moment in pop culture, bridging the vast fan bases of global K-Pop and Western pop music.
Zayn, with his loyal following stemming from One Direction and his successful solo career, and Jisoo, a core member of the globally dominant group BLACKPINK, brought together legions of devoted fans (Directioners and Blinks). This crossover was not just a musical event but a fascinating cultural exchange, proving the increasing fluidity of the global music landscape. The single immediately debuted successfully on international charts, including the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant personal milestone for Jisoo’s solo career entry on the chart. Its instantaneous success was seen as a clear signal of the immense appetite for high-profile collaborations between pop giants.
The Future Implications for Both Artists
The success of “Eyes Closed” has sparked widespread speculation that the single serves as a high-profile lead-in to major movements for both artists in their respective careers.
For Zayn, the single followed his most recent solo album and showcased his continued strength in the soulful pop genre, potentially paving the way for more unexpected duets or new solo work. For Jisoo, the song’s debut came shortly after BLACKPINK announced plans for a global tour, positioning her solo material at the forefront of the group’s return. The collaboration highlights both artists’ willingness to experiment and leverage their individual star power in unique ways. Its massive, immediate impact has also fueled industry discussion about what other unexpected, earth-shattering collaborations between global music figures might be on the horizon.
