A bold departure from BLACKPINK’s signature sound, Rosé’s debut solo LP offers a promising first step into uncharted territory
by Abhilasha Bhattarai | December 6th, 2024
K-pop superstars BLACKPINK left fans stunned when the quartet chose not to renew their individual contracts with YG Entertainment, instead pursuing solo careers. Yet, their decisions appear to be paying off. Rosé, born Roseanne Park, is the first member of the group to drop a full-length solo album, Rosie. The record marks a striking evolution, blending a singer-songwriter sensibility with sleek, retro-inspired pop reminiscent of Sabrina Carpenter’s recent work. For much of the album, Rosé leans into restraint and introspection, offering moments of vulnerability that rarely surfaced in her group projects.
“Tell me I’m that new thing / Tell me that I’m relevant / Tell me that I got a big heart / Then back it up with evidence,” she croons on the opener, “number one girl.” These lyrics set the tone for an album that marries raw honesty with polished production.
Rosé effortlessly adapts pop principles to suit her unique style. The acoustic mid-tempo ballad “3am” channels early Avril Lavigne with its simplicity and natural catchiness. Meanwhile, “two years,” another reflective mid-tempo track, revisits the lingering heartbreak of a past relationship.
“Two years since you’ve been in my bed / Even had a funeral for you in my head,” she sings, capturing the ache of unresolved emotions.
But Rosie isn’t all introspection. On the electrifying “toxic till the end,” heavy synths drive the final chorus, creating a dynamic moment of pure pop energy. The laid-back yet beat-heavy “drinks or coffee” offers another shift in tone, adding variety to the album. Then there’s the undeniable highlight: “APT,” Rosé’s funky collaboration with Bruno Mars. The chart-dominating track showcases Mars as the perfect vocal sparring partner, infusing the song with his trademark charisma. It’s pop perfection and a clear standout on the album.
Elsewhere, Rosie dips into nostalgia. “Gameboy” is steeped in ’90s vibes, with a soulful rhythm and subtle delivery that reflect K-pop’s growing affinity for retro influences. On the blues-tinged piano ballad “stay a little longer,” Rosé flexes her vocal range, pouring raw emotion into lyrics like, “Make me wanna hate you, so I don’t have to miss you / Oh, make a mistake, so someone’s to blame.”
The stripped-down “not the same” offers an intricate acoustic arrangement that veers far from BLACKPINK’s stadium anthems, highlighting Rosé’s ability to connect on a more intimate level. Similarly, “call it the end,” another piano-driven track, stretches her vocal expression, with a slight strain adding depth to the song’s pained emotion.
The album winds down with the slower-paced “too bad for us” and the relaxed groove of “dance all night,” closing on a contemplative note. Rosie presents an intriguing exploration of Rosé’s artistry, a test of how fans will embrace this softer, more personal direction. With solid songwriting, impressive vocal performances, and a bold departure from BLACKPINK’s signature sound, Rosé’s debut solo LP offers a promising first step into uncharted territory.
