With her solo debut album, rosie, which was released on December 6, 2024, via The Black Label and Atlantic Records, ROSÉ steps out from the glittering shadows as a member of BLACKPINK to deliver a deeply personal and intimate collection of songs that cements her individuality as an artist. The twelve-track album balances emotional vulnerability with a playful edge, demonstrating her versatility and creativity as both a songwriter and producer.
From the moment the opening track “Number One Girl” begins, it’s clear this is not just another pop record—it’s ROSÉ baring her entire soul. It's a heart-wrenching ballad where ROSÉ’s delicate vocals shine over a minimalist piano arrangement. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at loneliness, amplified by her poignant lyrics. The track, with its dreamy piano and shimmering production, sets the tone for the introspection that underpins much of the album.
The standout lead single “APT.”, featuring Bruno Mars, blends K-pop flair with a pop-punk-inspired groove, creating a dynamic party anthem. The clever integration of a traditional Korean drinking game into the song’s chorus is both innovative and endearing, making it an undeniable highlight. Mars’ smooth vocals complement ROSÉ’s ethereal tone, resulting in a collaboration that feels organic and celebratory.
“3am” is a fun alt-pop album with an infectious beat and simple acoustic guitars that punctuates the song's subject matter. Where the next track, “Two Years,” explores the bittersweetness of time and change, anchored by an intricate blend of strings and electronic pop beats.
On the more playful side, “Gameboy” stands out with its retro-inspired production and witty lyrics, which compare navigating relationships to playing a video game. The track is a refreshing burst of energy, offering a lighter counterpoint to the album’s more introspective moments.
“Drinks or Coffee” and “Stay a Little Longer” dive into the complexities of modern relationships, each with a unique sonic palette. The former blends sultry jazz-esque influences with a cheerful pop beat, while the latter pairs her soaring falsetto with an anthemic chorus that’s destined to be a fan favourite.
The album’s emotional core lies within the pair of tracks, “Not the Same” and “Call It the End,” where ROSÉ’s vulnerability reaches its peak. The former is a reflection on personal growth, while the latter chronicles heartbreak with poetic lyricism and a hauntingly beautiful arrangement.
Closing out the album, “Dance All Night” feels like a cathartic release—a vibrant, disco-infused pop celebration of resilience and self-discovery. It’s the perfect bookend to an album that takes listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions across its twelve tracks. rosie isn’t just a debut; it’s a statement. ROSÉ has crafted an album that is as multifaceted as she is, blending K-pop sensibilities with global influences to create something truly universal. Her willingness to lay her emotions bare, combined with her musical innovation, results in a project that is both deeply personal and widely relatable.
Fans of ROSÉ’s work with BLACKPINK will find plenty to love, but rosie is ultimately a testament to her growth and individuality as an artist. This is ROSÉ at her most authentic—a journey worth taking again and again.
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