Some might know Rosé as one of the members of the global K-pop girl group BLACKPINK. Others might become fans of Rosé after listening to her full-length debut album rosie, which came out on December 6th. This album marks a significant departure from her BLACKPINK roots, moving from high-energy and electro-pop hits to a more stripped-down, organic sound that showcases her deeply personal and introspective side. The album balances intimate storytelling with polished production, blending acoustic, indie pop, and electronic elements to explore themes of vulnerability, love, and growth. What an album to make a debut with!
Her album starts with the song ‘number one girl’, full of emotive acoustic and piano layers and thus sets a reflective tone. ‘3am’ employs minimalist arrangements with muted drums and electronic piano to create a dreamy atmosphere. ‘Two years’ reflects on time’s difficulties but at the same time healing and transformative power after a relationship ends. “I try I try I try but this love never dies / It’s been two years and you’re still not gone”.
The fourth song on the album is called ‘toxic till the end’. The song incorporates subdued beats and subtle acoustic tones, allowing Rosé’s raw vocal delivery to take center stage. This song explores the emotional complexities of toxic relationships. Kind of the opposite of the song ‘two years’. “I can forgive you for all of the things, for not giving me back my Tiffany rings, I’ll never forgive you for one thing my dear, you wasted my prettiest years.” The fifth song, ‘drinks or coffee’, provides a lighter tone and a playful exploration of relationship rituals, showing once more Rosé’s versatility as a storyteller.
The song ‘APT.’ has taken the world and the charts by storm. This collaborative song with Bruno Mars is trending everywhere and being played on the radio day and night. This standout collaboration combines acoustic vibes with smooth vocals, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh duet with undeniable chemistry. The conversational quality in this song invites listeners into a story of mutual longing, heightened by the interplay between Rosé’s and Bruno Mars’ vocals. Next up is ‘gameboy’ that brings some nostalgia with its playful R&B influences and guitar base.
‘stay a little longer’ exists in tender piano melodies that amplify the emotional weight of the song. Another song where Rosé leans into introspection is ‘not the same’, where she delivers lyrics that combine the simplicity of love with the pain of loss. ‘call it the end’ and ‘too bad for us’ are two songs that reveal Rosé’s ability to navigate between emotional ballads and playful, jazz-infused melodies. It shows, once again, how multifaceted Rosé is and how she’s confidently stepping into her solo artist identity. Lastly, there is ‘dance all night’, the upbeat finale of this debut album.
The songwriting on rosie is one of its strongest aspects, with Rosé being credited as (co-)writer on all the songs. Themes of heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery weave throughout the album. Add the different melodies, beats and instruments and you receive a dynamic yet cohesive album. It’s also undeniably a personal album, with Rosé baring her insecurities and celebrating her growth. Some might say her introspective storytelling is similar to Taylor Swift’s style, noting her ability to make universal emotions feel intimate and relatable. Her willingness to experiment with genres and explore different vocal textures adds a sense of authenticity. If you’re seeking a journey through love, heartbreak and self-discovery, rosie is a must-listen. Offering moments of introspection, joy and raw vulnerability, it’s a very promising start to what could be an exciting solo career for Rosé!
Written by: Maud Hoebers
Edited by: Nèri Cliteur
