Rosé is our number one girl
- Anthony Pintado
- Feb 21
- 3 min read
By Anthony Pintado Staff Writer On Oct. 1, 2024 Rosé announced to the world she would be releasing her first studio album “rosie.” This would be her first full body of work as a solo artist having only previously released two singles back in 2021. Deeming “rosie” as her own little journal, it was hinted that fans would gain a new perspective of her - not just as an artist but as a view into her personal life. The album encapsulates that sense of self and identity that’s needed to tell this story, using heartache, love, and general pop references along the way. We started the journey on Oct. 18, 2024 with the release of “APT.,” a high-energy pop song incorporating both K-pop and Western pop conventions. The single featured acclaimed singer and songwriter Bruno Mars bringing in fans of both artists. The single quickly rose to fame becoming the fastest K-pop song to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify, beating the past record held by Jungkook’s “Seven.” This, alongside many other accomplishments, set the expectations high for “rosie,” which was expected to be a high energy album. Then we got the announcement for “number one girl” set to release Nov. 22, 2024. The second single, “number one girl,” switched the pace of the album drastically. The piano-driven ballad explored a much more vulnerable side of Rosé exploring themes of insecurity, desire for validation, and heartbreak. It plays on both the reassurance needed in relationships and the reassurance needed in her career either from fans or the music industry. This vulnerability set the tone for the rest of the album, released Dec. 6, 2024. We saw Rosé explore the subject of fame, love, and heartbreak through 12 emotionally resonant tracks. The story created by “rosie” felt very universally relatable while being extremely personal to Rosé herself. Tracks like “two years” and “stay a little longer” showcase her growth as an artist, highlighting her vocal ability keeping it as the focal point, but having greater resonance. Compared to her first two singles as a solo artist, tracks on “rosie” feel real, as if they were etched with real life experience. They are more intimate and introspective. At its very core, “rosie” is a breakup album, exploring the marks past relationships have left on Rosé’s life. While this can be seen as bland and overdone, the story is truly compelling as it does not follow the simple narrative of victimhood - it refuses to do so. On the track “toxic till the end,” Rosé admits to being complicit in a toxic and destructive cycle. It is a refreshing take to see the self awareness and ability to air out her own flaws - a take not commonly seen in current day pop. Rosé’s artistry was able to shine bright in her ability to be vulnerable with her personal life while also being able to resonate universally with listeners. Being in an era where pop stars tread between being vulnerable and exposing too much, Rosé is able to reveal just enough to connect with her audience without having to sacrifice her sense of self. “rosie” is the perfect album, and that’s because it’s imperfect. The album is human - it allows fans to not see Rosé as a flawless idol but as a woman. A woman navigating love, heartbreak, and stardom. She has implemented herself as a strong solo artist, not one-fourth of BLACKPINK. Rosé is a storyteller and artist in her own way, baring her voice and soul to be heard by the world. Rating: B+ For next time, drinks or coffee?
