TRACK BY TRACK: ROSÉ's 'Rosie'

ROSÉ, the lead singer of South Korea’s number one girl group, has come back to release her surprise solo album Rosie. With news dropping last year of her and BLACKPINK members not renewing their contract with their former label YG, many fans were scared of what that would mean for her future. In a shocking swing, we now see she has come back better than ever with a new contract signing with Atlantic Records. Check out our no-skips album review below!

1. "number one girl"

The start is where we get to the crux of the album. ROSÉ shows us vocally what she desires most in relationships in this heart-wrenching ballad: the validation of her loved one. ROSÉ begins this album by showcasing a double meaning -- while the majority of this album is about a loved one, she always desires to be loved by the people around her.

Favorite Lyrics: "Tell me that you need me, tell me that I’m loved..."

2. "3am"

The album starts its pop influences with “3am”. The song is a trap-inspired single dedicated to her lover whom she is in denial of being a red flag. The song is incredibly catchy and laments over her reluctance to give up on her love.

Favorite Lyrics: "Hold me, kiss me on my face / Talk sh*t about the world with me all day..."

3. "two years"

ROSÉ continues to display her vulnerability through her music with “two years”. Her lyrics show a callback to previous solo release, “GONE”, where she states that her love for her previous partner still hasn’t faded, even though it’s been two years. The song has more electronic influences but maintains her ballad inspirations heard throughout the album.

Favorite Lyrics: "Two years since you’ve been in my bed / Even had a funeral for you in my head...."

4. "toxic till the end"

This song is faster-paced with electro-rock influences. ROSÉ sings of her toxic dynamic with an ex, and how she hates everything they’ve done to her, but would still rush back to them if given the opportunity to. The song is perfect to sing along to, making a perfect ode to any toxic former lovers who you know are bad for you but you feel an unshakeable connection to.

Favorite Lyrics: "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the ex..."

5. "drinks or coffee"

ROSÉ shows us a surprising side of herself musically with “drinks or coffee". The song is a groovy shift for her, a welcome change to her usual pop-rock influences. She sings of inviting someone she’s interested in to getting either drinks or coffee with her, introducing a lighthearted side of herself we haven’t heard thus far in the album.

Favorite Lyrics: "Gotta keep it nice, we cannot be naughty / We could get drinks or we could get coffee..."

6. "APT." feat. Bruno Mars

In what is widely considered the breakout of the album, we finally reach “APT.” The smash single was released ahead of her album in collaboration with Bruno Mars. The song references the Korean drinking game "Apartment", which can be heard in the beginning and chorus of the song. The two sing of inviting their loved ones to their apartment with a playful wittiness in their lyrics. The song is very fast-paced and incredibly catchy, especially with their repeating lyrics of "apateu".

Favorite Lyrics: "Don’t you want me like I want you, baby? / Don’t you need me like I need you now?"

7. "gameboy"

The song continues her central theme of wishing her lover was a better person and loved her truly for who she is. She compares her past lover to a Gameboy due to all the games he played while dating her. The song has a fun bass in the background, along with enchanting vocalizations echoing alongside. ROSÉ continues her exploration of genres, confidently testing the waters for herself as an artist.

Favorite Lyrics: "But you took my love for granted / And it took me two years to understand it..."

8. "stay a little longer"

The song is a powerful ballad with a beautiful piano accompaniment. ROSÉ showcases her lower vocal register, displaying a side of her that her fans have yet to hear so far. The scratchiness of her voice beautifully shows a vulnerable side of her music, with a rasp that’s hard to forget. ROSÉ sings of wanting her lover to stay with her longer, pleading that she won’t be able to survive if they’re gone.

Favorite Lyrics: "I’m fragile, I’m speechless, don’t leave me in pieces..."

9. "not the same"

The song begins with a fun guitar solo, reminiscent of The Beatles classic “Here Comes the Sun”. ROSÉ continues to impress listeners vocally with this acoustic track. Very different from her other songs in this album, with them mostly being higher in production in regards to instrumentation. This song is a great stripped-down version, blowing listeners away with just how strong of a vocalist ROSÉ really is.

Favorite Lyrics: "Don't know who you think you’re kidding, babe / Yeah, you’re not the same, not the same..."

10. "call it the end"

This song reminds me of what makes Olivia Rodrigo’s music great, which is taking the time to let your vocals take charge of the message of what you’re singing. The song is beautifully simplistic, giving ROSÉ’s vocals and lyrics the opportunity to shine vividly. She sings of the confusing nature of her relationship with her partner, wondering where they are in their respective relationship and if it’s worth it to even continue.

Favorite Lyrics: "Should I call it the end? / Are we lovers or friends? / Is this as good as it gets? / Should I call it the end?"

11. "too bad for us"

ROSÉ makes for another anthem track, with a slower, guitar-influenced piece of music. She continues to sing of her past lover, detailing how the two were doomed from the start. She uses metaphors of failures to reinforce this message, even referencing the tale of Icarus. ROSÉ enchants listeners with her higher-pitched singing, making the song even more heartbreaking.

Favorite Lyrics: "Flying high with both eyes closed / Almost touched the sun, I guess we got too close..."

12. "dance all night"

ROSÉ starts to relinquish the hold her past lover has over her as we reach the end of the album. She sings of optimism, declaring how she’s ready to live a happier, more carefree life. The song is still characteristically slow, but with a major key that makes you want to smile along as well. Lyrically, and especially within the verses, the song is heavily reminiscent of Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Put Your Records On”.

Favorite Lyrics: "Got out of my bed today / The sunlight was hitting my face / And two little birds came and sat on the edge / And they asked if I'm doin' okay...”