Through Rosé-tinted glasses

Rosie blends pop ballads and soft rock, with tracks that evoke dancing, reflection, or even tears

by GLORIA HARRY BEATTY

THE K-pop princess, Rosé of Blackpink, has unveiled her debut studio album, Rosie, through Atlantic Records. This 12-track collection is her most personal and candid project to date, as Rosé took a hands-on approach, co-writing and co-producing every track herself.

One of the album’s standout singles is APT, featuring Bruno Mars. This infectious track has dominated charts globally, consistently holding the top spot on the Billboard Global 200 and the Global Excl. US charts since its release on Oct 18. The collaboration has resonated strongly with fans worldwide, marking a significant milestone in Rosé’s solo journey.

Following APT, Rosé released her second single, Number One Girl, a soft rock ballad exploring themes of longing and heartbreak. The track has garnered significant attention, charting in countries such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. The success of these singles highlights Rosé’s versatility, showing her ability to resonate across multiple genres.

Rosie also features captivating tracks like Drinks Or Coffee, 3AM, Two Years, Toxic Till The End, Not The Same, Too Bad For Us and Dance All Night. Each song tells its own unique story, contributing to the emotional depth and range of the album.

In her album notes, Rosé shared a personal reflection on the creation of Two Years. She revealed that she was in a particularly bad mood the day before writing the track, and that emotional state fuelled the raw and candid song about an ex — a relationship that had been dragging on for too long. The track served as a cathartic release for her pent-up emotions.

Another standout track, 3AM, captures the internal conflict of those late-night moments when you’re tempted to make decisions you know aren’t right. Rosé describes it as reflecting those moments when you’re struggling to move on, yet still yearning to make things work with someone despite knowing it’s not the best choice.

The album itself offers a dynamic blend of pop ballads and soft rock, with songs that inspire dancing, reflection, or even tears. This diversity aligns perfectly with Rosé’s artistic style, showcasing her emotional honesty and creating a deeper connection with her fans.

Rosie’s Vibe

Early this month, Warner Music Malaysia hosted an exclusive pre-release listening party for Rosie at the chic Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel. The event brought together media personalities, influencers and key opinion leaders who were eager to catch an early listen to Rosé’s new music.

The intimate gathering was a vibrant celebration, filled with trivia games, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities and a selection of delicious food and drinks. Guests were immersed in Rosé’s soulful artistry while witnessing her evolution as a solo artist.

Having listened to the album, this writer can’t help but be impressed. Tracks like Two Years, Drinks Or Coffee, APT and Number One Girl particularly stand out. Rosé’s distinctive

style and voice give these songs a timeless quality, reminiscent of early 2000s classics.

Her angelic vocals — clear, pure and soothing — make each track resonate deeply, proving Rosé’s undeniable strength as a solo artist.

As a member of Blackpink, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, Rosé has already experienced unparalleled success. The group has shattered records, dominated global stages and earned millions of fans worldwide.

Yet, Rosé’s solo career demonstrates her ability to shine independently. Her 2021 single On The Ground debuted at No 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart and became the highest-charting song by a solo female K-pop artist on the Billboard Hot 100, further showcasing her immense talent and global appeal.

Fashion Icon, Brands’ Ambassador

Beyond music, Rosé has made a name for herself as a fashion icon. She has become the face of luxury brands like Saint Laurent, Tiffany & Co, Rimowa and Puma, cementing her influence in the fashion world with her impeccable style and charisma.

Rosé’s global influence extends far beyond music and fashion, with over 79 million followers on Instagram. Her massive following and success underscore the growing global impact of Korean artists, breaking barriers and re-shaping the future of entertainment on a global scale.

With Rosie officially released on Dec 6, Rosé has firmly established herself as a solo powerhouse. The album blends personal storytelling, musical artistry, and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression.

Fans have wholeheartedly embraced this new chapter, ensuring that Rosie will leave a mark on the music world and solidifying Rosé’s place as a force to be reckoned with.


  • This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition