Rosé of BLACKPINK Reinvents Herself as a Folk Singer-Songwriter with 'rosie'

Rosé from BLACKPINK has shed her idol identity to emerge as a folk singer-songwriter with her full-length album 'rosie'. Unlike the pre-released track 'APT.', the album's songs carry no trace of K-pop. Instead, they exude the essence of an artist telling her own story.

Released at midnight on the 6th, Rosé's album 'rosie' is a project in which she participated in writing and composing all the tracks. The only unreleased new song among the triple titles, 'toxic till the end', narrates her past relationship with a former lover who mentally dominated her. It portrays her struggle to break free from a toxic relationship she was addicted to. The song is direct and personal, with Rosé even introducing her ex-lover through a mid-song narration.

'toxic till the end' features a synth lead sound commonly used in songs by pop stars like Taylor Swift and Lauv. The track is enhanced with explosive drum beats and pad sounds, reminiscent of Taylor Swift's 'Cruel Summer' or Anne-Marie's '2002'.

Most of the album's tracks are based on acoustic guitar and piano sounds, falling into the folk or R&B genres. However, two tracks stand out with their unique styles. 'drinks or coffee' offers a vibe rarely seen from domestic artists, combining Latin rhythms with heavy bass and smooth synth sounds to create a sexy atmosphere. The lyrics express a woman's monologue as she approaches a stranger she feels a strong attraction to, evoking excitement in listeners.

Another track, '3am', showcases a different charm by using guitar accompaniment with heavy 808 bass and hip-hop trap beats. It's a refreshing song that blends folk sensibilities with a hip-hop track that seems fit for sing-rapping. This track exemplifies Rosé's ability to transcend genre boundaries with her composition skills.

With this album, Rosé has chosen to step outside the confines of being an idol. She has set aside abstract love stories without a subject, opting instead to share personal stories that K-pop idols often avoid. This is a bold strategy for an idol member who typically fosters a fandom by inducing pseudo-romantic feelings. We welcome the courageous transformation from 'BLACKPINK's Rosé' to 'Artist Park Chaeyoung'.

By Min-Kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr