Song Review:: Rosé (BLACKPINK): number one girl

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  • Release date: 2024 November 22
  • Album tracklist: number one girl, APT.
  • Album runtime: 6 minutes

 Hah! I figured out how to get the accent on the e. I'll retroactively go back and fix everything when I have a moment. I would have done what I did earlier, but I honestly didn't think it would work. More fool me. Also, I'll update this with the album's tracklist on release.

Here comes the second of her singles leading up to her release in December. After the dominance of APT. from last month, expecting the same explosive, worldwide obsession is unrealistic for this one as well (though lightning does sometimes strike twice), but I hope it does well at least.

The solo piano throughout the first part of the song works well as a melancholy background, thematically appropriate given the topic of the lyrics. There are some very lovely, soft beats of rest. Sometimes rests in a song are pointed and aggressive, a continuous build of energy. For number one girl, they are actual of moments of respite from the emotions of the song, allowing Rosé's lovely voice to carry the weight of the song, and it is fully capable of doing so. I love the transition of the piano's lower notes to the upper notes. Without altering the mood, they give the song some lovely texture. The introduction of the very subtle strings and the powerful drums produce a surge of energy to swell the song. I love the brief return to the solo piano for a little bit before the song explodes for the climax, only to settle softly to close.

Rosé went from the high energy APT. to the quite soulful number one girl. That right there is a great display of her tonal vocal range, but the sheer expressiveness of her voice here has to be applauded. She sounds a lot like Avril Lavigne or Kelly Clarkson, but her voice very much fits in with that time frame. I really like the dynamics of the song, even if there isn't a true belt. This is a genuinely lovely song, and I'm probably going to be sending it to my cousin who pretty much only listens to sad songs.

The styling of this music video is fully "home videos from the 90s" in concept, which immediately makes the genre horror for me. I know it's not. I understand that it's meant to be a personal element, to make her relatable and understandable and all of those relevant -able words, but that is a nope from me. The home video aesthetic has been used too often in horror. But pushing past that because I know the genre is not horror, I kind of love the vulnerability she's displaying. As a side note, I love the outfits, especially the black crop tank and jeans. It kind of reminds me of the early 00s. I could actually fully see that being an outfit worn by Avril Lavigne during one of her sad songs. It's nice. Also, congrats to her for directing this music video!



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