Rosé’s first full album is just around the corner, and it’s already buoyed by a global megahit in the form of APT. with Bruno Mars. That single’s addictive sound has proven to appeal to a vast array of tastes. You know a song has broken through with the general public when they start using it in Dancing With The Stars advertisements! With new single Number One Girl, she’s returning to the successful Bruno Mars well. He may not be a duet partner this time, but he co-wrote and co-produced the song.
It APT. was all raucous firepower, Number One Girl dials things way back for a softer sound reminiscent of her solo debut. Based on what we’ve known of her music thus far, this is the style I’d expected from her album. It’s also the style I dreaded, as these kind of stark piano ballads tend to be a bit indulgent for me. Rosé has a very distinct voice, yet it’s also one that fits distinctly in the pop girl gestalt of the moment. Her performance feels genuine, but there are so many other songs and performances of this nature in the global marketplace, making it difficult for something like Number One Girl to stand out.
The melodies here are nice and you can hear Mars’ touch all over them. The production mostly stays out of the way, serving dramatic percussion over unadorned keys. This shines full spotlight on Rosé and she mostly captivates. I imagine this appealing very strongly to her core fanbase, but as a more casual listener it went in one ear and out the other. I’d take the frenzied energy of APT. any day, and I actually think she pulls off that concept more convincingly.
Hooks
8
Production
7
Longevity
7
Bias
7
RATING
7.25