One of the most anticipated albums since its announcement nearly two years ago, ROSÉ of BLACKPINK has finally made her solo debut with a single-album titled -R-. Dropped on March 12th 2021, it consists of two English songs, “On The Ground” and “Gone,” and as the second solo project coming out of the K-pop quartet, -R- has garnered much commercial success, breaking records upon records, and even setting two Guinness World Records.

The title track, “On The Ground,” is a pop/rock number where Rosé attempts to come down from the lavish pedestal she has been placed upon, and connect back to her grounded self once more. The singer and idol who once sang “Look at me I’m never coming down,” has now realized that “everything I need is on the ground,” wanting to return to the mindset of her old, true self, Roseanne.

With guitar-driven verses reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s 1989 era combined with a deep, zingy electro-pop chorus, the song has received mixed reviews for its musicality. The breathtaking verses take a retrospective stance on her life, and the guitar riffs literalize this atmosphere by sounding dreamy, but also have delectable somber turns to represent her struggle and realization. While the sudden juxtaposition of this woeful emotion with the more positive feeling chorus is quite unexpected, one becomes accustomed to the transition with time. At first, it’s definitely disappointing with it’s jarring and uncreative beat drop, where the lightness of the song is exacerbated by its simplicity. After subsequent listens, though, that beat drop now feels much more fitting, adding a delightful change in dynamics that complements her unique vocals and puts forth the celebratory mood.

The final chorus is definitely a heart-racing highlight of the track: with the synths having ascended while the bass and percussion descend step by step, it truly feels as if the listener is levitating just as Rosé does in the music video. It almost evokes this sense of vindication with closure, a fitting piece of lyricism for the finale. Speaking of which, as the norm with BLACKPINK at this point, the music video is very stunning and meaningful-- this was their most expensive project after all. From the scene where she runs through fireworks, to the one in the field of roses, every shot is wallpaper worthy. However, “On The Ground” continues one of the most substantial troubles with having such a large budget: is there too much going on? There are so many different sets and sceneries put together, to the point that not all of them are used to their fullest potential and end up falling flat. “On The Ground'' is not overwhelming or chaotic per se, in fact the video felt quite cohesive. But certain sequences were not utilized enough I feel, leaving behind a tinge of disappointment.

Overall, the song is clearly tailored for an international audience, which is logical commercially since BLACKPINK is booming in the West after all, and since it seems as though Rosé sought to create something pertaining to a style that she grew up with in the West. To support this, its production also has a very Western touch, turning it not as flamboyant as BLACKPINK’s productions usually are, but maintaining grandeur in a different, more subtle manner. It is not a complete dance track, but neither is it an all out ballad nor a fully midway meeting. In turn, this gives the song richness as it stands out in the sea of other K-pop songs, but at the same time, is lost in the ocean of Western songs due its generic-ness in that sphere.

The only B-side on the album, “Gone,” although just as emotional, takes a very different approach musically. This indie track reflects on a love that is long gone, putting much focus on Rosé’s vocals by stripping down the instrumental in the song to its bare bones. There has been much discussion on whether this should have been the title track, since it definitely affirms to the style listeners expected from her, but personally I feel “On The Ground” fits that criteria better. Especially considering the strict lifestyle rules commonplace in the K-pop industry, as well as her own statements, I doubt “Gone” is as sincere or genuine to Rosé as “On The Ground.”

The song is still extremely enjoyable though, from its crooning hook, to the catchy yet loaded lyrics. The soothing indie atmosphere is something quite different from anything BLACKPINK has ever done, even in terms of ballads. However, although her distinctive vocal color and execution suit the song perfectly, there are times when her singing turns cursive.. Luckily, this is not too prominent. The music video is again amazing, with a brilliant mix of bright and rogue scenes to attribute to the lyrics. It feels indescribably unconventional for a K-pop music video-- fittingly, it feels like a music video from a Western artist instead.

All in all, the debut was well executed, and one can truly tell that an artistic sense has fueled a production that desires to create something true to her. It may not be mind blowing or sensationally creative, but it’s fun, and adheres to an aesthetic and sound that very much scream ROSÉ, succeeding in setting up an identity for her as a solo artist. It will without doubt be interesting to see what she will put out in the future, as like the Guinness World Records stated, “this may just be the start of her record-breaking solo career.”