POP

Vicious Creature
By Lauren Mayberry

Looking for something refreshing and fearlessly original? Lend your ears to this latest retro-style album. Lauren Mayberry, the vocalist and percussionist of the Scottish synth-pop band Chvrches has finally come up with a solo album. Vicious Creature remains true to her 80s’ style of pop. Comprising 12 tracks, the album meanders from energetic beats to mellow melodies.

Something in the Air and Crocodile Tears are dynamic, anthems of a bold and spirited woman. Punch Drunk is a forceful, high-energy number that delves into her tumultuous mind as she navigates the turbulences of life.

Anywhere But Dancing and Oh, Mother bring out the softened rhythms, the latter stemming from personal space, with the singer addressing her family’s state, gripped by sickness.

With songs written in ballad style, the singer showcases her raw emotions, taking the listener through highs and lows, palpable through the music. Gritty lyrics like
‘I change shapes ’til I get what I want from you ‘It’s your game, now you’re mad that I learned the rules ‘We’re all snakes, but what else is a girl supposed to do?’
stamp the solo singer’s space – a stepping out and apart from the band, away from her image of being ‘one of the boys’ alongside Chvrches band members Ian Cook, Martin Doherty and Jonny Scott.

At just under 38 minutes, the album is a breeze. Vicious Creature is Lauren’s uninhibited ode to femininity and is a fierce expression of her breaking free.

POP

Rosie
By Rosé

K-Pop music’s BLACKPINK member Roseanne Park, better known as Rosé, has struck out with her debut solo album Rosie. Comprising 12 songs, it traces the trajectory of romantic love in all its stages – from starry-eyed attraction to heartbreak and finally acceptance and moving on.

Number One Girl and 3am are youthful numbers reminiscent of Y2K tunes. Detailing young love, the lyrics are filled with hope, longing and carefreeness. Two Years and Toxic till The End mark a plateauing and the beginning of a dip in the graph of relationships as the singer grapples with her complicated emotions. Drinks Or Coffee and APT. are high-energy, peppy tracks, with the latter, a colab with Bruno Mars, going viral on social media.

Not The Same and Call It the End mark the bitter but learning phases of her emotional journey, where the singer is beginning to comprehend the tough realities of life and relationships. The songs grow in maturity with more soulful and melodic rhythms, delineating her personal journey. The final track – Dance All Night – raises the album’s arc again as it indicates a young girl’s triumph in overcoming setbacks.

Rosie is a radically different take from the K-pop singer’s previous works with her band, as it reveals a peak into the singer’s personality and personal life. The tracks are an interesting mix, ranging from R&B and Taylor-Swift-like-pop to a piano ballad, and trap and synth tunes. While some may find the transitions jarring; Rosé fans are sure to enjoy the ride.