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In 2023, BLACKPINK renewed their contracts with YG Entertainment for group-based activities while taking their solo activities elsewhere. Over this year, the BLACKPINK members have been busy working on solo projects (including song releases). We have heard song releases from LISA and JENNIE, which I have not reviewed yet but will do so in the coming weeks—watch the blog for those reviews. But for now, ROSÉ’s collaboration with Bruno Mars, APT., sneaks in to be the first song I will review from the BLACKPINK members’ solo careers post YG Entertainment.
It should take you less than a listen to feel the fun nature behind APT.. A few signs will help you make this realization. The chant that begins the song and the super catchy and fun “Apteu, Apteu” are familiar drinking games in Korea and have been heard on many Korean variety shows. The chant features giggles from ROSÉ and friends (a clear indication of how fun it should be), and APT.‘s main refrain is addictively catchy. Even the energy that ROSÉ and Bruno Mars exude during the song is playful and whimsical, contributing to that fun sound. And since APT. dropped on Friday, I have been playing it repeatedly because it is so catchy. But while the exterior is entertaining, I also have good things to say about the music of APT. itself. I love the song’s simplicity, with the straightforward pop-punk instrumentation reminding me very much of Arvil Lavinge in the early ’00s. I have also come across people saying it reminds them of Hey Mickey (which is so true), another song from the early ’00s that brings further nostalgia. ROSÉ and Bruno Mars sound amazing when they aren’t repeating “Apteu, Apteu“; the pre-choruses are a testament to that. While a little cringy, I also enjoyed ROSÉ’s bridge in the song. Altogether, APT. is a fun song that is easy to get into but hard to forget.
The music video also contributes to the song’s fun nature. ROSÉ and Bruno Mars are having so much fun playing around and dancing with each other. I can see everyone else (me included) joining in with them to just let loose and have some fun after a long day. Simplicity is also an appealing factor in this video. ROSÉ and Bruno Mars donned black leather motorcyclist jackets and had fun in a pink room. Nothing complicated about this video, which helps make APT. more enjoyable and appealing. Even the visual effects added to the video don’t feel crazy and just channel the same energy that ROSÉ and Bruno Mars bring out in the video.
Song – 9/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9/10
English (US) · 