[Review] ROSE & Bruno Mars group up on the straightforward, enjoyable “APT” – Asian Junkie

Being late on protecting songs supplies attention-grabbing perspective within the sense that it’s unimaginable to keep away from everyone’s reactions. From what I’ve seen, this ROSE and Bruno Mars collab on “APT” has been undeniably common however has additionally seen surprisingly excessive reactions — from it being precisely what Okay-pop was lacking this yr and what it wants now to being an annoying and juvenile waste of a chance for her. Studying that, I do know what you’re pondering, “Is that this fucker gonna fence-sit and center street it?” The reply is sure, as a result of that’s sorta what it deserves, IMO.

The entire idea of the track is truthfully essentially the most attention-grabbing factor about it. The intro of a gaggle taking part in a Korean consuming recreation hints on the origins of the hook, and it’s a pleasant approach of mixing an English-language launch whereas protecting some hints of Korean roots. The track itself can be largely easy and catchy enjoyable with a stomping, youthful vitality that sorta offers it Disney cheerleading film soundtrack vibes in non-pejorative approach.

That stated, I do suppose there’s some potential left on the desk right here, as on repeat listens the repetitive hook is certainly an earworm, however extra in a tiring than addictive approach — particularly in comparison with the straightforward comp right here in “Mickey”. Additionally, the bridge was an opportunity for ROSE to actually set it aside from generic pop efforts however it ended up underwhelming as a result of some mixing selections and lack of melodic attraction (the pre-chorus was the primary spotlight in that class).

Whereas I admit to anticipating an additional gear in some ingredient or one other provided that it’s ROSE and Bruno Mars, “APT” is a enjoyable, high quality pop track that’ll most likely discover its approach onto one in every of my enjoyable playlists or three. The acute takes are a bit bizarre contemplating it’s a pop observe that has a fairly generic blueprint at its core, and is simply elevated by the creativity of the idea and the artists concerned.