Bruno Mars teams up with BLACKPINK’s Rośe for fun new single ‘APT’: A review

Last Friday, BLACKPINK fans were treated to a brand new single from Rośe titled APT, released under an exclusive license to Atlantic Recording Corporation for the world excluding Korea. The K-pop star teams up with Bruno Mars for a bouncy pop record, which is reportedly inspired by a popular Korean drinking game.

Rośe's collaboration with the Uptown Funk singer-songwriter marks her first solo release, officially following up on 2021's R, which delivered fan-favorite singles On The Ground and Gone.

The song's title, APT, derives from the word "apartment," a slang term used to reference a popular Korean drinking game based on memory. As per the game's rules, players must place their hands in a stack, usually on a table, while repeatedly chanting "APT" in a "rhythmic pattern" until somebody makes a mistake.

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Bar-For-Bar: Breaking down Rośe and Bruno Mars' new collaborative single 'APT'

The single was released alongside an official music video, starring Mars and Rośe, which has already garnered over to 85 million views since it was uploaded on October 18, 2024.

Set against a pink and black backdrop, the music video features both stars donning matching black leather jackets. The K-pop star playfully bounces around the room, singing the energetic hook, while Mars nonchalantly plays APT's poppy beat progressions on a live drum set.

The track will also reportedly act as the lead single for Rośe's upcoming debut studio album, Rosie, which is currently scheduled to be released on December 6, 2024. Notable themes discussed on APT include love, relationships, and intimacy.

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(Chorus)

"Apateu, apateu / Apateu, apateu / Apateu, apateu / Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh / Apateu, apateu / Apateu, apateu / Apateu, apateu / Uh, uh-huh, uh-huh"

Rośe opens on APT, building on the track's energetic production by repeating the Korean pronunciation for an apartment, Apateu, in tight progressions. The hook is quite catchy and invites listeners into the upbeat tempo of her new single.

The chorus immediately sets the stage for Rośe's lively, playful, verse, where the singer speaks on her desire for a deeper connection.

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(Verse 1)

A screenshot from the official music video for 'APT' (Image via YouTube/@roses_are_rosie)

"Kissy face, kissy face / Sent to your phone, but / I'm tryna kiss your lips for real (Uh-huh, uh-huh) / Red hearts, red hearts / That's what I'm on, yeah / Come give me somethin' I can feel, oh-oh, oh"

In her verse, Rośe explores themes of love and intimacy, when referencing emojis, like "Kissy face" and "Red Hearts," to highlight her growing affection toward her new love interest.

The pop star's desire for a tangible, meaningful connection, moving beyond just digital communication, sits at the core of her lyricism.

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(Pre-Chorus)

"Don't you want me like I want you, baby? / Don't you need me like I need you now? / Sleep tomorrow, but tonight, go crazy / All you gotta do is just meet me at the"

Listeners are then introduced to Rośe's pre-chorus, which effectively builds the anticipation for her "Apateu hook". The bar finds the pop star questioning her love interest's true desires while suggesting a meet-up at her apartment if their feelings are mutual.

While it's clear that a majority of APT's production nods to late 2000s pop music, the vocal performance, delivery, and cadence, showcased in the pre-chorus, are reminiscent of songs like Lady Gaga's Judas.

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(Verse 2)

A screenshot from the official music video for 'APT' (Image via YouTube/@roses_are_rosie)

"It's whatever (Whatever), it's whatever (Whatever) / It's whatever (Whatever) you like (Woo) / Turn this apateu into a club (Uh-huh, uh-huh) / I'm talkin' drink, dance, smoke, freak, party all night (Come on) / Geonbae, geonbae, girl, what's up? Oh-oh, oh"

Bruno Mars' verse fits perfectly into the playful nature of the record, echoing themes explored during Rośe's performance. The singer invites his love interest to transform an apartment into a club party, complete with drinks, dancing, and games.

Listeners are drawn into the carefree, party atmosphere, of the APT, with Mars even incorporating the Korean term "Geonbae," meaning "cheers," in his verse. The singer's verse acts as a coming together and blend of cultures, while still maintaining the celebratory nature of this record.

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With two months to go before Rośe's highly anticipated debut studio album, Rosie, is delivered to streaming platforms, her recent collaboration with Bruno Mars effectively sets the stage for her upcoming LP.