BLACKPINK’s Rosé returns to the solo spotlight with “Messy,” a cinematic pop ballad released on May 8, 2025, as part of F1 The Album, the official soundtrack for F1 The Movie. Swapping glittering stage lights for the smoky romance of a Las Vegas lounge, Rosé delivers a bold, emotionally raw performance—one that’s already stirring debate among critics and fans alike. We’ll walk you through the full review of “Messy” by Rosé—what works, what doesn’t, and why it matters.
Rosé Gets Vulnerable in “Messy” – A Stirring Solo for the F1 Soundtrack
In this review on “Messy” by Rosé, we explore how this new track marks a significant shift in her solo artistry. “Messy” trades K-pop polish for a sweeping pop-rock arrangement. Produced by Lostboy and Burns, the song opens with gentle piano chords that gradually build into a grand, almost theatrical chorus—layered with strings, atmospheric percussion, and cinematic flair. Rosé’s delicate voice, drenched in longing, cuts through the lush instrumental with a kind of emotional restraint that feels intentional.
Yet, it’s not all clean lines. The beauty of “Messy” lies in its imperfections—the wavering notes, the emotional hesitations. It’s a song about being undone by love, and Rosé leans into that theme with a vulnerability that feels more mature than her previous solo works.
Lyrics That Embrace Chaos
The lyrics, co-written by Rosé, speak to surrendering to passion—even when it’s disorienting:
“So, baby, let’s get messy
Let’s get all the way undone
Come over, undress me just like I’ve never been touched
Baby, I’m obsessed with you, and there’s no replica…”
It’s a bold declaration—of love, lust, and emotional exposure. The track doesn’t just skim the surface of romantic drama; it plunges deep into the chaos that often comes with real connection.
Visuals as Vulnerable as the Song
The official music video, released the same day, is a glamorous yet melancholic tour of Las Vegas. Rosé, alone in shimmering gowns and shadowy hotel rooms, performs for no one but herself. The empty city mirrors the loneliness beneath the song’s lyrics. A subtle nod to F1 The Movie appears in intercut driving shots, but the focus remains squarely on Rosé—portraying both the idol and the human behind the curtain.
While there is no full live stage performance yet, the music video’s acting and styling serve as a visual performance in their own right. Fans are already calling for a stripped-down live acoustic version, where her vocals could shine even brighter.
Mixed Numbers, Big Presence
“Messy” didn’t crack the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, which disappointed some fans. But its global impact paints a fuller picture:
- #1 on iTunes in 19 countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore
- #2 on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart
- Debuted at #62 on Spotify Global, reaching 1.9M+ streams in its first week
- #21 on YouTube Global Songs Weekly with over 16M views
- Strong rankings in the Philippines (#67), Taiwan (#2), Malaysia (#3), Singapore (#6), and more
For a soundtrack single with minimal promotion, the reach is impressive. Any review of “Messy” by Rosé would note that while Western markets showed a lukewarm response, her popularity across Asia remains strong.
What Are Fans and Critics Saying?
Critics are divided. The Bias List rated the track a 7.25/10, noting that while Rosé’s tone is captivating, the song felt “formulaic” and lacked emotional payoff in its climax. A Forbes columnist expressed regret that “Messy” didn’t debut on the Hot 100, calling it a missed opportunity for impact.
But among fans, the response has been primarily emotional and affectionate:
“Lowkey my favorite song from her so far. It’s raw.”
“This was kind of a banger though! Hoping for a live performance.”
“I feel seen by this song. Her voice breaks in all the right places.”
Final Verdict: Not Perfect, But Profound
“Messy” may not be a chart-topping juggernaut, but that’s not the point. It’s a song about emotional disarray, and Rosé performs it without the need to impress—just express. Her voice, intentionally restrained, invites listeners into the quiet, vulnerable places most pop songs gloss over.
This review concludes that “Messy” by Rosé is not for everyone. But for those who’ve ever been undone by love, “Messy” hits close to the heart. In the high-speed world of Formula 1, Rosé pulls over and asks you to feel the difference. That takes guts—and it makes this song quietly unforgettable.
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