Thus far, Rosé has scored the biggest global success of any BLACKPINK member, but it comes with a caveat. Her mega-hit APT. shared billing with collaborator Bruno Mars who turbo-charged its popularity with his sizable commercial appeal. In fact, it seems that “pairing with a popular international artist” seems to be the most successful route for BLACKPINK soloists, as Jennie’s Dracula remix with Tame Impala has also gained a foothold on global charts. With New Trick, Rosé tries out the punky APT. sound on her own.

This is a very smart move — much smarter than releasing another dull Taylor Swift rip-off like much of the fare that filled her debut album. Her voice works well — and is actually more convincing — in an energetic context. And as Olivia Rodrigo has proven this year, there’s a big market for female fronted, vaguely-90s alt-rock at the moment. New Trick borrows liberally from decades of pop and rock music, but it’s a sturdy retread with satisfying songwriting and a strong performance from Rosé.

New Trick succeeds most during its propulsive, sing-along chorus. It’s a simple hook that will remind you of so many other songs you probably like and this familiarity holds the comfort of a well-fitted pair of jeans. I don’t know if there’s anything unique enough to keep me coming back the way APT.‘s giddy genre hodgepodge did, but I’d much prefer a Rosé album that sounds like this over another downbeat bedroom pop affair.

Grade: B-