ROSIE Embraces Her Inner “City Woman” with Country-Kissed New Single
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
New York singer-songwriter ROSIE has returned with a refreshing new sound, unveiling her country-tinged single, “City Woman,” now available via Arista Records. This heartfelt and cleverly written track puts a playful spin on the timeless theme of contrasting personalities finding an initial spark, only to discover that those differences might ultimately lead them down diverging paths.
“City Woman” gently eases into its narrative with the delicate strumming of an acoustic guitar before blossoming into a full-band rhythm that evokes a charming, Nashville-esque trot. While ROSIE firmly embodies the “City Woman” of the title, her vocals possess a remarkable versatility, effortlessly soaring to high notes and dipping into intimate whispers, painting a vivid and relatable scene for the listener.
The opening lines immediately establish the contrasting worlds of the two individuals in the song:
You’ve got IPA and cigarettes, lingering on your breath
And me, I like an overpriced iced coffee
You’ve got wrangler jeans and riding boots, and I prefer Nike shoes
We’re opposites but you insist you want me.
This lyrical snapshot perfectly encapsulates the initial allure of difference, the magnetic pull that can exist between seemingly disparate individuals. However, beneath the surface of playful banter lies a subtle acknowledgment of the potential for these very differences to become insurmountable.
The accompanying lyric video for “City Woman” further emphasizes ROSIE’s authentic and unvarnished artistry. Seated simply on a stool, she serenely sings along to the track, allowing the raw emotion and clever wordplay to take center stage. This stripped-down visual approach mirrors the honesty and vulnerability that have become hallmarks of her music.
The release of “City Woman” marks ROSIE’s first new music since her cathartic and introspective EP, What Scares Me the Most, which arrived in November of last year. This deeply personal collection served as a powerful testament to her ability to transform raw emotions into compelling and ultimately healing music. The EP offered listeners an unfiltered glimpse into her inner world, set against a timeless backdrop of folk, pop, and indie influences.
A standout track from What Scares Me the Most was “Break a Promise,” a poignant and heart-on-her-sleeve duet featuring Nashville’s rising talent, Caleb Hearn. This collaboration showcased ROSIE’s ability to connect with other artists and create emotionally resonant musical moments.
Other highlights from the EP included the tender and charming “Big Heart,” the resolute and strong-willed “Lose Me Too,” and the impactful “Rock Bottom.” It was “Rock Bottom” that garnered high praise from The Honey Pop, who rightfully recognized ROSIE as “a singer-songwriter you all need to have your eyes on.”
Further showcasing her artistic depth, ROSIE also shared moving full-band performance videos for tracks like “Blood Moon” and “I Was Wrong,” offering a different dimension to the already compelling songs.
Prior to the release of What Scares Me the Most, ROSIE and Caleb Hearn first joined forces on “Little Bit Better” in early 2024. This viral folk-pop gem quickly captured the hearts of listeners, amassing over 16 million streams within its first two months. The collaboration was lauded by Conversations About Her, who enthusiastically noted that the winning pair “bring their own unique styles to the mix, creating a sound that’s both touching and catchy.”
With “City Woman,” ROSIE continues to evolve as an artist, seamlessly blending her New York singer-songwriter sensibilities with a newfound country twang. The single showcases her growth as a storyteller and her ability to infuse familiar themes with fresh perspectives and clever lyrical twists. As she navigates the complexities of modern relationships with honesty and musicality, ROSIE solidifies her position as a compelling and authentic voice in contemporary music, one who is unafraid to explore new sonic territories while staying true to her heartfelt core.