What makes Roses by OutKast notable?

'Roses' became one of OutKast's most recognized tracks, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multiple accolades. The song's innovative sound and memorable lyrics contributed to a resurgence of interest in hip-hop storytelling during the early 2000s. By the time 'Roses' was released on May 25, 2004, OutKast was at the peak of their creative powers following their critically acclaimed album 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.' This track was part of a double album that showcased their versatility, with 'Roses' standing out as a fan favorite that explored themes of love and disillusionment.

How many songs are on Roses?

Roses has 2 tracks, running approximately 9 minutes.

Roses

OutKast · 2004

9 min · 2 tracks · hip-hop

A playful blend of sharp lyricism and eclectic production that showcases OutKast's signature Southern hip-hop flair.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Roses — This title track blends humor and poignancy, tackling the complexities of relationships while featuring a catchy hook that resonated widely with listeners.
→
Church — With its upbeat tempo and gospel influences, this track highlights the group's ability to merge different genres while delivering uplifting messages about faith and community.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Roses combines sharp lyricism with eclectic production, making it a standout in OutKast's catalog.

What we noticed

The track features a call-and-response structure between the verses and chorus, creating an engaging dynamic.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — 'Roses' solidified OutKast's status as a leading act in hip-hop after 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.'
Themes: relationship complexities· Southern hip-hop humor· disillusioned love
Career context: By the time 'Roses' was released on May 25, 2004, OutKast was at the peak of their creative powers following their critically acclaimed album 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.' This track was part of a double album that showcased their versatility, with 'Roses' standing out as a fan favorite that explored themes of love and disillusionment.
Stylistic neighbors: A Tribe Called Quest· CeeLo Green· The Roots