Rouge cover

Rouge

Yuna · 2019

41 min · 11 tracks · folk rock

A vibrant blend of folk and R&B, laced with introspective lyrics and Yuna's ethereal vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Castaway Start here — Opening the album, this track encapsulates themes of solitude and longing, highlighted by Yuna's airy vocals against a rhythmic backdrop.
  • →
    (Not) The Love of My Life — This song showcases Yuna's lyrical prowess as she navigates complex emotions around heartbreak with a catchy melody that contrasts its deeper themes.
  • →
    Teenage Heartbreak — With its nostalgic vibe, this track captures the essence of youthful love and loss, making it relatable through its vivid storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Yuna's 'Rouge' blends genres effectively but remains within familiar territory, balancing upbeat and introspective moments.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that blend folk and R&B, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
  • Yuna's vocals are layered with harmonies in several tracks, creating a rich texture that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • reflective personal storytelling
  • emotional exploration of youth
  • gentle, soothing listening experience
  • short, engaging song lengths
  • intimate late-night vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Rouge solidified Yuna's global presence, showcasing her artistic growth and cultural significance.
Themes
teenage heartbreak· solitude in love· nostalgic longing
Career context
By the time of releasing 'Rouge' in July 2019, Yuna had established herself as a significant voice in contemporary music following her breakthrough album 'Chapters' in 2016. This album marked her first major release after signing with Verve Records, showcasing her evolution in sound and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Lianne La Havas· Nina Nesbitt· Jorja Smith

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • (Not) The Love of My Life

    The bridge reveals an unexpected shift in perspective, where she confronts her past relationship head-on for the first time.

    This moment deepens the narrative tension, contrasting earlier verses that maintain a sense of detachment while emphasizing personal growth.

Tracklist

  • 1 Castaway Start here 4:29
  • 2 Blank Marquee 3:40
  • 3 (Not) The Love of My Life 3:37
  • 4 Teenage Heartbreak 4:16
  • 5 Pink Youth 4:00
  • 6 Forget About You 4:28
  • 7 Likes 3:35
  • 8 Amy 3:21
  • 9 Does She 3:22
  • 10 Forevermore 3:53
  • 11 Tiada Akhir 2:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata