I really like Woosung, a lot. I love his music, which I appreciate even more than what he produces with The Rose, in all its variety of genres. I love his unique voice, so recognizable and scratchy, that on this album I found even improved (he seems to have gotten rid of that somewhat baroque flicker he used to end his verses with). I love the MVs that accompany his works, so revealing of the emotional depth they tell. I love his lyrics, so intimate, spiritual in the narrowest sense, poetic, tickling imagination and fantasy. I love the themes he deals with and his depth; the rawness, the search for meaning and clarity.
I waited with great curiosity for 4444, after literally consuming Moth I was thoroughly thirsty for new music. The excitement grew when hearing about the features: I love B.I almost as much as Woosung and I really felt this collaboration as a very positive sign of destiny! A special feature of the album is that the parts of B.I and Bol4 in Happy Alone and Let There Be Light bring some Korean nuances to an album otherwise entirely in English.
So, can we say that all that glitters is actually gold?
About the album in general, its topics and the differences with The Rose previous discography, I have already told you about here. So let’s see together the content, the gist, the sap of this work…the songs. As per usual, track x track.
1. Paper Cuts (feat. New Vaticans).
A peculiar choice: the voice that opens the album is not Woosung’s, but rather the gorgeous one of the lead singer of New Vaticans, a group that as of today only counts 403 monthly listeners on Spotify (!!!) and about whom not much can really be found online. The atmosphere is immediately melancholy and reflective. The indie pop genre fits perfectly with the lyrics that explore emotional wounds caused by past relationships, and meanwhile Woosung also tells us what his intentions are with this album:
Every Night
I sing songs
I only sing songs
I lose time
If you want a story
I’ll give you my heart
In all my glory
I’ll tell you everything
2. Before We Die
In this powerful alternative rock track, Woosung shows his vocal power in a more energetic context. As the title suggests, the song is about the fragility of life and the urgency to actually live. Electric guitar and fast-paced rhythms accompany a truly intense vocal performance. To witness to this one live will be a real blast.
Never sell your soul for future “nows.”
3. Day That I Died
Electro-pop sound, modern and catchy production. Woosung’s vocals are charged with emotion as he deals with the symbolic death of others’ emotions and with personal rebirth. The synth timpani that opens the chorus breaks up the hypnotic piano ride with a very pleasant and liberating futuristic accent. We have translated the lyrics here.
4. 44 (Forget Forever)
A track whose genre is difficult to describe. The audio track turns out to be perfect so that Woosung’s voice can fully convey the sense of melancholy and reflection on the importance of letting go of the past while trying not to have regrets. The arrangement is rich but not overwhelming, allowing the voice to stand out in all its magnificence.
If heaven and hell collided.
You would choose darkness over light
You have left enough of you, of you behind you
For no one lives forever
Forever is just a word
That everyone says when they’re hurt
5. Never Let Go
I do not remember a song in which Woosung uses his lower register so extensively, displaying a delicate yet powerful, assertive vocals. The covered topics are not the easiest: deep emotional attachments and fear of losing something. You can feel it in your belly, and it’s beautiful.
Tell me you will never let go
Don’t go away, even when the sun goes down
So low, when summer turns to snow
So cold, promise you’ll never let go
6. Found You
An exploration of discovering authentic love through soft, sensual vocals. The interweaving of ballad and more modern rhythms creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The lyrics celebrate the beauty of finding genuine love – this track is undoubtedly one of the album’s sweetest moments.
I think I love you
So much that I can’t move
You’re out of space
But I can’t be sure unless I stay
I’ve broken myself in two
A million pieces, uh
I’m sorry I didn’t see
The lights that were right in front of me
Until I found you
7. Happy Alone (feat. B.I)
This fresh track, which combines hip-hop – B.I’s domain – and pop, breaks the romantic-sentimental rhythm of the album. Woosung’s playful vocals (which here remind me not even too distantly of Bruno Mars, sorry not sorry) contrast with the rapper’s punchy bars, creating an interesting dynamic between the two artists. The theme of celebrating personal independence clearly emerges, making this track one of the most energetic and empowering on the album.
I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face
Just to see your suitcases parked at the entrance
There’s nothing sweeter than seeing you leave forever (Oh)
I used to pray that my phone would break down
So I wouldn’t have to talk to you anymore
I wish it was so easy to convince you to leave me forever
8. Let There Be Light (feat. BOL4)
With imperative, assertive verses, this alternative pop track talks about what happens when we meet someone who pushes us to change, to seek the light. The voices of the two performers create an almost mystical atmosphere, leaving the listener with a feeling of hope and renewal, as if each note is an invitation to embark on a new emotional journey.
Your voice calls from the other side
Makes me turn in the shining light
I don’t want to stay another night
I said I want to live a different life
What a beautiful album! With refined and different production and deeply personal lyrics, the album offers a rich, participatory and emotional listening experience. As far as I am concerned, this work confirms Woosung’s ability to navigate different genres while maintaining a strong artistic identity. The album manages to balance moments of vulnerability with innovative sonic explorations, leaving the listener satisfied and… well, I mean, when’s the next one coming out?
You can listen to 4444 here
