Woosung is Reborn in His Latest Album, “4444”
Kim Woosung, singer-songwriter and lead vocalist and guitarist of The Rose, reawakens with a new persona in his second full-length album, 4444 on October 4. Exploring themes of deep introspection and self-discovery, the 8-track record captures a new side of Woosung by introducing retrospective beats and electronic soundscapes. Get ready to dance and feel reborn as EnVi dives deep into his latest release that transcends time.
Death and Rebirth
“Day That I Died” was the first track to be released as a single in August. This song is produced with somber piano chord progressions paired with a violin — emulating his signature ballad style. The release was followed by a visually captivating music video, providing fans with the first inside look to 4444. Soft, glowing visuals and dark-blue tones capture the scene as Woosung sings at a grand piano.
When Woosung reaches the bridge, the piano is engulfed in flames as Woosung sings: “I swear I’ll never leave this room … / … Waiting here for you” and “‘Cause the day that you left / Was the day that I died.” His emotions build up and lead to a vocal release before quickly returning back to a soft tone. Though the song is not about a relationship, as mentioned by Woosung in a Stationhead broadcast, there is a feeling of longing for someone. His lyrics insinuate being seized in his memories and paralyzed in time as he waits for this person’s return.
Since first debuting in 2017 with The Rose, Woosung’s musical journey has been steady with writing and producing songs that range from indie pop to alternative rock. Further proving his musical talents, Woosung has now deviated from his typical sound and plunged into the world of EDM for the rest of 4444, signifying a rebirth in his musical career.
Illumination
Ready to bear his heart out, Woosung opens the record with “Paper Cuts,” featuring New Vaticans. “If you want a story, I’ll give you my heart / In all of my glory / I’ll tell it all,” he sings.
Their airy, velvety vocals compliment each other and elevate the listening experience to the clouds, much like the album cover. This cheerful song subtly introduces listeners to a new experience that Woosung is ready to share with the world.
“Happy Alone,” featuring B.I., is guitar based with a melodic beat that creates a sensation of floating in the clouds. Woosung is reveling in a newfound freedom of finally being on his own after someone walks out of his life. He places emphasis on feeling relieved when he sings, “I’m so happy / Happier alone.” This track is one of a few on the album that have remnants of Woosung’s earlier style while reaching out to a fresh, upbeat vibe.
Euphoria and Freedom
The rest of the discography brings an exhilarating atmosphere, perfectly setting the stage for a lively tour. The second song, “Before We Die,” kicks off with beats that transport listeners into a cosmic awakening. As an ode to living life, Woosung expands on releasing the weight of expectations along with not “selling our souls for the future before we die.” The song builds up to a euphoric release composed of high-energy soundscapes which symbolizes achieving a sense of liberation.
Title track “44 (Forget Forever)” is accompanied by a music video with powerful contemporary dancing and mesmerizing imagery. Dynamic movement is shown by the dancers’ fluid movements through the flashing lights, showers of water, and lingering smoke. The music video portrays the tension of releasing the past in order to step into a new version of yourself.
Forever never lasts, so who will you be? “44 (Forget Forever)” goes hand-in-hand with the previously mentioned track, as both share a message of tapping into who you are deep down.
Transitioning to a sensual mood, “Never Let Go” taps into trance music with alluring lyrics and continuous beats. There’s a mystifying feeling of seeing someone you’re attracted to or longing for. Lyrics like “Tell me that you’ll never let go / Don’t go, even when the sun drops low,” take listeners along for the ride of being consumed in someone’s presence. This track adds a playful touch to the album.
Taking listeners through a galactic experience, Woosung is dazzled by a “star,” or a guiding presence, in “Found You.” Enchanted by this bright light, the lyrics illustrate an out-of-world feeling. “I think I love you / So much that I can’t move,” he sings softly. His words resound with reflections of feeling stunted until he found this presence.
Ending on a high note, the beats of “Let There Be Light,” featuring BOL4, elicit an etheric sound. The beginning starts with an echoing voice, which Woosung notes. Continuing with this guiding presence, they instill optimism and have shown him the light, symbolizing a positive shift in Woosung’s introspection. His lyrics, “You taught me how to open up my eye / Heat the feeling that I have inside,” convey a whimsical tone and lightheartedness as he feels more uplifted. From introducing 4444 with a mellow song to closing it off with a radiant EDM track, Woosung perfectly encompasses musical transition while staying true to his style.
Catch Woosung during his world tour “B4 WE DIE” this fall! 4444 is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music! Follow Woosung for more updates on his Instagram, TikTok, and website.
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