On October 4, 2024, WOOSUNG, the lead vocalist of THE ROSE, released his highly anticipated solo album, 4444. This is an album that we at the team were eagerly awaiting, especially after the early release of "Day That I Died", which gave us a taste of what was to come. From that single alone, it was clear that 4444 would be WOOSUNG's most personal work to date, marked by heartfelt lyrics and his signature, smooth emotional delivery.
As soon as we hit play on 4444, it was impossible not to dive into WOOSUNG's unique sound. His captivating voice, present across all tracks, blends emotional depth with danceable beats, creating a rich and immersive experience. A standout track is "Never Let Go," co-written with Conor Byrne and produced by Janik Riegert, which perfectly captures WOOSUNG’s ability to mix vulnerability with an infectious rhythm that keeps listeners hooked.
However, it's the tracks "Day That I Died" and "Found You" that truly showcase WOOSUNG's songwriting genius. These songs need little embellishment—they are pure brilliance, drawing the listener into his world with minimal effort. His ability to convey deep emotion with such simplicity is nothing short of mesmerizing. For us, these tracks represent the essence of WOOSUNG, showing off the best of his talent.
And then came "Happy Alone" (feat. B.I.), an acoustic masterpiece that caught us off guard in the best possible way. The song talks about being content in solitude, and it’s impossible not to smile as WOOSUNG’s playful vocal range takes center stage. This collaboration with B.I. adds a cheeky freshness to the album, offering a fun, light-hearted vibe amid the more introspective tracks. WOOSUNG’s vocal magic is on full display here, taking us on an unexpected trip that we loved every moment of.
Another highlight is "Let There Be Light" (feat. BOL4), one of our most anticipated tracks when WOOSUNG revealed the 4444 tracklist. Produced by WOOSUNG alongside Wilkinson and Josh Record, the song delivers on its promise, with high-quality production and an enchanting collaboration. BOL4, now a solo act after Woo Ji-yoon’s departure, complements WOOSUNG perfectly, adding layers of emotional depth to an already stunning track.
4444 is an album that deserves immense praise. It carries an underground vibe that deceives you, pulling you into a transformative experience. You feel WOOSUNG’s emotions—his growth, his pain—and soon enough, you’re smiling, maybe even dancing. Artistically, WOOSUNG stands alone in the K-pop world, but let’s be clear: he transcends K-pop. It’s K-pop that should be thanking him for being part of it, even if only tangentially. His music is a testament to the struggles and triumphs of an artist whose journey has been anything but easy, as fans of THE ROSE will already know.
WOOSUNG’s devoted fanbase knows quality when they hear it, and 4444 is nothing less than a masterpiece. Our favorite tracks? Definitely "Day That I Died," "Found You," Paper Cuts" and "Happy Alone."
[4444]
— WOOSUNG (@woosungofficial) October 7, 2024
Digital Album
Available Now: 🔗 https://t.co/SdeXXEGquD#WOOSUNG4444 #WOOSUNG pic.twitter.com/ycBfWTaJME
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