Bae Chul Soo - Official Album: Fly again

 

Bae Chul Soo's resonant sound returns after 40 years. 

He had long cut ties with live musical performance, which he considered his life's foundation. He was strictly a radio DJ, carefully refraining from introducing himself as a musician or a band member. More than the achievement of establishing rock in mainstream TV and institutions, the hard work and creative anguish he poured into enhancing song perfection and album artistry always loomed 'frighteningly' in his mind. Nevertheless, he ultimately remembered the fate of a musician he couldn't help but embrace again. Throughout his long broadcasting career, he re-examined and imprinted the relationship between music and its expression, anticipating days when “expression would be enjoyable.”

The Songgolmae concerts, reunited with Ku Chang-mo since 2022, reignited his courage to make music and reminded him that there are no walls or barriers before age. This comeback album by Bae Chul Soo carries no desire for conventional chart-topping, awards, or commercial success. He merely wished to revive the rock and roll he performed and sang during his Hwaljuro and Songgolmae days, and the musical identity derived from it. Even after 40 years, he remains a ‘straight rock and roll’ purist, and it is once again deeply felt that he is an icon who has secured a unique territory in this regard. Starting with ‘Sesang Moreugo Saratnora’ (Lived Without Knowing the World), ‘Cheombuteo Saranghaetne’ (Loved From the Start), ‘Gilji Aneun Siganieotne’ (It Wasn't a Long Time), and ‘Hanjulgi Bit’ (A Ray of Light) are still spirited, and the vocals, especially in ‘Sesangmansa’ (All Worldly Affairs), are exceptionally brilliant. It's astonishing.

He has once again imbued the rock and roll spirit with strength and freedom. He takes pride in leading the encounter between age and rock and roll, and finally evoking the emotions buried deep in his heart. It's a re-contextualization of Songgolmae, rock and roll, and Bae Chul Soo, as well as a modest repetition (or echo) for his juniors and future generations, and a subtle flirtation! The album, in doing so, asks for the added recognition of being both a ‘hero of the radio waves’ and a ‘cool rock and roll elder.’ There's more to agree with than one might expect.

Lim Jin Mo (Music Critic)