WOODZ Tells a Two-sided Story with “Love Me Harder”
Since the disbandment of X1, fans have been anxiously awaiting new music from each member, and Cho Seungyoun is no exception. The singer/rapper/dancer extraordinaire, who has released solo music in the past and is a member of inactive Chinese-Korean boy group UNIQ, is finally establishing his own musical identity with his premiere album and first official release this year. Again, he is assuming the alias WOODZ, under which he previously released moody R&B singles like “DIFFERENT” and “POOL.” The title track for his first album, EQUAL, is called “Love Me Harder,” and marks a distinct new path for Seungyoun as he dabbles with different musical styles.
No two songs sound the same on the rollercoaster ride that is EQUAL, and Seungyoun is responsible for the writing and composing of all seven songs on the album. The album begins with the passionate “Lift Up,” a rock-infused anthem that feels like a true release of emotion, and concludes with the slower-paced “memories,” a raw ballad. Other songs on the album include the passionate high-note-filled “Acccident,” the pop fusion with a DEAN-type vibe “NOID,” the groovy R&B-laced “Waikiki” featuring Colde, and the trap-infused “BUCK” featuring punchnello. With Seungyoun’s high vocal register, we get a fusion of different genres we’ve never quite experienced from Woodz. The musical style on this project feels like the best of both worlds with a combination of his more mellow solo work and the energy-packed jams he made with X1.
In “Love Me Harder,” which is accompanied by a music video, Seungyoun sings about being hopelessly in love with someone with an infectious whistle tune throughout. The video features two different versions of WOODZ, one being the regular Seungyoun we know and love, and the other a darker version of himself decked in all black with a stylish mullet to match. We witness a love quarrel, a crime scene with a murder mystery attached, and of course synchronized dance scenes with the skyline of Seoul in the background. The overall vibe of the single is like a mix of 80s pop with a more modern K-pop feel.
With much anticipation for Seungyoun’s return, he exceeds expectations and manages to extend his range through experimental sounds. Between teaser photos and the music video, WOODZ shows both a dark and soft side of himself reflected by his discography. With a past as varied as his, a full solo project from WOODZ was long overdue and it seems he’s finally cementing his place in the K-Pop industry. We can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next.