Kim Bum Soo goes deep into your heart with "Solista Part 2" ...

 

There are few artists who make a mark on the Korean psyche, and if they do, they're pretty much etched into their national consciousness --- and if there's one thing that Koreans love, it's their love songs. If music is the language that bridges culture, then love is the soul of that language that binds us all. In the time I have spent appreciating Korean culture and music, I see how Koreans (and I guess their international audience too) are drawn to artists who are able to effectively express and communicate this timeless theme.

Kim Bum Soo is such an artist. He's a balladeer who finds his roots in R&B and soul music, but his talent shines when it comes to the ballad. He's an exceptional singer who is able to communicate the beauty and sadness (and often madness) of the different faces of love.

I first came to know Kim Bum Soo when he paired up with Taeyeon (leader of the ever popular female idol group So Nyu Shi Dae / SNSD / Girl's Generation). They sang a ballad entitled "Different" in the early part of 2011. Apart from the fact that I adore Taeyeon with a passion (hehehe!), I like the song because of the strong Latin influence in the song (the song's rhythm is primarily driven by Spanish guitar --- an instrument very close to my heart).

"Different" by Kim Bum Soo and Taeyeon (MV with Eng Subs)

This time around Kim Bum Soo is going solo with his new album, "Solista Part 2". He returned from an extended hiatus last year with the release of his last album in September 2010, and he follows up his last release this year with a collection of tracks that showcase his strength as a balladeer. His latest album was released last Thursday, along with the MV for the second track "Last Love". As a ballad, the song relies a lot on the expressive vocals of Kim Bum Soo to draw out the feeling of longing and surrender expressed in the song. As far as instrumentation goes, it's pretty common fare --- usual combination between acoustic and string orchestration (to add to the drama being built up). 

"Last Love" by Kim Bum Soo (MV with Eng Subs)

Apart from featuring Kim Bum Soo's collaboration with Taeyeon of SNSD ("Different"), the track also features a collab track with another popular balladeer, Wheesung, titled "My Baby". This time Bum Soo focuses on his R&B roots, by singing a mid-tempo pop ballad. As usual, I am enthralled with the use of Spanish guitars and strong latin influences in the composition of the song (I can imagine myself dancing the salsa with this track hehehe!).

"My Baby" by Kim Bum Soo feat. Wheesung (Audio Only)

Although Kim Bum Soo is predominantly a balladeer by popularity, I was glad to see some versatility in this album. He changed up the pace and told a story of flove in loss in different ways, and that's a strong sign of a capable artist.