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I’ve written previously on Korean R&B artists in one of my blogs, going back to my second post Playlist for Fall Vibes which included some more small time K-R&B artists within the line up. However, for this post specifically, as the new EP “WOOPS!” was just released two weeks ago, I want to talk about WOODZ, whose given name is Cho Seung-Youn.
The 24-year old South Korean artist started his musical career as the main rapper for the Korean-Chinese boy group UNIQ, which was formed in 2014 but has not been active in the music industry since late 2018. He later co-founded an unofficial independent artist collective called M.O.L.A. In 2016, Cho delved into his solo career as a rap artist after participating in the fifth season of the South Korean rap competition show Show Me The Money.
In late 2019, WOODZ participated as a contestant in the Produce X 101 television show in which contestants compete to win a chance to debut and form new music groups. He came in fifth place after competing and won a spot to debut as a member of the boy group X1, which only lasted for one year before the band was disbanded due to issues arising with a vote rigging scandal in the Produce 101 series. This was a saddening last chapter for the band and their fan base, but it can be said that departing from the band gave Cho the opportunity to branch out as soloist and blossom as an artist after having gone through a rocky period in his career. He made his solo debut under the stage name Luizy, which would later change. In 2018, after having gone through a reflection period where his musical style changed, he changed his stage name to WOODZ and began releasing singles under his updated moniker.
His released work as WOODZ began delving into the realm of Alternative R&B and changing his musical sound from there on out. His latest EP, titled “WOOPS!,” provides a more generic K-pop sound with a hint of R&B undertones within the melodies.
The majority of the tracks featured on this new mini album contain themes of relationship staging, and many of the songs feel like they’re taking the listeners through the progression of a struggling relationship with brief respites in between. This body of work feels as though there was a personal touch imbued into the lyrics, and WOODZ’ stylistic evolution can be felt throughout the album as he still carries the R&B style used on his last EP “Equal.” Unlike his last EP though, which featured darker and more raw musical tones, “WOOPS!” is an incorporation of multiple different lighter styles of music which mesh well with WOODZ’ R&B style.
“Trigger” is the first track off of this new EP, and the song incorporates a multitude of different styles of music like country, hip-hop, and R&B in combination with a hard beat.These sounds all surprisingly blend together amazingly to make this catchy, unique song.
This is one of my favorite tracks off of this new EP, and that has mainly to do with the uplifting beat and catchy melody used for this specific track. Lyrically, this song details an argument between a struggling couple in which WOODZ takes on the role of a boyfriend wondering what is going wrong and why they can’t appreciate each other instead.
“Thanks To” is another personal favorite from the track list, mainly because this song is just insanely sweet sounding and soft. In combination with positive lyricism, this song is a great de-stresser. This song was made as an ode to his fans for sticking with him through all of the difficulties he has faced and thanking them for their support and appreciation for him and his music.
Sticking with the theme of relationships, this song centers around a relationship facing turmoil because he is constantly being forced by his partner to change to please their standards while they remain unfaithful, eventually deciding that he is better off following his own path instead of tailoring to their expectations.
This song tells of the feelings after a painful breakup, keeping up with the narrative of relationships throughout the album. This track features a deeply melancholic melody giving the feeling of angst and sadness after going through heartbreak.
This EP very much has WOODZ’ personal emotions weaved into the lyrics of each song. “Sweater” featuring JAMIE offers cozy, nostalgic and soothing beats and serves as an example of this personal, emotional contribution, as this song was written in memory of his grandmother and the memories they shared together as well as how her kind nature made him feel.
“WOOPS!” is nothing short of a masterpiece made with care and is one of the many good musical releases coming out of this difficult year. I would highly recommend giving this mini album a listen as WOODZ has made an uplifting, spunky and emotionally charged album.
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