In RUSH MODE, Baekho takes his time showing us pieces of himself and gives fans a three-song suite that keeps expectations high for what he’ll do next.
After almost five months since the pre-release single “RUSH” dropped, the full version of Baekho’s single album RUSH MODE is finally out and it still doesn’t feel like it’s enough. With three songs completing the tracklist, this feels more like a taste of what’s to come rather than a full-blown comeback, but true to form, Baekho always leaves us wanting more.
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Building up to RUSH MODE
Notably, RUSH MODE is Baekho’s first release with TEAM BAEKHO, a personalized team made up of members from three different companies, each in charge of a different aspect of Baekho’s career. RIZZCOMM will head marketing and promotions; RND Company, home to Big Bang’s Daesung, will take care of his broadcast activities; and the ever-reliable PRISMFILTER Music Group, Baekho’s long-time collaborators, will handle music production.
The idea of forming your own team is an insane idea that more idols should do, but it’s also a decision that distances Baekho from being a typical idol. He’s grown beyond that label, having appeared in many spaces not traditionally occupied by K-pop idols. In fact, his music career post-NU’EST has been anything but traditional or linear.
After dropping his debut EP Absolute Zero in 2022, he released a series of digital singles he called the [baed] time, collaborated with the singer and rapper BIGONE on the album Love or Die, and made the theme song for the Waterbomb Music Festival, “Wet & Wild,” which he has performed in festivals across Asia. His discography includes a little bit of everything, as he finds a way to make every new genre his own, and each song in RUSH MODE shows us a different side of what he’s capable of.
Tracklist breakdown
Rush
The album begins with a moment of distress. The overwhelming, suffocating feeling of running in the midst of immense stress and pressure is effectively encapsulated in “Rush,” a hyperpop fever dream released all the way back in June.
While not exactly a song you’d listen to while stuck in traffic, it tells a deeply personal story that thrums with every beat. Its lyrics fight through distorted vocals, describing how the very thing that pushes him away is also what drives him forward.
Running to the hate
I’m running to the love
Yeah I’m running to the unknownSo I rush rush rush rush
Stay alive, stay alive
Oh that’s how I’ll survive
My Sign
First revealed during the RUSH MODE fan party held a day before Baekho’s birthday, “My Sign” dials it back with a chill bossa nova vibe. As the album’s title track and ironically the only song without an accompanying video, its arrangement is very minimal compared to the other songs.
Baekho has made it near-impossible to talk about him without using the word “sexy,” and he earns the title by doing a lot with what he has, with the guitar giving way to let his vocals shine through.
Through the Line (Feat. CAMO)
Perfect for those late night vibes, “Through the Line” is a song for the delulu dreamers and is arguably the strongest track of the three. With a beat you can’t help but bop your head to and CAMO’s chill rap complementing his voice, it’s the closest thing to Baekho’s usual sound.
It’s easy to imagine this song played barebones to a crowd at a concert or performed with backup dancers and full choreography, making it versatile without being generic.
Holy trinities
RUSH MODE is described as “symbolizing Baekho’s fervent determination as he prepares for an explosive performance.” Much like the three companies that make up TEAM BAEKHO, each track shows us an aspect of his identity. “Rush” is a high energy look into the struggles he faces as an artist, “My Sign” gives us his signature smooth and sexy sound, and “Through the Line” shows off his natural playfulness.
Fans might be a little put out to have to wait a little more before the promised performance, but the three songs do a good job of tiding us over until the show starts. When will he take the stage again? Only time will tell.
Source: This Is Baekho (YouTube), Baekho Official Instagram, The Fact (Daum)
