After four years, Lim Hyunsik makes his long-awaited comeback with The Young Man and the Deep Sea.
Lim Hyunsik, or Hyunsik, is a singer-songwriter under BTOB Company. The Young Man and the Deep Sea is his first release as a solo artist after returning from his mandatory military service. The album is also his first work since parting ways with Cube Entertainment, his agency, for 11 years.
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In a feature on Melon Magazine, Hyunsik shared that he has been wanting to produce an album with a theme focused on the sea. With The Young Man and the Deep Sea, Hyunsik hopes to communicate with his fans his definition of ‘The Sea’ through his self-produced songs.
Moreover, the singer was involved in the album’s concept and cover, as well as the production of the song’s music video.
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A Journey Through Six Songs
1. Hyunsik begins the album with “The Tides of Life.” It is a melodic song that demonstrates his strong vocal prowess. Albeit only lasting less than three minutes, it is a track that perfectly opens the album.
2. “La Mar,” the lead track, flawlessly showcases Hyunsik’s great vocals as he sings soulfully. The song is completed with the perfect accompaniment of a guitar in the background.
3. “Deep Blue Sea” is a slow song where Hyunsik sings of attachment and longing. His sorrowful voice will truly bring out the emotions of the listeners.
4. Following the rather dark-themed songs, Hyunsik sings of the sea’s brightness with “Sunshine.” The song’s lyrics speak of gratitude, comfort, and warmth.
5. In “Navigate,” Hyunsik is fearless and optimistic. The lively instrumental brings out the hope and energy that the singer wants to convey through the song.
6. To wrap up the album is the reimagined version of his song, “Swimming.” It was previously released in 2017 as part of the project, A Piece of BTOB. Like the original, Hyunsik’s solid vocals are showcased as he sings of determination with no distractions.
The Light and Dark Cycle of Life
All in all, The Young Man and the Deep Sea is the ultimate soundtrack when you want to ponder life. In the first three tracks of the album, Hyunsik sings of life’s darkness. Tracks 4-6, in contrast, depict the brightness there is in one’s life.
The album can be played from 1-6 or 6-1, and it would still be a beautiful experience. After all, Hyunsik made the album in hopes of wanting his listeners to ride on the waves of life through its cycle of darkness and brightness.
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Lim Hyunsik is a member of the South Korean boy group BTOB and its sub-unit, BTOB Blue. He is behind several of their group’s hits, like “Pray (I’ll Be Your Man)” and “Missing You.” He has also written for other artists such as WEi (“End of the Day”) and Vanner (“Be My Love”).
Check out the video below for BTOB’s reaction video to “La Mar” Music Video.
Source: Official BTOB, BTOB Company, Melon Magazine Korea
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