It's been 3 years and 4 months since Bobby dropped his last--and debut--solo album, Love and Fall. As someone who only knew him from iKon title tracks when I discovered his solo stuff, it was quite a surprise to see him showcase a softer side on that album. It still had his usual charisma though which is why he became one of my favorite K-Pop rappers. Bobby is a rapper who, even before his debut in iKon in 2015, has always known how to use his strengths as a rapper. He won the show Show Me the Money 3 (a show in Korea where hip-hop artists compete in different rap battles and challenges until one rapper reigns supreme in the end) in 2014 where he was one of the youngest and only idol rappers to ever take the crown at the age of 18. He took part in a couple songs before his debut as well. He's also been labelled as among the best K-Pop rappers by literally everyone as he showcases powerful raps and writes most of the music he takes part in. So when it was announced that he was coming out with another album, the expectations were high that he would deliver an album that plays to his strengths as not only a rapper, but a songwriter and even occasional vocalist. Lucky Man exceeds every expectation you could have about him and his music and adds another skill to his already amazing plethora, storyteller.
Lucky Man spans 17 tracks (4 of which are skits) that tells a story through song. According to Bobby, it's a story about a playboy who meets a playgirl at a party and falls in love. The playboy wants to change but the girl is unwilling too which inevitably leads to his heartbreak. Bobby himself takes the lead of protagonist who takes us on the journey through song through the various human emotions. And with every single song written by Bobby it really, you really get to go into his mind and the character and story he was trying to create. It also gives the chance to experience music that can only be characterized as Bobby™.
The album opens with U MAD which also serves as the title track to this record. This song introduces to our protagonist as well as Bobby himself. This is a energetic song that speaks to the enemies that make you who you are. Bobby said he wrote this song to a weaker self to gain energy so it's really a good track to introduce you to who he is. It also features the hook "Gangbuk representative playboy, ladies love cool boys/taking away girlfriends’ hearts" that shows us the first inklings of the character he created. It features his signature rough, yelling, and aggressive rap style over a loud instrumental that is almost addictive. His raps also fall off time sometimes but it doesn't sound messy or bad, in fact, it showcases his need to tell people off in such a short amount of time; It's almost an angry song. With the catchy chorus and crazy beat, Bobby really takes over your senses and immerses you into the world he's taking you in. It's a good stand alone track (which is probably why it was chosen as the title track) but it also serves as an intense intro to the story. The music video is also insane. This is one of my favorite K-Pop videos I've ever seen with Bobby doing these cool stunts and really unique and amazing cinematography. It's got this whole story line on it's own that feels like movie. It that really just adds another layer to this already insane album.
Four skits divide the story and help us along the story arc. The skits are acted by Bobby and even if you don't understand Korean you're able to follow along pretty easily thanks to him throwing in English phrases in his dialogues. The first skit immediately follows U MAD where the listener is introduced to a concept of a party that is taking place. After that, we have three songs that really give us clues into who this character is.
RocKstaR opens up this section with a song that features a slick rap and a bass that make your body vibrate. The chorus follows U MAD's lead and gives us a catchy chorus and raps that speak to telling off haters. Bobby is showing the listener the cocky side to his character. And with the beat being so crazy and loud, it's perfect for a party and a party scene. NO TIME and BrEAk It DoWn are really the climaxes to the party scene. NO TIME is The party song for me though. The beat is dance-y and loud and the lyrics talk all about partying until you die. It's infectious and sexy in every way. Bobby also raps through almost the entire song and he really showcases his speed here. BrEAk It DoWn is a song that is chant worthy. The chorus is perfect for waving your hands around and just having a good time. It's a bit slowed down than the previous tracks but it's still perfect for a great party. Bobby also showcases his vocals here that are almost sweet which is the direct opposite of his usual rap style. It's a great lead into the next section.
SKIT 2 leads us into the introduction of the playgirl in which Bobby excitedly yells about getting her number. This is where the falling in love happens so Bobby showcases his softer side. It's probably my favorite section of the record because it's not his usual style. In THE DaRk opens it up. Bobby said this is perfect for listening to in the dark at 3 am and I can't agree more. His vocals are sultry and are perfect for making anyone blush. The soft vocal sections and the soft synths and piano really add to the night mood here. LiLaC and Ur SOUL Ur BodY are where we see Bobby at his softest. LiLaC is a sweet song that features his gravely vocals and an occasional soft falsetto. It's low key hip-hop instrumental gives this song a nice groove. Usually the middle of the albums are where things can drop off but Bobby really keeps up the pace here and keeps it far from boring. Ur SOUL Ur BodY features iKon vocalist DK in a soft groove track. This is one of the high points of the record for me. It's got this sweet piano melody and soft chorus really caters to falling in love. DK's soft and sweet vocals are perfect for the mood here and his verses are honestly really beautiful. They really add another dimension to the song. Bobby's voice also softens here and it really makes you fall in love.
The next section opens with SKIT 3 in which we are experiencing the climax of the story, the heartbreak. We find out the love interest already has a boyfriend and the next three songs show Bobby talking about heartbreak and loss. GOrGeOuS is a song all about trying to forget someone over top this ballad piano and hip-hop instrumental. His raps are soft but intense. It really showcases the pain the character is experiencing. The bridge also features the best vocal part in this record because of his soft pained voice. LiAr is song that speaks to the anger in grief. While Bobby doesn't sound particularly angry, he definitely brings his pained voice to make you feel things. HeartBROKEN PlaYBoY is where the main character is really grappling with moving on but still experiencing heartbreak. This song brings us back to his carefree attitude and so we're brought with another party tune. The catchy chorus and intense bass are chant-worthy much like BrEAk It DoWn and NO TIME. The verses also feature a simple guitar and bass riff in the instrumental which feels like a call to a later track, DeViL.
The last skit, SKIT 4 is quick and just features our main character taking a drink and we're led into the last section which shows our main character reverting back to his playboy ways. RaiNinG features iKon vocalist JU-NE on a semi-jazzy, piano-driven track. JU-NE's gravely voice pairs wells with Bobby's own as they sing about sadness which is a juxtaposition to the upbeat instrumental. Let iT Go is all about working through pain and having hope in the darkest moments. It's got a nice choir sample in the chorus that really leads well into the last track, DeViL. DeViL closes out the record with a rock inspired song that will blow you away. The verses feature a sick hip-hop beat that leads into this explosive rock chorus. While this sounds like it would be a mess, Bobby makes these sections flow really well together. This song really shows that Bobby is really capable of taking part in any genre he pleases.
LUCKY MAN is an able to exceeds all expectations of not only Bobby but as K-Pop as well. I've never really heard of an album that explicitly has a story arc like this in the genre. Bobby showcases all sides of him and his versatility. His vocals are on par with main vocalists in the genre and his raps are obviously supreme. His charisma shines on every song on this record making every track almost to perfection (if not absolute perfection). You feel so immersed in the story and characters that you can't not listen to this album only once. And while this album is definitely made to be listened to in full because every song is a piece to a story arc, the tracks are definitely capable of being listened to on their own. There's not a single dull moment in here. While I knew what Bobby was capable of, I certainly wasn't expecting an album like this. LUCKY MAN isn't just an album it's an experience. And I will not be surprised if it makes it as my top album of the year. This will be very hard to beat. Bobby waited 3 years and 4 months to drop this album and it paid off for sure. LUCKY MAN is an album for the century and Bobby is the rapper.
Check out the music video for U MAD below and check out LUCKY MAN on your preferred streaming service (or else you're missing out. Here, I'll make it easy for you: Spotify, Apple Music)
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