This was the first commercial release by Kim Soo Chul. At that time he was
the lead member of the group "Little Big Man". During a time when
Korean Pop music was dominated by "Disco", Kim's first album featured
the progressive rock single "Seven Color rainbow" that captured
the Grand Prize at the Korean University Music Festival. This album even
included a song from Kim's high school days entitled "Unrequited Love".
Another big hit from this same album was the folk ballad "Tomorrow".
1981 Second Album
"Little Big Man II"
The second album release from the band "Little Big Man" again
combined elements of many different music genres. Individual songs ranged
from Soul to Rock, and even Jazz. This album also included the song "Seperation"
composed by Kim in 1980 that had it's roots in Korean traditional music.
1983 Third
Album
First Solo Album
"The Flower that could not Blossom"
What poetic irony, for the flower did blossom. Kim had intended this album
to be his last flirtation with the possiblity of a music career. A kind
of monument to his retirement from the vagaries of the entertainment business
to the normal life of a hard working "Salary Man" just as his
father had ask him. Far from a swan song, the album was a huge success!
Kim was propelled into instant celebrity status and a life devoted to music.
Virtually every song on this album was a popular hit in Korea. Following
the release of this album Kim racked up eleven major music awards over the
next year, including "Best Pop Singer".
1984 Fourth
Album
"Kim Soo Chul, Second Solo Album"
Kim's second solo album was also a huge success! The featured song "Young
You" was so successful it has become almost a second "National
Anthem". It is still sung at major social and sporting events to this
day! Additional hits songs were: "Why Don't You Know", "I'm
Going Too". Kim's personal favorite is the song "Dream of Completion".
This song is unique among all of the songs he has written and performed
over the years in that he does not actually sing the lylics but softly speaks
the words.
1985
Fifth Album
"Kim Soo Chul, Third Solo Album"
This album was primary made up of folksy ballads reflecting the things that
were happening in Kim's personal life. None of the songs seemed to make
a connection with music listening public and as such the album saw limited
sucesss in the commerical arena.
1986 Sixth
Album
"Kim Soo Chul, Fourth Solo Album"
Presented from the view point of a young man looking at the scenes of ordinary
life around him. The lyrics are simple and unpretentious and the songs are
short. There is however a feeling of substance in the instrumental passages.
All in all, most music critics viewed this album as an excercise contributing
to the overall growth of Kim's musical abilties.
1986 Seventh
Album,
"Kim Soo Chul, Movie Music One"
This is the first album that Kim created that was drawn from his movie work
and centered around traditional music but with enough cross over to interest
the main stream music population. Here again, Kim is experimenting and mixing
different genres. In one section he uses five different mixes based on the
song "Try to Forget", and four different mixes for the song "Time
Passes". In all, there are eighteen different songs on this album which
is the most of any of his albums.
1987 Eighth
Album
"Kim Soo Chul, Fifth Solo Album"
Kim continues his experimentations in sound, mixing music genres as different
as "Soul" and "Hard Rock" with a good dose of Korean
traditional percussion thrown in for good measure. The album is dedicated
to the memory of his father and marks another step in the evolution of what
eventually will come to be known as the Kim Soo Chul Sound.
1987
Ninth Album,
Second Movie Music Album, Titled "The Story of 'Saint' Rhee Song Ill"
Kim's first movie music album was a combination of songs from various movies
that he had worked on. This time, the album contains only songs from this
one movie. All songs were instrumental except for the theme song, "I'd
Rather".
1987 Tenth Album,
Second Movie Music Album, Titled "Two Women's Home's"
This album really demonstrates the value of a good score to the success
of a movie. Working primarily with classical Western music highlighted with
passage of Jazz, the music makes a powerful musical statement and greatly
contributes to the quality of the movie. (This album was originally available
on two vinyl records or one CD.)
1987 Eleventh
Album, The First Korean Traditional Music Album, The title of the album
is "Kim Soo Chul" written in Chinese characters.
This was the first Korean traditional music album. Kim had been working
toward the goal of releasing an album strickly dedicated to Korean traditional
music for some time. In spite of negative input from his record company
and others, Kim pushed forward with the release of his first all Korean
traditional music album. Included on this album was the music that he composed
for a Korean dance contest where the performing group took first place.
1988 Twelveth
Album,
Titled "Celebrating Twelve Years
in the Music Business"
Kim says with a laugh that the reason he produced this album was because
he forgot to make a 10 anniversery album. This album continues the experimental
style that Kim had been evolving over the years. Again combining Korean
traditional music with western instruments. As usual he wrote all of the
music and played most of the instruments. The album incorporates different
genres including; Jazz, Folk, Rock, Easy Listening and Korean Traditional.
Kim even uses rythems inspired by the 1971 American movie "Shaft"
as well as various latin rythems.
1988 Thirteenth Album,
Titled "Chul-Soo and Man-Soo"
This is the soundtrack album
of the movie by the same name. Here we see another Kim Soo Chul first. This
is the first album in Korea that includes "Rap Music" as part
of the mix. The title of this "Rap" influenced song was "What
Changed". Another memorable track was the folk styled "I Won't
Cry". Other common elements were Rock, Korean Traditional, and Funk.
1988 Fourtenth Album, Titled "Kim Soo Chul, Collection of Movie Music
Title Songs"
This album includes most of the movie music that Kim had worked on up until
that time. The most interesting aspect of this album is the different feelings
that Kim is able to invoke by using variations off the same theme.
1988
Fifthteenth Album,
Titled "1988 Seoul Olympic Music"
Kim continues his musical evolution further exploring the relationships
of culture and sound. Combining Western and Korean Traditional music, he
achieves in this album a new level of harmony between the genres in which
he works. This music received wide spread international attention and local
critical acclaim. Many first time listeners were amazed at the way Kim is
able to make the sounds and rythems of music from such disparate backgrounds
come together in seamless harmony.
1989 Sixteenth
Album,
Titled "One Man Band"
After the success of the Olympic Music Album, Kim decides it is time to
release an album he has been thinking about doing for some time. In the
past Kim had always written the music and played many of the instuements,
but this time he goes all the way. For the first time in Korea: one person
literally does everything. The album is a huge success and the hit single
"Get With It" is so popular that Kim is besieged with requests
for live performances.
1989 Seventeenth
Album, Titled "Best of Kim Soo Chul, Number One"
After the success of the "One Man Band" album and the following
live performances, Kim decides it is time to put together a "Best Of"
album. This album includes a selection of songs from all of his past works
composed between 1977 to 1987.
1994. 26th Album,
Titled "The Road to Hwang Chon"
The
Road to Hwang Chon
is a collection of pieces that combine Korean and Western musical instruments,
composed by Kim between 1984 and 1987. The word Hwangchon is the Asian equivalent
of Hades. The overall sound of the album gives the listener the definite
feeling they are on some sort of epic journey. The mournful wail of the
ancient Tae-pyong-so and Pee-ree (Korean
Instruments) integrated with the modern synthesizer combines for a unique
listening experience. The finale of this album "A Sight to See"
was specifically commissioned by the Korean Government to celebrate the
opening of the 1986 Asian games, and was first played publicly at a special
ceremony on the eve of those games.
1990
Eigthteenth Album,
Titled "Yak Sa Nun Hoo Run Da"
The
closest English translations is "History Flows". This album is
primarily composed of music from the Korean TV Series "History Flows"
which was a dramtic treatment of life during part of the Chosun Dynasty
that ruled the Korean Peninsula for about 600 years. There is also music
from the popular Korean "Soap Opera" called "Eureka"
that Kim also scored.
1991 Nineteenth
Album,
Titled "Little Giant, Kim Soo Chul"
Solo number Eight
Although
it is a solo album, the title refers back to the time when Kim was part
of the band "Little Big Man". Kim even says that he thinks of
this as kind of a third album of the long defunct group. Again, the album
showcases the many talents of this accomplished musician. Spanning the spectrum
of music genres from Rock to Korean Traditional this album highlights what
has made this musician a perennial favorite on the Korean music scene.
1992 Twentieth
Album, Titled "T.V. Drama Music"
Just as the name suggests, a collection of music from Kim's TV work. This
time for the time period of 1986 to 1992.
1994. 24th Album,
Titled "Sori for Invocation"
Sori
for Invocation
includes the composition ... "The sound of Invocation" which won
first prize at the Eleventh Korean Dance Festival. This is of special note
because this was the first time a person without a formal Korean Traditional
Music background had ever won a prize in this kind of competition! Kim shows
his versatility combining: "Pop", "African Traditional"
and "Korean Traditional" music to form one harmonious work that
deftly combines foreign influences but stays true to the spirit of Korean
Traditional Music.
1993. 21th Album,
Titled "Cham Kun Un No, Sa Rong Un Oh Yea"
Childrens Album Number One
Literally translationed: "Meddling Is, No, Loving Is, Oh Yea!"
The newance of the title in English being: "Don't tell me what to do,
just love me!" This is his first childrens album and was written for
the movie by the same name.
1994. 25th Album,
Titled "Soryonje"
SOPYONJE
is a Western Style soundtrack album, and marks the first time this approach
was used in the Korean music industry. Prior to the So-pyon-je's release,
Korean movie music was only a collection of songs and as such lost much
of the connection to the movie. So-pyon-je tells the story of a Korean family
of traveling musicians. It follows the main characters through childhood
and into early adult life. Set around the time of the Korean Civil War,
the story shows the characters's struggle to survive in a time of rapidly
changing cultural values. There are happy times along with incidents of
great loss and personal tragedy, all of which are complimented with this
powerful and emotional soundtrack. Both the movie and the soundtrack won
multiple awards both domestically and internationally. Awards included,
"Best Picture"of the year at the 1994 Singapore International
Film Festival!
1994
1994. 22th Album,
Titled "Men in Blue"
Men
in Blue
is an
album that demonstrates Kim's great versatility. Composing and arranging
the music, performing all of the vocal chores, and playing most of the instruments,
Kim puts together an "unplugged" album of depth and charm. The
themes are universal and the style is that of "Cool Jazz". As
is apparent from the album cover, the man has got "The Blues".The
various songs speak of the trials and uncertainties of middle age, and the
eternal question; "What does it all mean?"
1994. 23th Album,
Titled "Tae Baek San Maek"
Tae-Baek-San-Maekalbum
is a personal favorite of Kim Soo Chul. He has often said that this album
comes the closest to the image of what he wanted to accomplish when he set
about composing it. Having won "Best Musical Achievement" at the
33rd annual Tae-Jong movie awards and "Best Movie Music"at the
16th Chung-Young Awards, there were many music critics that must have felt
the same way! This album also features another innovation in Korean music.
Kim uses the
Tae-pyung-so and Pee-Ree as the focal point of the theme and for the
first time in Korean music history, combines orchestral backup to the Korean
instrumental solos. In other passages Kim interlaces Korean and Western
percussion as well as using a synthesizer to capture the majesty of nature,
the chaos of battle, and the tragedy of human conflict.
1995
1995. 27th Album,
Titled "Collection of Childrens Songs"
Collection
of Childrens Songs
This album came about as a result of Kim's concern for children growing
up so fast inthis rapidly changing world. He wanted to put together an album
that would speak directly to children on their level. The songs are drawn
from a variety of sources including work he has done on film and television.
The songs were written for children, but are also appreciated by adults.
"Chiki, Chiki, Chaka, Chaka" is one of Korea's most popular songs,
and is loved by both children and adults alike.
1994. 28th Album,
Titled "Festival"
Festival
is the soundtrack album of the film by the same name. This film tells the
story of a typical Korean family that has been brought together by the death
of their grandmother. The history of the family unfolds as the characters
make the complicated preparations for a traditional Korean funeral. The
participants experience a wide range of emotions potently expressed by the
powerful soundtrack. As usual, Kim uses a combination of Western and Korean
instruments to help tell this bittersweet story of the human condition.
1997
1997. 29th Album,
Titled "Chang"
Chang
is the sound track album for the movie of the same name. Commercially very
successful, (Chang means prostitute in Chinese) and was directed by renowned
Korean director Im Kwon-Taek. The movie follows the life of a poor Korean
country girl who applies for what she thinks is an "entertainment"
job, only to find herself trapped in the unhappy life of a "Working
Girl". Using both Korean and Western instruments, the music follows
the emotional peaks and valleys of the main character as she tries to escape
her situation. The soundtrack creates in the listener the feeling of great
longing and loss which is the theme of this movie.
1997. 30th Album,
Titled "Best Music for Films-01"
Best
Music for Films - 01
is a collection of soundtrack music that Kim created for various Korean
movie productions between 1983 and 1997. This album concentrates on Korean
traditional music and makes use of unique musical instruments of Korean
origin. (Korean Instruments)
The various tracks range from the soft and sweet melody of "The way
of Sound¡± to the mournful and haunting resonance of "A Millennium Crane"
Most of the pieces have received numerous awards from within the Korean
film and music industries.
1997. 31th Album,
Titled "Best Music for Films-02"
Best
Music for Films - 02
is a collection of movie soundtracks written and composed by Kim highlighting
his use of western instruments in Korean films that he has worked on since
1983. This album includes award winning tracks from such Korean movies as:
"Berlin Report", "Men in Blue"and "Whale Hunting".
The track from the movie "Whale Hunting" is particularly noteworthy.
Not only did Kim write and perform the music, but he also made his screen
acting debut in this movie as the leading man. Additionally, Kim won the
"Fresh Face" award at the Back Sang movie awards for his performance.
Finally, "Whale Hunting" was the most commercially successful
Korean movie of 1983 and spawned several sequels.
1997. 32th Album,
Titled "The Sound of InvocationII"
"The
Sound of Invocation II"
is the second in a planned series of albums dealing with Kim's feelings
about life's journey expressed through his music. This album takes the listener
on a spiritual odyssey through time and space; experiencing through the
music emotions such as: temptation, frustration, patience, and triumph.
The things people might feel as they looked back over the course of their
lives. There are quiet thoughtful moments and boisterous celebrations, all
sewn together with a haunting celestial melody. All of this achieved by
Kim's trade mark style of combining Western and Oriental instruments to
create a harmonious blending of musical cultures.
1998
1993. 33th Album,
Titled "Pal Man Dae Jang Kyong"
"Pal
Man Dae Jang Kyong",
which roughly translates to "80,000 Great Words" is the first
in a planned series of albums that are aimed at making this internationally
recognized cultural relic (Korean
National Treasure Number 32) more accessible to the people of Korea
and the World. This album marks Kim' first attempt to reach an international
audience with his unique sound. By combining traditional Korean wind, string,
and percussion instruments with their Western orchestral counterparts and
adding the modern "High Tech" sound of a synthesizer, Kim' music
has global appeal. Using his now trade mark style of combining Oriental
and Western music, he has "harmonized" the two forms and created
a brilliant hybrid. This 42 minute long piece is divided into 4 movements
representing historical events surrounding the creation of the first moveable
printing blocks in human history, and the horrific Mongolian invasion of
Korea in the 13th century. This unique harmonizing of musical styles offers
the listener a very special musical experience.
