10 Years, 6 Years, and the Tricycle
Brown Eyed Soul, 5th Full-Length Album [Soul Tricycle]
It has been exactly 10 years since 2015, the year Brown Eyed Soul released their 4th full-length album [Soul Cooke]. It has also been a full 6 years since [It’s Soul Right], the half-album of the 5th, was released. Too much time has passed for a single album to be completed. I have always heard that for musicians, releasing an album is harder than one can imagine. Especially for those who create their own music and have been recognized for their musicality, the pressure must be indescribable.
In September 2025, Brown Eyed Soul completed their 5th full-length album [Soul Tricycle] by adding the remaining half to the partial result they released in 2019. Where did the energy come from to shake off that heavy burden and fill in the missing half? The answer can be found in the album title, [Soul Tricycle]. ‘Tricycle.’ Having run for over 20 years as a four-member lineup, they have made a new start as a three-member lineup consisting of Naul, Jungyup, and Youngjun. While the tricycle likely carries this meaning, the more important significance is ‘joy.’ This is because it embodies the intention to make music while enjoying it, with a pure heart—much like the childhood days of learning to ride a tricycle.
What is the result of this full-length album, completed after 10 years with a spirit of enjoyment? The first impression after listening to the entire album is diversity. While the overarching framework of their music, ‘soul,’ remains unchanged, the 14 tracks—including 6 previously released songs—contain a balanced mix of various styles from different eras. It feels as though 50 years of Black music styles have been comprehensively gathered. Beyond the generic diversity, various instruments and techniques long used in Black music are also included richly and diversely. Of course, thanks to the expertise and experimental spirit they have accumulated over the years, both the diverse styles and the performances are top-tier. The mastering, which the members personally traveled to Japan to conduct, also contributed to enhancing the album's completeness.
Let’s look at the individual tracks of this diverse album. The title track was selected as ‘Our Moment.’ It speaks of a time already passed, a time to which one cannot return. The memories of those pure and sparkling moments are unfolded in a ‘contemporary pop R&B’ style reminiscent of the 1990s. It will deliver an unchanging emotional resonance to those who empathize with the music of that era and to those who have loved Brown Eyed Soul's music.
The song that opens the album is ‘Soul Tricycle.’ The sound of rain in the intro and the jazz-style guitar sound create an atmosphere full of emotion. As a song announcing the new identity of Brown Eyed Soul, the 90s vibe crafted with the ‘Roland TR-808’ sound, the sensual Moog bassline, and the harmony of sophisticated tones stand out.
The following track, ‘Maybe You Are Like This,’ heads toward the 70s. Typical soul rhythms and a brass section evoke memories of 70s soul, but thanks to the sophisticated vocal harmonies and clean sound, it actually feels trendy.
‘Love Scat’ was done together with Jungyup's band, Cosmic Chips. As a song in the 60s Southern Soul style, the bright, undulating charm that Jungyup showed in Cosmic Chips can also be experienced through Naul and Youngjun.
‘City of the Flowing Night’ adds Brown Eyed Soul's signature ballad style to the 70s Philly Soul style. Added to Youngjun's stable vocals, the Philly-style falsettos of Naul and Jungyup provide a new kind of emotion that cannot be found in traditional Philly Soul.
‘Tonight We Are’ is a mid-tempo contemporary R&B track that stimulates memories of the 90s. The excitement filled with emotion brings a warm smile to the face.
In ‘Every Day You,’ Youngjun's style is prominent. Youngjun's unique style, which adds the romance of jazz to a smooth R&B ballad, summons the ‘Quiet Storm’ that dominated around the 1980s. To this, the delicate and restrained emotion, flowing melody, and stable harmony provide comfort.
The final track, ‘Familiar Story,’ was done together with Eco Bridge. The narrative of the song, which gathers and then explodes suppressed emotions, is impressive. I applaud the ability of these veterans to turn emptiness into passion within four minutes.
A high-completion album packed with 14 songs, including 6 previously released ones. Because they are still as good as ever, one can fully enjoy the pleasure of experiencing the album's music. ‘The number 3,’ which signifies a perfect number. I hope they continue to stand firm in that place, make music more joyfully than before, and gradually shorten the intervals between album releases. (Lee Yong-ji, Popular Music Critic)
