It’s the one when the Polish legend goes back to his roots. On “Wiek to tylko liczba,” 74-year-old Krzysztof Cugowski confronts himself with time and the impending death that will sooner or later come for all of us.

Don’t expect anything stylistically close to Budka Suflera’s greatest hits. Cugowski’s project, recorded with his brand-new “Zespół Mistrzów,” a band consisting of the best jazz and rock musicians from Poland, is a mix of classic rock, hard rock and even passionate blues. As they say – the good old music is back, even if for one last time. To some extent, lyrics from “Wiek to tylko liczba” sound like a genuine goodbye to his listeners, although Cugowski’s voice is as zestful as it used to be back in the 1970s.

Conceptually, Cugowski’s record reminds us of Peter Gabriel’s latest “I/O”, a poignant and bitter meditation on death and all of his friends (to paraphrase one of Coldplay’s songs). Although those two gentlemen come from different cultural backgrounds, it is apparent that each record becomes a reckoning with their lives. They try to understand what they could have done differently regarding their past decisions, lost loves, forgotten friendships and artistic choices. At times, “Wiek to tylko liczba” feels like one huge “what if?” question, constantly being re-asked by the Polish singer on each track.

Yet, there is a sweetness hidden between the lines. In “Los,” Cugowski – with a tangible passion, almost with the zeal of a young man – exclaims that despite his age, it couldn’t have been better. “Pewność, bo wiem/Nie zdarzyło mi się nigdy tak chcieć zdobywać,” he sings ardently, like he really believes in it. Thus, we immediately believe in him. There is some sort of truth that is echoed in his older, but still vital voice. Cugowski’s vocals are a persuasive tool, making his musical journey irresistible.

Anyhow, Krzysztof Cugowski ends his album with a touching ballad “Lecę nad miastem” in which he recalls his time in his hometown, Lublin. Besides, he expresses overall gratitude for his fate. That has enabled him to find the love of his life and swim with her till he reaches the dark waters of the river Styx. There is probably no more dignified way to use your music as an artist.  

4/5 stars

Author: Jan Tracz 

Cover photo: X @Hala_Stulecia