From idol to celebrated actor, Yim Siwan officially opened a new musical chapter on Dec. 5 with the release of his first mini album, aptly titled ‘The Reason.’ This solo work marks a significant milestone since his initial debut back with ZE:A in 2010.
This album is especially notable because it is the very first project from SMArt, a new music label under SM Entertainment. Therefore, it offers a deep look into Siwan’s musical tastes and sensibilities, which he has largely kept private until now.
Unpacking the Tracks of ‘The Reason’
‘The Reason’ features five tracks that showcase Siwan’s delicate emotions and a different facet of his distinct musical preferences. The songs were ultimately chosen to highlight his desire to connect with his fans.
“The Reason”
Siwan selected the title track, “The Reason,” because it allows for the most engaging and fun interaction with fans during a live performance, a decision driven entirely by the importance of the stage performance.
This song is a medium-tempo pop track featuring a sweet message: “You are my every reason.” Siwan’s comforting vocals layered over the dynamic instrumental arrangement elevate the experience, instantly making listeners picture a scene from a romantic film.
The music video for “The Reason” also premiered at 6 p.m. KST on the SMTOWN YouTube channel. The video is captivating, using witty direction to show Siwan, who is a little clumsy in love, slowly but surely changing as he refuses to give up.
“나의 사랑이여 (Dear My Love)”
“나의 사랑이여 (Dear My Love)” is a ballad that harmonizes a soft piano melody with a four-piece string arrangement. The lyrics sweetly confess feelings, written as a letter to a loved one.
“단둘이 (Two Of Us)”
“단둘이 (Two Of Us)” is a folk song with a fairytale-like intro. This retro-feeling love song uses its lyrics to sweetly depict the fluttering stages of a confession.
“Where I Need To Be”
“Where I Need To Be” is a pop ballad that features warm piano sounds and Siwan’s emotional vocals. It sincerely expresses his desire to stay with his loved ones for a long time. Siwan also recommended this song as a great track for calmly reflecting on oneself, and he expects this song to be his “most-loved song” on some days, as his favorite changes daily based on his mood.
“조각 (Pieces)”
“조각 (Pieces)” is a pop-rock track built on a band sound. The song’s uplifting atmosphere and lyrics tell a story about being completed by the cherished fragments of memories shared with precious people.
Yim Siwan’s Vision for the Album
During the album’s preparation, Yim Siwan put great emphasis on visualization of the stage. He focused on questions like, “Could this song be sung together?” and “Would my fans enjoy hearing this at a concert?” He believes one of the biggest purposes of an album is the stage performance.
While he personally enjoys quieter, more static songs, he also recognized the importance of performance on stage. Consequently, he worked hard to find the right balance, resulting in music that is comfortable for the listener.
In a move that surprised many, Siwan even changed his look, debuting a new hair color. Following the bleaching, he received countless surprised reactions and questions about whether “something was going on” or if he was having a “change of heart,” which kept him busy explaining that it was all part of the album preparation.
Siwan’s ultimate goal for his solo activities is to create lasting, positive memories and spend a lot of time with his fans. He considers the moments connecting with them truly precious. Therefore, he prepared this album hoping they can be together for a very long time and invites everyone to enjoy the music and celebrate this happy time with him.
Which track from ‘The Reason’ are you rushing to listen to first? Let us know your favorite track on Yim Siwan’s debut album in the comments below or on Instagram and Twitter/X!
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Featured Image Credit: SM Entertainment Official Website
