Yim Siwan’s love song-filled solo debut, The Reason, drops like an early Christmas gift—five brand new tracks wrapped up in sweet nostalgia.
Released a few days after his birthday, Yim Siwan officially returns to the music scene for the first time in 15 years with his debut solo album, The Reason. It is the first album released under SMArt—a music sub-label of SM Entertainment led by longtime SM artist Kangta—and features five tracks that showcase Siwan’s unique, light vocal tone.
Though he started his career in 2010 as a member of the boy group ZE:A, Siwan is more widely known as an actor, with one of his most recent roles also being one of his most memorable as Player 333 in Squid Game. Aside from the odd OST feature, fans who might be hearing his singing voice for the first time are in for a treat. The Reason is a perfect (re)introduction to Siwan as a singer: pleasant, charming, and playful.
Also Read: 7 Im Siwan Dramas and Movies to Watch if You Liked Him in “Squid Game”
Tracklist breakdown
Dear My Love
The album opens with “Dear My Love,” a soft piano melody that immediately puts the spotlight on Siwan’s vocals. Its simple yet vivid lyrics about a love that fills one up lays the foundation of an album of love songs. It’s a song that suits the season, as the bells and strings make it a tune great for cozying up to in the cold Christmas weather.
Dear my love
Like a wave that doesn’t know how to stop
You dance within me
You make me feel whole
Two of Us
Described as a fairytale-like folk song, the old school sound of “Two of Us” brings to mind school festivals and karaoke visuals. Siwan’s youthful boyish image shines through in this track that’s sonically and lyrically playful. The way he dramatically sings “아니” like a magician waving his hands on stage, building anticipation for that final chorus, shows that he’s having fun and gives us, the listeners, a chance to join in that celebration.
Can I think of you often?
I always see you in front of me
Can I call you often?
That would be great if I can
The Reason
“The Reason” takes the youthful energy of “Two of Us” and pairs it with a well-produced instrumental to make a sweet song for a hesitant lover, easily making it the best choice for a title track. Siwan himself said that he chose “The Reason” because he felt that it was the song that would give him the most fun way to interact with his fans while performing onstage.
While it isn’t as playful as “Two Of Us,” “The Reason’s” appeal lies in its mid-tempo, laid back pop vibe. It’s easy to sing along to, and its accompanying music video gets to show off Siwan’s natural charm as a man in love practicing his confession.
If anyone asks why I’m glowing
You are my reason
Where I Need To Be
Though “Where I Need To Be” seems to be just another piano ballad on the surface, its lyrics make it possibly the most genuine song on the album. A love song that can be interpreted as a fan song, it’s a strong follow up to “The Reason.” It reads like a heartfelt musical love letter to the listener, whether they’ve been with Siwan for fifteen years or they’re hearing him for the first time; they are part of his reason.
If you let me, I’ll be your star
And shine on you
So you can find me
I know, one day I’ll fade
You may abandon me
But on that day, you will be my season
Remember me for a long time
Always be on your mind
That’s where I need to be
Pieces
“Pieces” closes off the album with an energizing upbeat track that shows off Siwan’s vocals. It’s easy to imagine him belting the powerful notes at the end of a concert or during a high tension moment. Once again, this shows that his priority for this album was how the songs would translate on stage. “Pieces” feels like an elevated OST song, a reminder that we are pieces of each other’s lives, motivating one another to keep going until the picture is complete.
No matter how far, we can still reach each other
With each page faded by countless touches
With each moment of exhausting disappointment
Come find me from afar
Your shining voice over the ocean
A reason to return
It’s anybody’s guess why Siwan chose to return to music now, after 15 years of building an acting career and having seemingly left the music industry behind. However, there’s also something to be said about revisiting your roots after achieving success elsewhere. What is it like to go back to where you began, as someone older, better, wiser? Perhaps he was just feeling nostalgic, and we are simply lucky to be taken along for the trip down memory lane.
Whatever prompted it, this project was a clear success. This new crop of songs might be swift and simple, but there was obvious care in their production and performance. Whether Siwan is returning to music full-time or just as an occasional side project to his acting – or this is actually the first step to an eventual ZE:A reunion – remains to be seen. What we do know is that he wears the idol image well, and that it’s nice to have him back as a singer, if only for the season.
What do you think of Yim Siwan’s debut album?
Source: SMArt Twitter/X, MNL News, Genie
