Certain vocalists consistently manage to combine talent and expressiveness with savvy musical choices and top-notch production values. Their voices are truly instruments, and somehow, the emotions stirred by their songs still manage to reach and affect those listening… even without the cultural shorthand of sharing the same language.
Shin Hye-sung, who is also the lead singer of Shinhwa, is becoming one such performer for me with his solo works. I purchased his 2011 EP, Embrace, earlier this year, and I keep returning to it for just this reason.
“Come Back to Me,” the song in the video clip, is my favorite track. Hye-sung’s nuanced vocals work with a deceptively upbeat melody to transform the plea of its title into an experience that is wistful and ultimately hopeful — whether or not you actually understand what he is singing in Korean. (When I looked up the English translation of the lyrics, my first thought was “Wow. That’s exactly what I felt.”)
All of the compositions on this mature, cohesive work share an early ’90s pop-rock sensibility, and there are no filler tracks between Embrace’s instrumental opening and closing bookends. As a result, even when I intend to play just a song or two, I find myself listening to the entire album. ♫
Video source: LIVEWORKS Company YouTube Channel
More Info:
(Digital Cover)
Shin Hye-sung (신혜성)
[EP / Mini Album]
Embrace
Released (Worldwide): Dec. 27, 2011
LIVEWORKS Company
Track List:
- Fall (Intro)
- Come Back to Me (돌아와줘)
- Stay
- I Love You (사랑해)
- A Dreamlike Day For Me (내겐 꿈 같은 하루) [feat. Park Ji-yoon/박지윤]
- Goodbye Greeting, a.k.a. Final Farewell (끝인사)
- Goodnight (Outro)
Versions Available:
– CD (Korean import).
– Digital release, including iTunes (U.S.).
Shin Hye-sung (신혜성): Embrace © 2011 LIVEWORKS Company