Album Review: Yoon Jong Shin (윤종신) – ‘Vol. 13 행보 (Pace) 2011’

Album release date: 2011
Genre: Kpop, ballad/R&B
Rating: 3.5/5                
Review by: jct

For his 13^th studio album, Vol. 13 행보 (Pace) 2011, Yoon Jong Shin compiles all the monthly singles that were released throughout the year 2011 for a total of 13 tracks. He picked up where he left off from Vol. 12 and continues to provide his usual love ballads seasoned with a variety of genres to spice things up. However, nearly half of the songs are sung by other singers and doesn't feature Jong Shin at all. This is a shame, because at his best, he’s a compelling, top-tier vocalist whose luscious voice has the power to mesmerize.

Strong Production, Strong Vocals

The most memorable song of the whole album is '두 이별 feat. Lee Jung (Two Separations), which is a mid-tempo R&B/ballad about broken hearts. Their vocals really complement well with each other and Jong Shin shows that he is still capable of hitting the higher notes with ease. The song portrays two different perspectives (Yoon Jong Shin and Lee Jung) on breakup. The song starts off with Lee Jung as he sings about reminiscing on the memories of a past love and missing those times together - "Gone/ I miss you, you are so far away/ your safety I can no longer ensure." And then Yoon Jong Shin continues with the rest of the song where he expresses his love and asking the lover not to leave. He sings, "I love you/ Please say how happy you are with me/Don't say goodbye."

The tracks that also deserve mentioning are the piano ballad "Happy New Year...With You feat. Kim Kwang Min (pianist)", the slow-tempo Bossa Nova/Jazz track "바바바 feat. 이상순  (BaBaBa feat. Lee Sang Soon – guitarist)", the slow-tempo ballad about broken hearts, “거기까지만 (There Would Be), the old school funk/dance track, “Love Scanner”, and a track that is a medley of 12 songs from his past albums, "Shin's Rhythm for 20 years...(feat. Postino)”. A list of the details of the 12 songs can be found here.

The main topic that is covered in this album is broken hearts and regret, which Jong Shin seems to excel in writing. Not only does he compose all the tracks, but he also participated in the arrangement of the songs with the aid of other producers. The production results are quite strong as he is able to cover a range of genres (R&B, pop, ballad, Jazz, Bossa Nova, funk) and at the same time sounding comfortable and soothing.

...But Slightly Disappointing

The album’s one flaw is that nearly half of the songs (track 4, 5, 7, 10, 12) are sung by other singers and those tracks don’t even feature Jong Shin at all. Here’s the thing - if people are paying for a Yoon Jong Shin album, then placing a bunch of track sung completely by someone else isn’t doing those who bought the album any favors. Perhaps 'Yoon Jong Shin & Friends' may be a more appropriate album title. 

It’s not that the other singers sound bad, but it’s just that they really aren't necessary. It's already very clear that he is a talented songwriter and producer and certainly able to carry an album on its own with few guest singers if he so desires. It is understanding that Jong Shin would like to have them appear on the album as he composed and produced those songs, but they were already released as digital monthly singles. And, having them also appearing on a Yoon Jong Shin album is simply unnecessary.

There is no doubt that Yoon Jong Shin still has a very fine voice but he fails to fully utilize it on Vol. 13 and instead by having others doing the vocals is somewhat disappointing. However, overall, Vol. 13 is a still a nice album with original lyrics and good style.

Tracklist
1. Happy New Year…with You feat. 김광민 (Kim Kwang Min – pianist for the song) 
2. 바바바 feat. 이상순  (BaBaBa feat. Lee Sang Soon – guitarist)
3. 거기까지만  (There Would Be) 
4. 너 없이 산다 feat. 이현우 (Living Without You feat. Lee Hyun Woo - vocals)
5. 결국 봄 feat. 장필순 (It's Finally Spring feat. Jang Pil Soon - vocals)
6. 두 이별 feat. 이정 (Two Separations feat. Lee Jung)
7. 말꼬리 feat. 정준일 of Mate (Horse Tail feat. Jung Jun Il of Mate – vocals)
8. Shin’s Rhythm for 20 years feat. Postino
9. Love Scanner feat. 정석원, Swings
10. 니 생각 feat. 김그림, 신치림 (What Do You Think feat. Kim Gu Rim, Shin Chi Rim - vocals)
11. 못나고 못난 (How Foolish of Me)
12. 늦가을 feat. 규현 of Super Junior ( Late Autumn feat. Kyuhyun of Super Junior – vocals)
13. 나이 (Age)