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July 16, 2007
Wang Lee Hom--Change My Ways (改變自己)
Author: Delrondu
http://chinesemusicblog.com/
Date: July 16th, 2007
Like Christina Aguilera’s Back To Basics offering, Leehom’s new album although doesn’t go that far back, it has this retro feel to it, specifically back into the 90s - which is also when he started his music career.
How is this album different from previous? It’s very easy going, not much of the hip and the hop. All the songs are very soothing, toned down, simple yet effective. Less drums and none of the songs are chinked-out. It shows that Leehom can diversify away from something that’s a sure thing and still produce good music.
This new album, I find it really easy - almost hard not to - move with the music. 10 songs out of 12 tracks. I can only wish there were more, as usual.
Make A Change (2): First single off the album. Very easy to get into, very upbeat and fun, suitable to bobbing the head with the music. A bit of hip hop and a bit of rock elements here and there.
Falling Leaves (3): I believe this is the second single. A soft piece with a moving violin solo. It’s almost like in the style of zong guo feng (ZGF 中國風 ) but stripped away of any Chinese instruments. On a side note, nearing the end at 3.55 he sounded a bit like Jay there. Just a bit (not that it’s good or bad).
Our Song (5): A nice and simple track, using what sounds like a small drum set (that or electronically done from an old organ). Plus there’s a nice and very very simple and old fashioned-like drum solo.
You’re A Song In My Heart (6): Here’s a duet with Selina from SHE, Leehom’s first attempt at singing in Taiwanese, and it’s a mix of Mandarin and Taiwanese. I don’t really listen to Taiwanese so I shan’t make a judgment. But I must say there’s a nice blend between both voices. Very easy to listen to and very retro produced, very laid back. This however would be the least favorite track of the album.
Where’s The Love (7): Perhaps the least attractive song but then again, it’s not. I think it’s his vocals that made this work. He sounds so effortless but in actual fact it’s not easy to sing it that way - one of the many talents of Leehom. Again, soothing music.
Cockney Girl (8): The only hip hop song in the album. The way it’s produced I think is very nicely done.
Incomplete Melody (9): Another soothing love song.
Love’s Encouragement (10): Another uplifting song with a nice piano background, another melody to bob your head to, and again, another piano solo to enjoy.
Long Live Chinese (11): Title says it all. A fun song completely rapped. The chorus is very catchy to say the least. Most effective driving around playing the song with your mates singing along.
Wee Hours of Saturday (12): Easily my favorite song of the album. From the title to its delivery, a show-off of his vocals in its most tender ways, a slow and soothing melody to accompany it. He mixed his own voice as backups perfectly.
So, some may ask, Leehom losing his touch? Perhaps a mere misconception. Perhaps the 90s style doesn’t work on the younger fans. Perhaps not as good as Heroes Of the Earth but it’s still a damn good one. While everyone else is still trying to replicate the ZGF sounds, Leehom is the first to say enough and step away from what has worked so well for him in the past few albums. I think it’s a risk that paid off. I welcome his change.
Posted by staff at July 16, 2007 01:50 PM