Daniel Lee
Debut Album
There’re lots of controversies as whether Daniel Lee Chee Hun, who received more than a million votes in the popular singing competition “Malaysian Idol” in September, won by his good look or his real talent. I’m listening to this album and I’m asking: Why not both?
This 23-year-old music student definitely has good look which attracts a bundle of female fans. The record company has made sure too that they made good use of it. The pictures in the album lyric book show a young, lively and energetic young lad.
The album consists 8 pop and R&B Chinese songs, one English song (his signature song “Heaven Knows”, originally by Rick Price) and one Malay song (the Malaysian Idol single – “Mimpi”). I’m hesitating on whether to call it a tri-lingual album, but apparently his record company is trying to attract different markets in Malaysia. Besides, the including of romanized lyrics and English summaries of the songs are considerate to many non-Chinese-educated listeners.
First track “飞 Fly” has been played on several main radio stations more than a month before the album was released. It’s the Chinese version of the Malaysian Idol single “Mimpi”, composed by Pot Amir and written by Zhang Guo Xiang who is famous for his lyrics for “情非得已 Qing Fei De Yi”. In fact, the Chinese lyrics appears to me more meaningful than the Malay lyrics. It seems like a song specially tailored for Daniel. The melody suits his voice perfectly and the lyrics portray exactly his struggle to achieve his long-awaited dream.
With a simple melody, “有机 Organic Love” can be considered the “safest” song in the album – most easily accepted by listeners. It’s not at all surprising that it has been chosen as the second single to be played on radio. The writer is trying to describe innocent love, where there is no hurt, affairs, separation or divorce. It wittily uses organic food as a metaphor to the purest love. Although rather weak in vocal, he managed to bring out the feeling of innocent and pure love. And it gets touching when you start to appreciate the lyrics.
The songs that stand out to me are the R&B numbers in the album, such as “选择 The Choice”, “I Don’t Know”, “无法自拔 Irresistible” and “第二次童年 Second Childhood”. “The Choice”, a minor-keyed R&B song caught me with surprise when I listen to it. I didn’t expect Daniel to sing this type of song, but he did it surprisingly well. “I Don’t Know”, an acoustic pop is both catchy and lively while “Irresistible” (titled “I Promise Just Believe” prior to the release of the album) is a smooth R&B ballad. He sounds very natural in these songs that I’m really looking forward to more of this type of songs in his next album. “Second Childhood” is perhaps my favorite song in the album. It’s catchy, vivacious and the falsetto in the ad-libs is excellent! Although we’ve been used to listen to his slow love songs, R&B songs suit him really well. They give him a chance to develop his own distinctive style of singing and he’s able to show some nice-skilled ornamentation in the ad-libs.
One song that has actually let me down is “现在, 很想见你 I Love to See You Now”. When I heard the demo of the song (before the album was out), I thought this is a perfect song for a shy and sweet guy like Daniel. It may be the expectation that disappoints me. In my opinion he can do so much better than that. His diction is unclear. You can blame it on his utmost idol, Jay Chou or the fact that it seems to be a trend of blur singing diction. But no, this song should be sung in a crystal clear voice. “The Lucky One”, a mid-tempo ballad composed by himself, on the other hand is very well done. The chorus goes “No matter how winding the road is, Laughing in tears I’m the lucky one”. Daniel admits that the lyrics show how he feels at the moment – grateful and lucky.
“Heaven Knows”, needless to say, is simply brilliant. I’ve listened to the songs for so many times, and it never fails to bring a chill to my spine. The emotion in the song is so immense that it touches the deepest of the heart. And trust me, it’s 10 times better listening to it live! It could have made an amazing ending song if it were put as the 10th track. The melody keeps lingering in my head after the song finishes.
Considering that the album only takes 2 months to produce, I give a thumb up to Daniel and the producers. Certainly he still has a huge room to improve, however from this album we can see that his talent is blossoming. Hopefully we’ll see another promising star from Malaysia soon.
Track listing:
1. 飞 Fei (Fly)
2. 选择 Xuan Ze (The Choice)
3. 有机 You Ji (Organic Love)
4. I Don’t Know
5. 现在, 很想见你 Xian Zai, Hen Xiang Jian Ni (I Love To See You Now)
6. 无法自拔 Wu Fa Zi Ba (Irresistible)
7. 幸运儿 Xing Yun Er (The Lucky One)
8. 第二次童年 Di Er Ci Tong Nian (Second Childhood)
9. Heaven Knows
10. Mimpi (Dream)
Recommended tracks: Fly, The Choice, I Don’t Know, The Lucky One, Second Childhood, Heaven Knows
Written by ~Jessy~ on Dec 21, 2005
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53 Comments, Join the discussion
Zhemin
Though I love this album, I have to say that this album is a bit too commercialise. Sony BMG hopes to produce an album in a short time to continue the “Malaysian Idol hot”. I believe Daniel has not realised his full potential. I’m sure he still have a lot to give. In fact, I’m already looking forward to his second album!
Dec 23rd, 2005
~Jessy~
Hi Zhemin!
Yup I do agree on that.
Sony BMG wants to release his first album as soon as possible before people start to forget about the Malaysian Idol. ANd they wants to make money from him as soon as possible. It’s a clever strategy. That’s why I don’t have high expectation in this production. 2 months is way too little for an album!
But this album is important too as the success or failure of this will determine whether there is a second album, which he can then participate more in the production.
Dec 23rd, 2005
>sydney
the song in the Daniel album so good and nice….
gambate gambate gambate……….
hopefully Daniel ll sucess………….
happy forever…….
Dec 24th, 2005
J1
I love all this songs especially you ji,xian zai hen xiang jian ni&xing yun er.Work hard,Daniel.If you think you can,you can.God helps the person who helps themselves.
Dec 24th, 2005
~Jessy~
Hi Sydney and J1,
Thanks for leaving your messages!
Dec 25th, 2005
gris
i definitely love daniel’s song…i would like to highlight this song - the lucky one…i love this song..
Dec 25th, 2005
~Jessy~
Hi Gris!
I love the song too.
The lyrics are very meaningful. It’s like Daniel thanking his fans for making his dream come true.
Dec 25th, 2005
Ev0n
Hi everyone.. I’m from Singapore, so nv hear his song but he kinda cute de.. =D
Dec 25th, 2005
~Jessy~
Hi Evon,
Welcome! Sorry for not being able to put the song preview here.
Dec 25th, 2005
~Isabella~
hi^^i love daniel’s album song……but the song i like the most is 飞，有机，现在很想见你
i hope every one likes it……
~bye~
Dec 26th, 2005
~Jessy~
Hi Isabella!
Glad that you like the album cause I like it too! :D
Dec 26th, 2005
. x . Y u m i . x .
jessy, great review u have here.
i very much agree that SONYBMG is msart to make te album fast. besides, they launch the album during the school holiday when most of his fans are free and able to attend his autograph sessions.
i was expecting a little more in this album but 2 months of production isnt enough. hopefully his second album would be much better.
Dec 27th, 2005
~Jessy~
Hey Yumi!
Glad that you drop by here. :D
Dec 27th, 2005
vincent
hey daniel..well done!!
Jan 9th, 2006
~Jessy~
Thanks Vincent!
Jan 9th, 2006
Wing
Hi Jessy,
This is the first time I visit the Chinese Music Blog. I was searching about the song “Heaven Knows” on the internet, and that led me to your website. It’s really a good website because it has detail review of different artists. And I really appreciate for your time and effort to put all these together so we the reader can know more about the artist, how are the songs, etc. This is also the first time I hear about Daniel, and I will definitely get his CD because the songs sound too good to me. And I love “Heaven Knows”. Again, thank you and wish you all the best.
Jan 12th, 2006
~Jessy~
Hi Wing,
I’m really glad that you like Daniel’s songs.
Thanks for visiting!
Jan 12th, 2006
Shez
this album is great! i haven’t listened to a mainly pop album in quite a while now XD i think he has quite a femanine voice but his voice does suite the songs that he sings
Jan 13th, 2006
Wan Shangri
Whish u have a happy new year.
Jan 14th, 2006
~Jessy~
Cool Shez!
I don’t think you can get the album in London, right?
Hi Wan Shangri,
Happy 2006!
Jan 14th, 2006
Clement
hi i love you album the song is nice but why don u sang mungkin nanti also then put in your album you sing this song is nice.
so hope to see your new album with new song and also ” mungkin nanti” song too.
at last wish you happy chinese new year to you and your family
bye bye
Jan 20th, 2006
~Jessy~
Clement:
“Mungkin Nanti” is not in the album because it’s a Chinese album. Anyway, they include the bonus track, “Mimpi”, and that will do. :)
Jan 27th, 2006
jasminepinky
hi Jessy..
Nice blog u have here..im sure u are a daniel fans..r u a part of Pinkies? Do join us at http://www.mi2daniel.proboards70.com
Please promote this site ya!
Jan 31st, 2006
~Jessy~
Hi Jasmine,
I’ve been to that site before.
Thanks for dropping by!
Jan 31st, 2006
L.S.Boon,PG,FL:
U Are The Best加油!
Feb 9th, 2006
viki
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa i very like daniel
he very cute
i like daniel this song 现在, 很想见你 n 飞
Mar 1st, 2006
Alice
Hello,I hope Daniel can teach me sing……………..
Mar 4th, 2006
mandy
I bought Daniel’s CD..and I find it very soothing to the ear. I love his voice. Though I m quite elderly…but I love listening to sweet soothing sounds and Daniel has that in him. He is worth voting for and much better than any idols I heard of…. Dont give up Daniel. Ok.
Mar 7th, 2006
lizzie
wow…daniel song very nice…
i like d song xzhxjn…you ji…fei…n di es ci tong nian…
daniel…u r d best…kambate
Mar 16th, 2006
sunnyday
daniel 的歌很好听。。。。。。
尤其是现在很想见你。听了很感动。
daniel 要加水唷！
因为油涨价了。
经济一点。。。。hi
Mar 20th, 2006
jasminepinky
Anyone knows abt Daniel latest limited editon celebration cd?
Apr 2nd, 2006
FiFi
Where can i find daniel’s i love to see you now lyircs?
Apr 10th, 2006
su ying
i really very like daniel.he very handsame n his song very nice………..ah ya how can i get in 2 daniel fans club ah?????????
Apr 14th, 2006
Angela
Yr song very nice ! I realy like yr song !
Apr 15th, 2006
jasminepinky
Su ying..visit http://www.daniel-lee.net
he’s official fans club..
-jasmine-
Apr 15th, 2006
Raymond
can anybody giv me the lyrics???
May 7th, 2006
Lim Kai Sing
DANIEL,u r the best!!!
May 8th, 2006
qi89
很開心那天可以看到……..
我真的很喜歡你…..
May 14th, 2006
evelyn
i love to hear your songs,daniel….i hav a boyfriend who looks like u ,the eyes,the voices,the size,n also the feeling….u all are similar! i luv u all very much….vincent n daniel….
May 14th, 2006
Pinkylee
I love your songs very much.Can you(daniel) be my friend,i hope your can be my friend.I will wait your answer!Wish you have a Happy day.
May 19th, 2006
kelly
great………….his songs was totally great…………..i hope he will quickly keluarkan his lastest album……..i m waiting 4 it……….hooray !!!!!!!!!!!!
May 20th, 2006
jasminepinky
To join his fans club..join http://www.daniel-lee.net
May 28th, 2006
jasminepinky
try to go to his website..buying his album will get lyrics rite?
May 28th, 2006
Shinny
Hi guys,let me tell you all something. I can celebrate my birthday with Daniel lah. I getting to know these in Sin Chew newspaper in July 1.Hooray I’m not alone anymore
Jul 20th, 2006
limkaising
Daniel,i really love your song…
Sep 13th, 2006
san san
love his eng song heaven knows
this is one song that really make me feel so touch
Nov 14th, 2006
know_nothing
“Heaven knows” is great. Though I’ve listened to it in Rick Price’s album for thousand of times, the feeling remains the same with this cover. Keep going, Daniel.
Jan 23rd, 2007
clare
i like this song….
May 8th, 2007
chistine chia zhe hui
hei daniel, congrats and well done so keep up the good work ok i will be waiting for your new songs see ya
Jun 26th, 2007
hong
daniel…… i love you new song/………
that ‘everytime’ ..
very nice……
i’m love it…….!!!!!!!
Aug 2nd, 2007
Ally
sooooo gooood, daniel IIIII Love u 4 ever
Sep 25th, 2007
woon
Hi…
soooo…
goodd…
Daniel…
Sep 26th, 2007
Tee Li Tyng
Daniel,wo xi wang ni neng kan de dong wo xie shen me.
Wo shi ni de ge mi.,wo hen xi huan ting ni de ge,zui xi huan de yi shou ge shi”ying wei you ai”zhe shou ge wo zui xi huan ting de ge.Shui rang wo shi ni de ge mi,dan shi wo bu neng dui ni shuo”wo ai ni/wo xi huan ni”,ying wei wo you xi huan de ren le.Wo duo bu zhi dou na ge nang zhi xi bu xi huan wo.Wo bu xie zhe me duo le,wo yau ting ni de ge le.
Feb 15th, 2008
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