Harlem Yu has probably been making music for about 20 years. And he’s really lucky that he can still make chart toppers today. To me, the reason is because he knows what the music listeners want.

Everyone knows Harlem can write his own lyrics and compose his own music. but taking a look at this album, he’s only composed half of the songs and written lyrics for… one song. if you ask me, i would say he’s smart because the songs he writes all have a taste of the 80s kind of rock flavour. those songs, albeit has quality, may not work as well in today’s business.

The first two chart topping tracks were not written by him at all, and are at opposite extremes of emotion. Quietly is a very sweet love song with very warm lyrics, although you wouldnt think much of it on a first listen. but it gradually gets better. and Cant Quit is a painful love song with a music video which i’m quite impressed with. good job to the director in blending the lyrics to the visuals. and this should be the first time we see Harlem with eye shadows. i can also see both songs being a hit in karaoke lounges too.

Track 4 sees Harlem experimenting with a heavyily modern RnB genre. he does pull it off and is actually very enjoyable. much better than when Jacky Cheung did a Jay Chou. i think many ppl tend to not remember that Harlem was one of the RnB pioneer in the chinese music industry, correct me if i’m wrong. he does know his rhythm and blues.

Tracks 3, 5, 6 and 9 gives a rock ballad feel with the guitar intros. a personal favourite being Track 5 with its grandeur feel, like the making of a great love song.

Track 7, 8 and 10 have the very 80s feel of rock which i mentioned earlier. Track 7 has cute lyrics (and i dont mean the typical Lin Zhi Ling cute), which makes the song adorable in a good way. and Track 10 sees Harlem being playfully arrogant, which i think works very well for him in his vocals. the arrangement of the song also reminds me of the earlier Let Your Mom Do The Twist.

Overall i say the album has a good blend of musical style with rock being its base (with eye shadow and all). But many of the songs are easily forgettable. nothing really stands out and grab your attention. but what keeps me coming back for more Harlem, apart from him being one of the best singers around with a unique sound, is that he knows what he’s doing and he’s doing it really well.

Personal recommendations: Tracks 1-5, 10.

Ratings out of a perfect 10: 6.6

Track Listing:
1) 静静的/Jing Jing De [Quietly]
2) 戒不掉/Jie Bu Diao [Can’t Quit]
3) 比永远还要久/Bi Yong Yuan Hai Yao Jiu [Longer Than Forever]
4) 仙人掌与蜥蜴/Xian Ren Zhang Yu Xi Yi [Cactus and The Lizard]
5) 午夜公路/Wu Ye Gong Lu [Midnight Street]
6) 乐园/Le Yuan [Paradise]
7) 小蜜蜂/Xiao Mi Feng [Little Bee]
8) 不给/Bu Gei [Won’t Give]
9) 对峙/Dui Chi [Mutual Confrontation]
10) So Cool

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