I can still remember when i bought my first Penny album. it was her first album which came out in 1999. i just heard her first single on the radio and didnt know who she was, and just thought i gave her a try because i was bored. and now i own every album she’s released and will purchase her albums upon release knowing what i can expect. and i’m lucky enough she came for a mini concert here.

To me, she’s not one of the really popular ones like Jasmine Leong or Yanzi, but her talent in writing and singing is just as good as any, if not better. (additional info, she was recently awarded best composer at the Golden Melody Awards.) Her vocal versatility reminds me of Jewel Kilcher. she can do it all. soft, strong, cute and playful, hurt and vulnerable, and when she goes high there’s a certain clarity and control which is impressive. and she’s got that big voice coming out of that small frame.

What is disappointing about this album is that, to me, the first song is just half a song and shouldnt make up the typical 10 songs we get from a chinese album (like Leehom’s Heroes of Earth where that last song shouldnt be counted as well). if this keeps up, future albums will have 9 or 8 songs… But that’s where the disappointment stops because every song that follows just keep getting better and better.

Track 2 is my least favourite of the bunch. it reminds me of Drift Of Love (Sui Zhong Yang) which just doesnt sit well with me. but Penny does write a lot of this type of music i must admit. Track 3 starts off what i consider to be Penny doing what she does best. great love songs with great lyrics. (just to mention, i really dont know which song she released as her first single and which followed suit. and it really doesnt matter but i’m guessing its Tracks 2 and 3.)

Track 4 has a male vocalist harmonising with her in the chorus section which is worth a mention because it creates a very soothing and comfortable sound. Track 5 is the second and last upbeat song of the whole album. i seldom enjoy chinese pop but this kind i really like, with its light catchy tune and smooth flow. good to listen to while on the open road with the wind in your face.

Tracks 6 - 10 are all equally good. they are all ballads, a number of them with solo guitars, all very soothing with Penny’s vocals. Track 9 is personal favourite. the lyrics of aching uncertainty are beautifully woven to the very moving melody. Track 10 is like a lullaby. i thought i’ve had enough of the kids-singing-in-choruses type but this one isnt bad at all. i really enjoy the lyrical side of it and it’s become one of my fav.

With 8 songs that are all worth listening from a total of 9.5 songs, even though none of them i can hail as a great song (like Loved, Ai Guo), its one album that’s worth every penny of it. pun intended.

Personal recommendations: Track 3-10.

Ratings out of a perfect 10: 7.8

Track Listings:
1. 挂在半梦半醒之间 Gua Zai Ban Meng Ban Xing Zhi Jian [At The Droway Moment]/ I’m busy
2. 一个人的行李 Yi Ge Ren De Xing Li [Travel Alone]/ I’m free
3. 淡水河边 Dan Shui He Bian [Along River Side]/ I’m hurt
4. 窗外 Chuang Wai [Out Of The Window]/ I’m looking out
5. 择偶条件 Ze Ou Tiao Jian [My Mr. Right]/ I’m single
6. 单身潜逃 Dan Shen Qian Tao [Run Away]/ I’m not strong
7. 未知数 Wei Zhi Shu [Uncertain]/ I’m stubborn
8. 我们的故事 Wo Men De Gu Shi [About Us]/ I’m with u
9. 逛街 Guang Jie [Stroll Around]/ I’m missing u
10. 小小 Xiao Xiao [The Little Ones]/ I’m small

Join discussion here.

additional notes: yesasia’s track listing seems to have the tracks all jumbled up, unless my cd is special…