Chinese Music Blog

More than a year after his previous album, Change Me, which featured a more throwback style in terms of both the sound and the unadulterated instrumentation, Leehom launches his 13th album, Heart Beat, just in time for the New Year celebration at the very end of Dec 2008.

Even months before the album was scheduled a launch date, there has already been talks about how this will be a more rock-influenced album. And this notion has been strengthened by the release of a rock song called “What’s Up Rock!!” somewhere in September; to his much-dismayed fans who didn’t like the new and different vocal and sound.

Whether or not this has affected the final production none of us will ever know, but the end-result of this album is a fair mixture between rock, pop and ballad.

What is most appreciated in this album is how all the songs are performed entirely by Leehom. Meaning, from the instruments to the final mixes, it’s all to Leehom’s discretion. This further shows just how serious he takes his music and how dedicated he is to his craft. Even if the album doesn’t win you over, his sincerity will.

According to Leehom, “Heart Beat” really sums up the whole album. “Heart” is the introspective and emotional side, and “Beat” is the energetic and the rock side. Initially, many thought this new album will be titled Music Man but maybe this is why the idea didn’t materialise.

Opening up the album is the rock number, “Loving Chastely“. Leehom again shows you how much he’s come from being an ABC who barely spoke Mandarin to being able to play with words. 得體 means “chaste” but its pronunciation sounds just like “dirty”, forming two different extremes.

A fun, old-flavoured rock song through and through (think That Thing You Do by The Wonders), however it’s a little too formulaic. The ingredient, the style, the beat, all that’s needed to make it a rock song are included here. There’s nothing too adventurous about it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a song you can rock out to; especially the drums and guitar on this track that are absolutely gorgeous. Personally I would have liked the whole album to have be this rockin’.

The power ballad “Heartbeat” is the first single released. It’s one of those rare songs that you can fall in love with after just one listen. The lyrics, the melody, the singing all comes together in perfect unison. The guitar solo towards the end of the song is great and it’s quite a surprise he recorded that himself. This is my favorite Chinese song of 2008!

“Sun Washed Over By The Summer Rain” comes as the laid back song where it’s perfect to listen to while in a relaxed mood. The opening drum beats are done in a way to represent rain drops, reminds of the drum effect in Martika’s Toy Soldier. There’s a line in English which not only compliments the song but alleviates it to another level – unlike how some Chinese songs with a few English lines that become very distracting – but here it’s the complete opposite. And when Leehom uses his laid back vocals that sound so effortless, he just can’t go wrong.

“Everything” is the least favorite song for me on the album. Many will disagree but I just don’t find anything interesting or special about this song. There’s nothing wrong with it and it’s not a bad song compared to what we have out there these days but on this album, it’s the last one i want to listen to. Having said that, it’ll probably be released as a single too.

A lot of speculations are flying around for “I Have No Reason To Care About You” and there’s no need for me to go into them here. But as a song, it is playfully tongue-in-cheek (or not), carefree and careless. And who knew Leehom could hit THAT high?

On “Another Heaven“, Leehom once again duets with another singer. Personally I think Leehom should do this on every album. It’s just a nice thing to do and helps up-and-coming artists with exposure; and it certainly brings in a different dynamic to the album by bringing in a female vocalist like Jane Zhang. A sweet and lovely tune that’s one of the highlights in this album.

I’ve seen some negativity on “The Puppet” in the forum but I really do not share the same sentiments. I like the song for its playfulness and upbeat rhythm. It’s another side of Leehom but it doesn’t come off as cute, it doesn’t sound like he’s trying to appeal to the younger audience, nor does it diminishes his credibility for doing this genre. And it’s very well produced too.

“The Script” tends to fall under the radar while listening through the album. Musically it could be the weakest as there’s not much here to grab on to. But it really is an acquired taste and could get better with each listen. And there’s another notable guitar solo in here too.

“The Venerable Opponent” is another personal favourite. It’s bluesy r’n'b opening sounds just like what Alicia Keys would do, but then Leehom comes in with the chorus and it sounds really different with strong, prominent beats. However, if you were to argue this song sounds like an American hip hop/r’n'b track, it’ll be hard to deny. But no one does the American-influenced better, or is able to produce a more genuine sound, than Leehom. Here he once again shows off his proficiency in Chinese rap.

The aforementioned “What’s Up Rock!!” is really not that bad now that we have the song as part of the album to listen to. Honestly, it is the most inventive and fresh sound among the 10 tracks. If only he produced one whole album that sounds like this but from the initial reaction to the song, I guess he couldn’t. I would have liked to see him take that risk though. And putting it on the last track is a great idea as once the album re-cycles, it ties in very nicely with Loving Chastely.

Personally I would exchange the positions for track 2 and 3, i think it’ll flow better with track 3 bridging the gap between the rock and the power ballad. But the album as a whole has great appeal, it has everything from ballad to hip hop to rock.

And once again, 10 tracks are just not enough for a Leehom album because you get so sucked into it that you’ll be wishing there are more to delve into.

Track Listing:
1 愛得得體 (Loving Chastely)
2 心跳 (Heartbeat)
3 春雨裡洗過的太陽 (Sun Washed Over By The Summer Rain)
4 Everything
5 我完全沒有任何理由理你 (I Have No Reason To Care About You)
6 另一個天堂 (Another Heaven)
7 玩偶 (The Puppet)
8 腳本 (The Script)
9 可敬的對手 (The Venerable Opponent)
10 搖滾怎麼了!! (What’s Up Rock!!)