Chinese Music Blog

Releasing his first EP after winning the title of Astro Talent Quest champion, Nicholas Teo has been venturing into overseas market over the past two years. From Malaysian to Singapore to Mainland China, Nicholas finally made it in the competitive Taiwanese market. The ex-student in Taiwan had been taking part in several singing contest during his university years. This album, which is well-received by Taiwanese fans, is a dream come true for him.

This album was actually released in Malaysia in 2004, titled “首选” (First Choice). In this Taiwan-released album “首张同名专辑 (Only One限量加值版) Shou Zhang Tong Ming Zhuang Ji (Only One Limited Edition)”, there are 2 new songs “Dream” and “藏爱 Cang Ai” and also an added introduction. You can hear that Nicholas’s voice sounds more mature in these 2 songs. His singing style also changed a little.

The songs in the album are quite consistent. Ranging from slow sad songs to middle-beat songs, they don’t vary a lot. However, Nicholas’s voice is clean, and clear, like a cup of distilled water. He doesn’t need to do the R&B styled ad-libs like Z Chen, neither does he need to be very emotional like Jacky Cheung. He simply sings his heart out, naturally, and that sounds good!

“当你孤单你会想起谁 Dang Ni Gu Dan Ni Hui Xiang Qi Shui” is already a hit in many karaoke charts. The simple and easy-singing melody and straight-forward lyrics are most favored by karaoke goers, especially teens and students. “寂寞边界 Ji Mo Bian Jie” is written by a famous Taiwanese producer, 周传雄 Zhou Chuan Xiong, or better known as 小刚 Xiao Gang. He decided to write a song for this newcomer after Nicholas popularized his song “黄昏 Huang Hun”, which Nicholas made it his winning song in the final of the singing competition. Besides, “Only One” is a cover of Japanese boy band, SMAP’s song.

The album also consists of 3 songs which are originally in his first EP; “付出 Fu Chu”, “重伤 Zhong Shang” and “黄昏 Huang Hun”. The producer is really utilizing the disc space to the fullest. The album also comes with a bonus AVCD with 3 music videos and and 5 remix songs.

Overall, this album is well done but lack of surprise. Hopefully we can see Nicholas singing a variety of different genres in his next album.

Track listing:

1. Introduction
2. 当你孤单你会想起谁 (MV Version) Dang Ni Gu Dan Ni Hui Xiang Qi Shui (You Think Of Who When Lonely)
3. 寂寞边界 Ji Mo Bian Jie (Lonely)
4. Dream
5. 我真的以为 Wo Zhen De Yi Wei (I Thought)
6. Hurt
7. 这首歌 Zhe Shou Ge (This Song)
8. 你和我 Ni He Wo (You and Me)
9. 过渡期 Guo Du Qi (Transition Period)
10. 那年 Na Nian (That Year)
11. 让我陪你 Rang Wo Pei Ni (Let Me By Your Side)
12. 藏爱 Cang Ai (Hiding Love)
13. Only One
14. 付出 Fu Chu (Give)
15. 重伤 Zhong Shang (Deep Hurt)
16. 黄昏 Huang Hun (Dusk)
17. 当你孤单你会想起谁 Dang Ni Gu Dan Ni Hui Xiang Qi Shui

Recommended tracks:
Ji Mo Bian Jie, Wo Zhen De Yi Wei, Dream, Wo Zhen De Yi Wei, Only One, Fu Chu, Zhong Shang