Chinese Music Blog

For their latest album, S.H.E has taken on the role of radio personalities and even launched their own web radio station to coincide with the release of the album. When I heard that they were experimenting with a new sound and feel for their new album, I was a bit skeptical since I was hoping for the return of the old S.H.E. Whereas their last album, Play, felt thrown together at the last minute, FM S.H.E has a futuristic theme that ties the whole album together without feeling like its trying too hard. With past albums, S.H.E has experimented and ventured into different genres but usually find their way back to what has always worked for them: Sweet songs (觸電/Electric Shock, 不作你的朋友/Don’t Want To Be Your Friend), nice ballads (最近還好嗎/How Are You Lately?, 月桂女神/Laurel Tree Goddess) and the occasional upbeat dance song (Supermodel, Ring Ring Ring). I can say that I was surprised at how much I liked the album on first listen and have continued to become more and more addicted to its infectious beats and KTV-ready lyrics.

The album starts out with 早安您好, which ties into the futuristic-radio theme and leads us into 我愛煩惱 (I Love Trouble). The sound is very much the S.H.E we are familiar with but is a bit more mature and rock-ish with a futuristic twist. This carries into 宇宙小姐 (Miss Universe) with the same feel but very club-like feel. The song is so catchy, you’ll be bobbing your head to it throughout the day without even realizing it. I am only disappointed because S.H.E has again done a cover. This time its Ex-Sweetbox Jade Valerie’s “Crush” I don’t see anything wrong in covers, but I was just so blown away at how great the song was only to find out it wasn’t their own creation. Nonetheless, it is one of the best songs on the album.

Another one of my faves is 比你賤 (Cheaper Than You) featuring Judy Zhou. Instantly, the Michael Jackson references pop out. Its hard not to notice. The title of the song phonetically sounds llke “Billy Jean” and then there’s the opening beats and “Hee-he” Michael call out throughout the song. For fans of Judy (from One Million Stars) its nice to hear from him again since he hasn’t had anything new since the Bull Fighting OST.

For those like me who longed for the return of the old S.H.E, you will not be disappointed. 天亮了 (Daybreak), 安靜了 (It’s Quiet Now), and 612星球 (Planet 612), 店小二 (Waiter) all highlight what has brought Selina, Hebe and Ella so far. Most will notice that 安靜了 borrows lyrics from Jay’s version but it should also be noted that Selina contributed to writing some of the new lyrics. For those looking for a classic song with a ZGF feel 月光手札 (Moonlight Letter) is sure to satisfy. Very soothing and easy listening.

And what S.H.E album would be complete without the Girl Power song? This album features 女孩當自強 (A Girl Striving To Be Independent) which is an empowering song that encourages girls to be true, independent and stand up for themselves. Interestingly, the song’s tune is sampled from Wong Fei Hong’s “Men Should Be Strong.”

I loved the radio inserts featuring each of the members. A nice touch since it helped transition between songs just as real radio show would. The only song that doesn’t really belong is the last track, 酸甜 (Sweet and Sour) featuring our lovely boys from Fahrenheit. I figure HIM just threw the song in as a bonus. The CD is available in 2 versions: the futuristic version comes with bonus CD and the retro version does not.

Rating: 8/10

Well put together, quality music. The S.H.E. we know and love in crazy colored outfits.