Back when, in a time when I was still trying out all sorts of music, I came across A-Yue (back then Zhang Zhen Yue was printed on the album covers instead of A-Yue). Immediately I liked him. Almost reminding me of Eminem, not in terms of music per se but the attitude he puts in his music. The playful impudence and sometimes raw profanity that became more addictive than funny.

But he also has the softer side that is just as captivating. Slow melodies, tender lyrics gave him some of his biggest hits, not to mention some lyrics that made him look like a love sick puppy that you would feel pathetic and sorry for him and laugh at his plight. What can I say, his humour is his charm.

I only own two albums, Problem and the follow-up Secret Base. But then I lost touch with him until this recently released album, OK. I wasn’t ignoring him all this while, just that I’ve never heard anything from him since Secret Base. Now that this album has been brought in front of my eyes, I thought I gave it a try, expecting the same brass but only to be pleasantly surprised. (Perhaps I should have seen it coming from the album cover with him in a suit and tie.)

The album also came with a special new type of cd plastic casing that requires you to push the side to release a lock in order to open the cover; and the casing is ‘taller’ instead of ‘longer’. A much better upgrade and about time too - first one I saw was from Bon Jovi’s new album.

All songs in OK are mid-tempo, none of the rock/hip hop flavoured that dominated the two albums that I’m more familiar with. And every song is worth a listen. Well, almost.

Most songs are like the first song on the album, featuring Tanya Chua on chorus, a very addictive song, very catchy and very easy to listen to or sing along to. And most songs are love songs. Only a few has a bit of playful lyrics that may bring a smile.

Guitar is used in every song very prominently and very effectively. There are some songs that sounds very retro. But it suits his voice very well. You can’t help but to sing along as they are just so addictive. (I’ve used this word too many times I realise but this whole album is very addictive.)

Let This Song features MC Hot Dog and Patty Hou. MC Hot Dog’s addition works very well here (as compared to his collaboration with Nan Quan Mama which didn’t sound right at all) as they are of the same genre. Patty Hou’s rap is very pleasing to the ears too. A right combination overall.

Like I said, all songs are worth a listen. They are all good. Very addictive. Except Small Stars which opens up with kids singing. I hate that. I hate the effect it has and how it looks like a song trying to make the audience go awwww just because of some kids singing it.

A-Yue isn’t the best singer out there. Not even close. But he makes up for his lack of range and vocal capabilities with catchy beats and easy and simple lyrics. This is one of the best albums out this year. If you’re only buying five Chinese cds this year, this should be one of them.

Revierwer’s Rating: 7.5 / 10