There has always been something about Zhou Chuan Xiong that has him as my favourite artist. I’m sure many people think his music is too old for society or too boring but his moving ballads just take me into trances. Maybe he is (been in the industry since 1989) yet I never can get tired of his music…I just like his voice too much.

His new album is certainly enjoyable to listen to and again relives his name as 情歌教父 (Godfather of Ballads). The album has a very light refreshing listen to it and reflects the album name/cover and title 蓝色土耳其 (Turkey in Blue). It is filled with upbeat melodies and his usual rock elements plus many extra Rnb pieces unlike previous albums; all composed by Zhou Chuan Xiong himself.

Track 1 有谁还没睡 (Who Else Hasn’t Slept?) like 坏感觉from his 星空下的传说 album, the RnB feel is very addictive. His voice and lyrics all bind together with the melody easy. About the loss of sleep and the encounters of a lost love, it is my favourite track of the album.

This is followed by 蓝色土耳其 (Turkey in Blue) describing the loneliness of a person is another catchy track. The whole album encountered is ballad after another but all with its distinct aspects for example弱水三千 and 青花. Track 9 is another typical ballad, gentle and relaxing, with only the guitar this time.

Though technically only 8 tracks (Track 7 remake of Kelly Chen’s Duan Xiao Xi; Track 10 being a remake of Nicholas Teo’s Ji Mo Bian Jie, or should I say his), the album is flawless in terms of lyrics, vocals and melodies.

The album is another statement of achievement by Zhou Chuan Xiong. His 2005 Album星空下的传说 (The Legend Under the Starry Sky) was my initial exposure to such an artist which quickly followed his previous works like黄昏 (Twilight) and 男人海洋 (Man. Ocean). His 2006 album快乐练习曲 (Happiness Etudes) was another success for me continuing his usual style.

A talented musician all round like Lee Hom and Jay Chou, I’ve always just hope the he gets more acknowledgements for the work he does and recognition that he deserves in the Chinese Music Industry. Or maybe I am not aware of his success before 2003? Hmm…

Overall, I’ve said many times (I know), the album is relaxing, soothing, though too blue. I’ve always wondered why his albums are always so depressing and melancholic but if it is good, keep them coming. I rate this album 8/10 and certainly a recommendation to others looking for a fresh sound to their ears.

Recommended Tracks: All tracks
Favourite Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 8

1 有谁还没睡 (Who Else Hasn’t Slept?)
2 蓝色土耳其 (Turkey In Blue)
3 向北飞 (Flying Towards the North)
4 弱水三千 (Weak Water 3000??)
5 空缺 (Vacancy)
6 难过 (Pain)
7 短消息 (Lack of Information)
8 青花 (Green Flower)
9 没有太阳的早晨 (Morning Without the Sun)
10 寂寞边界 (Loneliness Border)

Click here to purchase the album.