Lightyears

2007 has been an amazing year in Chinese Music, with many artistes switching record companies, setting up their own companies etc.  After listening to a lot of great albums this year, I have decided that A*mei Zhang Hui Mei’s ”Star” album is my favourite of 2007!

The Taiwanese diva has put out many great albums to date and “Star” is definitely one of them. The album covers a range of songs, including jazz, R&B, pop, disco etc. and it really reinforces her status as a “Star”. Of all the tracks, I particularly like “You Do Love Me” or “ 你是愛我的”. It has the essence of a classic A*mei style ballad, and her delivery is just perfect! Another outstanding track would be “Don’t Sail Away”, which I think is an original English Song. Pronunciation aside, I think she captured the feel of the song, and it really grows on you after a few spins. In addition, there is also a super duet with a “newbie” Xiao Jing Teng, 蕭敬騰, in the song “A Moment” or “一眼瞬間”. Lastly, I would have to say that all the songs are just great, and if you have not gotten the album, you have to get it!

Anyway, A*Mei has had a great year, after parting with Warner Music Taiwan and joining EMI Music Taiwan, getting quite a number of endorsement deals, for example Taiwan Beer, and MAC launched a series of cosmetic products in collaboration with A*mei! She also launched her “Star World Tour” in November, beginning in Shanghai, and going to places in Southeast Asia, United States, Taiwan and so on. It was mentioned that the last stop would be in Hong Kong in early 2009. For the first half of next year (2008), she would also be involved in a Japanese Musical (visit this site for more information about the musical : www.turan.jp ).

Hope that she will release another amazing album next year, and I cannot wait to watch her perform live again!