The Seeds Of Hope

Yang Pei-an

Late-bloomer Yang Pei-an is proof that the seeds of hope will eventually flower.

In 2006, the Taiwanese singer released his debut record at the age of 35, wowing listeners with his soaring vocals on his breakthrough hit I Believe.

No wonder he is optimistic on his fourth full-length album.

Titles such as Dreams Start From The Heart, Fiery Phoenix and The End Of The Rainbow give you a good idea of the songs’ never-give-up theme.

The lyrics, too, reinforce the message of striving to achieve one’s goals. He sings on Dreams: “Every step is filled with unwavering persistence, only I can write my own exciting story.”

On the Phoenix track, a collaboration with Chemical Monkey Band, the rocker exhorts: “Not afraid of shattered bones or staggering along/Be brave and take a risk, let life be filled with limitless light.”

Even a ballad such as Moonlight is anchored by the same sentiment.

You know where to head the next time you need a pick-me-up.

The Next Me

Aaron Yan

Taiwanese boyband Fahrenheit are not particularly known for their singing prowess, so a solo effort from member Aaron Yan does not have one exactly trembling in eager anticipation.

The singing is passsable and the title track is a tuneful offering with lyrics about the contradictory ambitions and emotions of a young man: “The next me/What role will I play/Loving gently on one hand/Hating passionately on the other/How many hearts can I have.”

Yan also teams up with Singapore singer Olivia Ong on Just One Look for an obligatory duet between label-mates. He covers Hong Kong singer Karen Mok’s Suddenly as well, but his version seems less deeply felt.

Still, the disc has already topped the album charts in Taiwan for two weeks.

As for Yan's next role, it's a case of the record company knows best. Despite rumours of them disbanding, Fahrenheit are reportedly attempting to heat up the charts with another group album.

(ST)