Geng Xin

Han Geng

Opener Moths To The Flame sounds exactly like K-pop in Mandopop clothing. But unlike most pretenders, China-born Han Geng was actually part of a Korean boyband. And not just any boyband but one of the biggest – the 13-member Super Junior.

He left SM Entertainment over what he saw as unfair treatment and has now branched out on his own. Say No seems to be about his unhappiness as a K-popster: “Day after day, tiredness accumulates/

Lying down, I feel like a rock with nothing to keep/Where is the exit, give me a moment of freedom”.

Even on songs that seem to have nothing to do with the split, one is tempted to read more into the lyrics. Holding An Umbrella, for example, has him wondering: “What would my life be like if I had not met you?”

While there is certainly a novelty factor surrounding his debut release, the question is whether Han can carve out a sustainable solo career.

He might boast on No Logo that “I’m going international” but his voice as well as the material are not particularly distinctive.

Another question: Now that he has gone solo, does he still move like a Korean pop idol? Fans can judge for themselves at his upcoming gig at the Esplanade Concert Hall next month.

Wanted To Get Married Then

Jody Chiang

This is old-school Minnan pop and nobody owns it like Jody Chiang.

The Queen of Taiwanese music is a multiple award-winner for Best Female Dialect Singer at the Golden Melody Awards and her languorous, emotive style is best showcased in numbers such as Black Coffee. Still, an entire album of ballads about aching for love is a bit too much to take and even the metaphors are well-worn, often comparing a woman to a flower in bloom.

The change of pace in Aiyo Aiyo and Tango Tango is most welcome, though the lyrics, by Chiang herself on Aiyo, don’t venture beyond familiar ground.

Old-school classiness is dandy but jazzing things up a little will make sure that she won’t get left on the shelf.

Holidays In The Sun

Yui

The 23-year-old Japanese singer-songwriter’s fourth album kicks off with a tribute. Yui grew up in a single-parent family and To Mother is a sweet piano-backed ode to familial love.

The rest of the record ventures into electric guitar-propelled numbers such as Again and It’s All Too Much, while Shake My Heart and Gloria are gentler pieces which are a better match for her warm, sun-kissed pipes.

The bonus DVD includes the music videos for My Generation, Love & Truth, Namidairo and Laugh Away, all from her last record I Loved Yesterday (2008) as well as her debut single, It’s Happy Line (2004).

For those less familiar with her body of work, it gives a quick and handy overview of her time in the sun thus far.

(ST)