Nine to Five (2nd Version)

Well balanced: "Nin9 2 5ive" ~ Joey Yung

Joey has been particularly hot and famous in the Show Biz recently, not only has she become the spokeperson of a cosmetics brand and a F&B brand, she has also launched a VCD, a souvenir book, a musical score and has also just released the first and latest Cantonese album "Nin9 2 5ive" in 2004. There are ten brand new Cantonese songs, two theme songs and one special version of a song in the album.

Although the surprise album of "My Pride" is still the best among those Joey has released, "Nin9 2 5ive", when compared to the last Cantonese album "Show Up", has taken a huge leap forward to achieve the balance of being at the same time commercially competitive and musically valuable. Themes of songs in "Nin9 2 5ive" are diversified and no longer centred and mono-focused on only girly topics. As for the singing, Joey's way of expression has become way deeper and more penetrating as she comes across in experience.

"Perished All Together" (Track#7), the principal tune, is catchy and rhythmic. The major breakthrough in the song comes from the lyrics and the role played by Joey. "Perished All Together", unlike most of the common sad and moody love songs, is about Joey's having two lovers at a time and hurting three of them. This is not the kind of role that every local singer would dare to take up in their songs. Some might be skeptical about the "poor, skin-deep" lyrics, but the present reviewer thinks the simple lyrics make sure everyone is aware of how shameful and disgraceful one can be when s/he has two or more lovers at a time.

The second leading track "Excuse Me" (Track#10) is an extraordinary mainstream ballad. "In The World Are There" (Track#12), the softly fragrant and competent theme song of a TV Commercial, is created by Chen GuangRong and Wyman Wong, which created the legendary song "My Pride". "Road To Dream" (Track#2) is a not bad little-rock song while the exotic "Sand Gets In Eyes" (Track#6) is purely noble. Such other pieces as "Long Live The Chocolate" (Track#8), "Bird-waiting Tree" (Track#11) and "Final Victory" (Track#4) shall not be excused. However, "Use No Substitute" (Track#5) is not a good song for the skin-deep lyrics.

Recommendations: "Perished All Together" (Track#7), "Excuse Me" (Track#10), "Sand Gets In Eyes" (Track#6) and "Bird-waiting Tree" (Track#11)

Reviewer: Stephen Lee (Li Zhong Yan - Hong Kong)
Translator: theDan (Chen EnNeng)