Blackhole (Hong Kong Version)

Brand new style: "Blackhole" ~ Jordan Chan Siu Chun

Released a Cantonese album and held several concerts at the Hong Kong Coliseum in February, Jordan Chan, in less than three months' time, unbelievably delivers to his fans again. He surprises them this time by releasing in Taiwan the exciting 10-track "Blackhole", his latest annual Mandarin album.

"Blackhole" has already been the eighth Mandarin album of Jordan's. Distinguishing from the Funny Music, dance music, R&B and Hip-hop in the earlier stages of his career, the concept album comprises Hard Rock & Roll and it stands for the huge progress made by Jordan.

The album of "Blackhole" marks another milestone for Jordan's vivid singing career. Instead of Hip-Hop and R&B, in the album. Instead, Hard Rock & Roll takes charge and rules the house, with only a few of the Jordan-trademarked ballads remain. The present reviewer save his opinion on the breakthrough attempt for now. In general, the quality of this album is guaranteed.

The upbeat setting and arrangement of "36th Century" (Track#1), the leading track, is playful and fiction-like. Unfortunately, its lyrics are ordinary. The theme song of a commercial "This Life" (Track#4) is the Mandarin version of "Surrounded By Girls". Both the rhythm and lyrics of it are ordinary though it is still a touching ballad.

"Wail" (Track#7), the Mandarin version of "Share The Life Together", is rhythmic but with extremely saddening lyrics which do not exactly match with the cheering music. That is also the reason why the present reviewer prefers the Cantonese to the Mandarin version.

The feeling projected by "Double Yellow Line" (Track#8) is similar to that of "36th Century". Yet, this is the better one as Jordan performs more satisfactorily. As for the others, "Who Do You Love Most" (Track#2), "Guts" (Track#5) and "A Pair" (Track#9) are worthy of listening to.

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