Brave Karaoke (VCD) VCD

An Annual Release: "Brave" ~ Chang Hui Mei, A-Mei

Two years since A-Mei signed with Warner Music, this annual album "Brave (Limited Edition)" represents the superstar's most outstanding and brilliant move to date.

Nine months after her last album, A-Mei, of course, still sings as touchingly and movingly, as forcefully, energetically and powerfully as always.

Ten distinct, but equally tasteful and magical musical pieces are offered on this brand new album. Each offers the same skillful and stunning A-Mei.

And altogether they have brought the Asian music diva's musical career to a whole new horizon. Rather than offering quick tempo songs which A-Mei specialises in, "Brave" mainly offers songs that express emotional feelings and present her from a gentler side. Besides, fans will be flattered when their ears pick up the sounds of the significant musical breakthrough the superstar has achieved by introducing her first attempt at rapping.

As for the leading single "Brave" (Track#4), it is the Chinese theme song of the Korean network game "A3" and was rewritten from a Korean song, just like the second leading single "See Myself" (Track#1).

While "See Myself" is the better choice, "Brave" is still offered with a dainty and melodic rhythm, but lyrics of just ordinary and averagequality. The most outstanding points of "See Myself" are A-Mei's phenomenal performance and the perfect match between the stringed instruments and Wang Lee Hom's piano play.

"Why I Love You So Badly" (Track#6) is an ear-pleasing and beautiful love song. A-Mei's artistic, angelic and emotionally-charged voice gives full vent to the feeling of frustration in the song.

"Save Me From Embarassment" (Track#5) was written by Tanya. Regardless of whether it comes to the humming of afewlines in the opening, the mind-clearing and unconventional melody, or the way A-mei chooses to perform in the chorus, the song is definitely a heavily-Tanya-flavoured one.

As regards the significant musical breakthrough mentioned above, "Doesn't Matter" (Track#7) presents the breakthrough, in which A-Mei makes her very first attempt at rapping. She has also invited Steven Lin Zhi-wen, who is a member of "Machia", to conduct a special rap talk duet.

"Silly Words" (Track#8) is flirtatious, seductive and tempting. "For There Is Me" (Track#9) is a signature song of A-Mei's. It is not only strongly rock flavoured, but also a bit Reggae flavoured. Other pieces such as "Forget" (Track#10) and "Hypocritical" (Track#2) are also worth sparing your time to listen to.

Unfortunately, the most regrettable t thing on "Brave", which is A-Mei's yearly lone release in 2003, would be the lack of such startling beautiful pieces as "Nothing You Want After All", "Blue Sky" and "Bad Boy", which made their marks on her first shot. Hopefully the producers could pay attention to that for the 2004 yearly release.

Recommendations: "See Myself" (Track#1), "Why I Love You So Badly" (Track#6), "Save Me From Embarassment" (Track#5)

Reviewer: Stephen Lee (Li ZhongYan)
Translator: theDan (Chen EnNeng)