Jacky Cheung Selections (LPCD45)

Ever since then, I have been spellbound by Jacky's extreme vocal range and his unique singing style. This release features a selection of his best loved hits, many of which also have become personal favorites of mine.

"Waiting For You Until My Heart Aches" (Track 1) starts and ends with a classic whistle, recounting the tale of a lonely guy who longs for his past love. Jacky's passionate singing is followed by a memorable guitar solo which is followed by even more intense vocal presentation that invites the listeners to drown in sorrow.

"Love Fireworks" (Track 4) opens with an exceptionally successful intro that teams up Jacky's emotional vocals with a piercing guitar sound, after which the drum play commences. The uptempo song that pleads for relentless love is driven by intense guitar, drum, and saxophone play, and made complete by Jacky's verve-injected vocal performance.

"Separations Always Take Place On Rainy Days" (Track 5) is another melancholic ballad whose tension seems to intensify with each new verse, as Jacky tells the sad tale of a pair breaking up accompanied by piano play. The whole scenario is laid out in the lyrics which remind us that this sorrowful event takes place on rainy day. The guitar solo in the middle of the song is exceptionally impressive, piercing through the listener's heart as Jacky adds his moving vocals once again while the melody slowly drifts by.

"Love Net" (Track 7) is a harmonic ballad full of lyrical imagery that lets the listener meander in the mystery of love. Drift off to a romantic realm as Jacky's expressive vocals gently caress your ears.

"Still Believe You're The Best" (Track 9) talks about a devoted lover who promises to be loyal to his mistress even if she leaves him. Jacky's well-balanced repeating refrain beautifully wraps up the melodious sound of this lullaby-style ballad that also boasts a nice harmonica solo.

"My Love Is More Devoted" (Track 10) is a rock ballad with an intense saxophone solo rounded off by Jacky's energetic repeating of a refrain that stimulates the senses and challenges you to hum along.

"Breaking up at Sunrise" (Track 11) is yet another heartbreaking ballad revolving around a guy reflecting on happier days as he silently bids his old love farewell and drives off into an uncertain future. Jacky's excellent performance of this melancholic number is nicely matched with a heart-shattering saxophone solo.

"Just Want To Be With You Forever" (Track 13) is still the peak of Jacky's music career in my opinion, as far as a single song is concerned. His unique interpretation of this really difficult but beautifully arranged mellow number is accompanied by first-rate piano play that nicely opens and ends the classic ballad.

"True Feeling" (Track 14) is a love confirmation song that sees Jacky at the top of his game. From the intro, in which a guy tells how blessed he is about having found the love of his life, to the melodious refrain that is completed in a way similar to The Beatles' Hey Jude, this ballad takes on epic dimensions.

"Farewell Kiss" (Track 15) is a ballad that Jacky interprets in such a skilled way that it drifts by like a well-written poem. It's also a nice choice to conclude this successful compilation.

Whether Jacky raises his songs on uptempo numbers or heart-rending ballads, the impact of his songs is simply amazing, teaching us that pain can indeed be very close to pleasure, that is if you're listening to one of Jacky's inimitable ballads. What could surpass such a first-class listening experience? Definitely, only a live performance with Jacky on center stage.