Forever Young The Movie Soundtrack (China Version)

Often associated with other equally big names in the same genre, such as Lao Lang, Apple Yebei and Xu Wei, Age of Water and Wood is one of the few who still remains fairly productive nowadays. Thanks to Lu, who has stuck around through numerous lineup changes, the legacy of "Having You In My Life" has continued and even become fans' pledge for more of their music.

Typical of the genre, the album has plenty of classical guitar, flute and maraca to go along with the teenage spirit, and "Goodbye Youth," the theme song for Lu's movie, is one of those songs. Lu and Mou Jie's stunningly affecting vocals carry not only sorrow but also an air of freedom, tenderness and romance – and it is triple the goodness when they are joined by Lao Lang, Li Jian and Beyond's Yip Sai Wing in the song. Bidding youth farewell, the song ends in a chorus by all the singers, sending listeners on a midnight train through the passage of time.

As a movie soundtrack, its love songs are just as important as its theme songs. For Age of Water and Wood, their love songs aren't entirely happy ones but tell stories of unrequited and fading love. "Yesterday Once More" and "Till the End of Time" are about waiting, reminiscing and guarding those we loved. The simple arrangement in "Till the End of Time" echoes with the purity of love and evokes episodic memories of one's past.

"The Blossom of Youth" is a passionate piece backed by electronic guitar, piano and drums. "I want to go back to the days when I could run and dream without regrets; I want to sing at the top of my lungs by the blue sea and sky; And to blossom like youth." Chasing after one's carefree days in the setting sun, the song's overwhelming emotions fully come through when Lu and Mou hit the refrain. It is not exactly an easy track to listen to, especially for those whose golden days have passed them by. And as an ending track, the duo doesn't offer a clear way out to the hazy youth; instead, they remind listeners of the beauty of the prime of their life.

Leaping from music to the cinema, there is no end to Age of Water and Wood's creativity and devotion to preserving youth. Instead of being restricted, their music soars within the limits of a soundtrack. The recipe for being young, in the true spirit of Age of Water and Wood, is to perpetuate the fond memories rather than getting stuck there and refusing to let go.