Zhang Zhen Yue - Useless Guy (June 2004)
Ratings: ****4
This is Zhang's first compilation album with 3 new songs and 9 newly arranged songs. Plus 12 previous hits. Intro new song "Wo Hui Xiang Nian Ni" (I Will Miss U) is an infectious song indeed. It only proves one thing. And that is Zhang is an extremely talented singer-songwriter. Trust me, this song will certainly makes u miss someone u love while listening to the song. The other 2 new songs are "Tian Tang" (heaven) and "Track 8".
My favourite newly-arranged song is Track 10 - "Mi Mie"(Secret). If I am not mistaken, the song is about a guy secretly missing and loving a girl. Other beautifully-aranged tracks are "Yong Qi", "Bye-Bye" and "Bu Yau Shuo Ai Wo" (Don't Say Love Me). On the down side is "Ai Wo Bie Zou" (Love Me Don't Go). It is a good effort. But I would stick to the old version.
That's all. If u are a new fan of Zhang or u are never a fan of Zhang, this is the album for u to start recognizing Zhang and his capabilities. I assure u won't be disappointed.
Zhang Zhen Yue - Wait till I Have One Day (2002)
Ratings: ****4
It has been a long wait for Zhang's new album since the realease of "Trouble" and definitely this album is better than "Trouble" but not as good as "Secret Headquarters". Bringing back the glory of his ability to compose nice melodies is song no.4 "Brave Man" (Nan Zi Han). On a slower romantic mode is "Only Friends" which only proves Zhang is still capable of churning out good love songs. Stunning me, of course, is the the inclusion of a nice teeny bubble-gum song "Both hands Inside Pockets" which involves Zhang doing a bit of rap. Wow, my first time hearing Zhang rap! Rocking hard as usual is "Admit Losing".
Zhang Zhen Yue - Trouble (2000)
Ratings: ***3
Rolling up the curtains is a hard- core rock number called "Farting", literally meaning "bull-shit" in Chinese. Personally, I would love this song even more if minus the electronic remixes. In "Trouble", Zhang expresses his new-found angst. There is a also a WARNING sign on this album. Must be the lyrics, I guess. As usual, u can expect some ballades here and there. Frankly speaking, this is not my favourite album. Probably, Zhang is trying to be more creative, injecting some new ideas into the album. But I don't think the electronic remixes help anyway. In fact, I think it does more harm than help to a song. In short, this album does not measure up to the supreme quality of his previous effort, "Secret Headquarters".
Zhang Zhen Yue - Secret Headquarters (1998)
Ratings: *****5
This gotta be one of the best album of the year and for Zhang Zhen Yue himself. Hit - song "Break up" was being played on the radio air waves throughout the day. Even my friends who don't listen to rock music like this song. Infectiously bubbly "Happy Together" is one of my favourites in this album. Another song that drives u to shake your head Nirvana- style is "One Night Stand". The guitar sound is knife -sharp and shows no mercy that it will conform to pathetic commercial song standards. Nevertheless, rest assured Zhang is not going to let his sentimental fans down without dishing out some love- song gems like "Love Me, Don't Go", "Don't Stop Loving", "Courage" and "Forgive". Certainly a must- have album in every chinese -rock listener's CD shelves. No kidding. :-)