It's a close fight between Lee Hom and David Tao's new albums. So who's leading?
By Chang May Choon
The New Paper dated 10 Mar 2005
changmc@sph.com.sg
REVIVAL or revolution?
One R&B hotshot declared with his new album that he will 'revive the Mandopop scene with renewed creativity', while the other embarked on a Great Leap with he calls a 'revolutionary' album.
Big words from Lee Hom, 29, and David Tao, 36, respectively.
Both are popular Taiwan-based musicians, critically acclaimed and well-respected in the Chinese music scene.
Both recently released new, highly-anticipated albums - Shangri-la by Lee Hom and The Great Leap by David.
But, with such unabashed declarations, who has delivered on his promise?
The fight is a pretty close one.
Five industry sources whom The New Paper spoke to stressed that both musicians are equally talented in their own right.
In terms of production quality, both albums are top-notch and on par.
Take their first singles: David put out Ghost, an impactful rock tune that lashes out at power-crazed and money-hungry people.
INTRIGUING SOUNDS
Meanwhile, Lee Hom delivered the R&B love ballad, Shangri-la, which is infused with intriguing oriental sounds.
Going by sales figures, both did very well despite the sluggish market.
Lee Hom's Shangri-la sold 80,000 copies in Taiwan in the 10 days after its release on 31 Dec, while David's The Great Leap has sold 150,000 copies in Taiwan since 21 Jan.
Here in Singapore, Lee Hom debuted at No 4 on the Rias (Recording Industry Association Singapore) chart, while David landed on No 3. But, when asked to pick who is more revolutionary, all except one industry source picked David.
Radio station UFM's senior producer, Ms Connie Woo, said: 'Overall, David made a bigger impact. He will drop a bomb and create a talking point. He is vocal and he is not afraid to scold people through his music.
'Lee Hom is always the gentleman, but he's more bland. He experiments with music, like using oriental instruments, but it's no big surprise because that's what we expect.'
EQ Music's marketing director, Leslie Teo agrees. He says David's music is 'more varied' while Lee Hom's is 'too Westernised'.
Classically trained in piano, violin, guitar and drums, Lee Hom graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts with an honours degree in music. (See report below.)
David, however, majored in psychology at the University of California before he was talent-scouted to become a songwriter. (See other report.)
Others felt that while Lee Hom's musical foundation may be stronger, he loses out to David in terms of creativity.
Mr Peter Tan, director of local music school, The Music Clinic, observed that while Lee Hom is able to tickle the ivories impressively, his musical style is just not as distinct as David's.
'David is more creative, has stronger ideas, and triggers musical trends,' said Mr Tan.
'Before him, who would have thought of doing (Chinese folk song) Wang Chun Feng (Forget Spring Wind) in a cappella style? This time, he also combined Chinese opera and R&B in Susan Said.'
Lianhe Zaobao's music reviewer, Miss Ng Chin Chin, added that Lee Hom is still searching for his place, while David has already found his niche.
'Lee Hom is experimenting with new elements, but has yet to make an impressive breakthrough,' she said.
STRIKING A CHORD
'David's music is more infectious and easily strikes a chord with listeners. Although his latest album is not as powerful as his previous, Black Tangerine, he maintains his standard.'
Lee Hom's relatively low profile and reticence, and his tendency of letting his music do the talking, also work against him.
Unlike Lee Hom, the socially-conscious and very talkative David is always teeming with strong views and opinions that he can't wait to unleash upon the world.
UFM's Miss Woo said: 'For Lee Hom, it's just the music. But David is able to connect to the listener at a level beyond his music. He can tell you that every song has a story behind it that reflects his views and opinions, and that listeners can relate to.'
To freelance music critic Ming Kang, however, Lee Hom's Shangri-la makes a bigger leap forward than David's The Great Leap.
He said Lee Hom's album shows more visible changes from his previous works, while David's was more like 'tried and tested'.
'In terms of creativity, Lee Hom's album has a better edge.
'He's coined the term 'chinked-out' and infuses hip-hop with oriental sounds, which is very new in the Mandopop market,' said Mr Kang.
'David's album is not vastly different from his previous. Personally, I think Black Tangerine was more revolutionary, and this (The Great Leap) is like the second episode.
'All his songs are nice, like Susan Said and The Art Of War, but you get the feeling of 'been there, done that'. You tend to get a bit disappointed because you've learnt to expect more from him.'
Mr Kang also noted that Lee Hom has come a long way from his early pop-idol days.
'Lee Hom has improved tremendously from his first album and he has caught up with David. He's better-looking and he can still be an idol, while David is getting too vain over his appearance.'
Even Mr Tan acknowledged: 'David loses out in terms of image. Lee Hom is the hunk. He has the whole package of looks and talent.'
