(Cinepoly Records)
Producers: Alvin Leong/Leslie Cheung
Cover Photography/Design: Sam Wong/Alan Chan
This album features covers of 10 Cantonese numbers chosen by Leslie Cheung. The idea behind the making of this album was for Leslie to show his respect to those people who were involved in making these songs and also to show his appreciation of their dedication to the music industry hence the album title.
Most songs selected by Leslie are light and sentimental ballads: Michael Kwan';s Childhood, Lowell Lo';s Hope Our Love Will Last Till The End, Sandy Lam';s Beads Of Sweat, Alvin Kwok';s Never Know, Teddy Robbin';s This is Love, and Anita Mui';s Homecoming among others.
While listening to this record, I found that Leslie, who is widely-known for his energetic image and danceable numbers, has done a surprisingly good interpretation of these ballads.
For example, the way he performs Beads Of Sweat, a sensual "love song", is far sexier than the original version by Sandy Lam.
When it comes to the warm and touching songs, such as Childhood, his interpretation becomes comforting, yet he can easily change his style as he does when singing Never Know.
But this album is not flawless. Sometimes, Leslie';s delivery is not in tune with the style of some of the songs he has chosen on Paper Boat he falls short of Sam Hui';s peaceful interpretation. Maybe it';s because some of the original versions are just too well-remembered.
Because Leslie recently announced plans for his retirement from the music scene and because he is still the top local male singer, this album is certainly worth purchasing. And of course, it';s all for a good cause: all profits made on this album will be donated to local charities.
SCMP
