Album Review: Nicholas Teo- from Now on (New + Best Selection) (2CD+DVD)

I just could not stand the anticipation when I heard there would be a follow-up to Nicholas Teo's 王子 (Prince). My excitement had such a blinding effect that I failed to notice that his "new CD" was actually only a compilation greatest hits featuring three new songs. I cannot even explain to you my disappointment. Disappointment in that Nic only released three new songs, not disappointment in the songs themselves.

The first track 新歌試唱 Xin Ge Shi Chang (Trying A New Song) is Nic's attempt to break away from his 王子 image. He experiments with an electronic pop beat that I can see myself dancing to in the clubs, but also cruise in my car, music blaring out of my speakers. On first listen, it is not what you would expect from Nic. But that is precisely what he was aiming for, "Trying A New Song." The pulsating beats and almost monotonous singing takes a few listens to really appreciate. The beat is so catchy, I often find myself unknowingly just moving along to it. One recommendation is to listen to the song before watching the MV. To prepare for his first concert in Malaysia, Nic trained intensively with different dance styles. One of the results was the dance routine in this MV. Although not the best dancing I've ever seen, I do respect him as an artist for going beyond his comfort zone and trying something new.

寂寞那麼多 Ji Mo Na Ma Duo (So Much Loneliness) brings us back to the old 王子 days. Nicholas' strengths lie in his ability to bring so much emotion when singing ballads. He can effortlessly deliver a song line by line, like a person plucking the petals of a flower one by one with all the emotion of just having your heart broken. Although I would not rate this song as one of my favorites (nothing compares to "Tears From Polaris". Nothing), it is another quality ballad that is no less of what I would expect from someone of Nic's caliber.

When I saw the title of the third track, 錯愛 Cuo Ai (Wrong Love), I couldn't help but think of Leehom's 愛錯 Ai Cuo (Wrong Love). Although almost identical by name, the two songs convey different emotions and song styles. Nic's version starts off very soothing with a Zhong Guo Feng feel with the flute and an array of other Chinese instruments. Again, I find it refreshing to see Nic branch out into different styles instead of playing it safe and sticking to what has always worked for him. Even though his voice wavers a bit in the chorus, this would have to be my favorite new song on the album.

YesAsia conveniently offers Nicholas' new CD From Now On (New + Best Selection) (2CD+DVD) package which features the three new songs as well as twenty of his other classics. Other songs featured include: 痛徹心扉 (A Pain in the Heart), Your Heart My Heart, 北極星的眼淚 (Tears From Polaris), 錯了再錯 (Keep Making Mistakes), 當你孤單你會想起 (Who Will You Think Of?) and many other of your favorites.

The fact that this collection includes many of our favorites may be where the problem lies. For most Nic fans, we already have these songs in our personal collection and are basically paying $18.49 for three new songs and a DVD featuring MVs. Perhaps they could have released this as a mini-album instead of making fans pay for songs we already have.

Overall, the three new tracks do not disappoint. Nicholas Teo continues to produce well-crafted music with his angelic voice and harmonious melodies. Each track is different and offers variation to the listener. Its the comfort of the same old Nicholas with the enjoyment of seeing him in a different light. Perhaps disco and strobe lights.

Rating: 8/10 (based only on new songs)

CD 1-

1. 新歌試唱 Xin Ge Shi Chang (Trying A New Song)
2. 寂寞那麼多 Ji Mo Na Ma Duo (So Much Loneliness)
3. 錯愛 Cuo Ai (Wrong Love)
4. 當你孤單你會想起 Dang Ni Gu Dan Ni Hui Xiang Qi Shui (Who Will You Think Of?)
5. 寂寞邊界 Ji Mo Bian Jie (Border of Loneliness)
6. 王子 Wang Zi (Prince)
7. 痛徹心扉 Tong Che Xin Fe (A Wound in the Heart)
8. Ru Guo (If)
9. Your Heart My Heart
10. 爸爸媽媽 Ba Ba Ma Ma (Father & Mother)
11. (Dusk)

CD 2-

1. 北極星的眼淚 Bei Ji Xing De Yan Lei (Tears From Polaris)

1. 只因爲你 Zhi Yin Wei Ni (Because Of You)
2. 錯了再錯 Cuo Le Zai Cuo (Keep Making Mistakes)
3. 我真的以為 Wo Zhen De Yi Wei (I Really Thought)
4. 日日夜夜 Ri Ri Ye Ye (Day and Night)
5. Fu Chu (Pay)
6. Only One
7. Wang Ji Ai Gou (Forgot I Loved Before)
8. Mo Lu
9. Hurt
10. 晚安,寶貝 Wan An Baobei (Goodnight, My Baby)
11. Nicholas