Five Stars

Artist: Convenience Store

Label: Modernsky

Year: 2004.1

Level: ☆☆☆☆

This band, long dreaming of stardom is seemingly closer to their dream than ever before. Convenience Store gained credibility before their debut Five Stars was released early this year. Modernsky's head Shen Lihui, the vocalist for 1990's Brit-pop group, Sober, signed them up in 2002. Given that Shen produced Five Stars, the album bears the Brit-pop influence, but with distinctive vocals, creating a smooth and melodic sound.

Red

Artist: Han Hong

Label: Jingwen

Year: 2003.10

Level: ☆☆☆☆

Han Hong's fourth album, a tribute to her favorites, covers songs from early black-and-white movies to folk songs to Taiwan and Hong Kong pop. As a female singer, Han is probably the most successful vocalist in China mainland, noted for her diligence, persistence, and talent. Red's playlist is well-selected and produced by China's top producers and musicians. This packaging is sure to carry Han's reworking of classic songs.

Through the Time

Artist: Xu Wei

Label: Sony Music

Year: 2002.12

Level: ☆☆☆☆

For ten years, rocker Xu Wei has been on his musical path. He has grown from a rebellious, angry boy to a calm and tolerant man. His early songs provided a soundtrack for an isolated generation, and this latest album expresses more hope. After two years of work, Through the Time became a melding of Brit-pop and electronic music layered under more optimistic lyrics.

Cold Water On My Head

Artist: Hang Tian

Label: Jingwen

Year: 2002.4

Level: ☆☆☆☆☆

Hang Tian's 1999 debut My Heart Is a Fried Broad Bean was hailed as first blues album in China, a sound combining Western blues with Chinese rock. Three years later, Hang is back with Cold Water On My Head, an album sure to surprise all who hear it. The album is imbued with blues, but behind the guitar accompaniment, the music is deep rooted in Chinese folk. On top of this music, Hang's lyrics are humorous and ironic, depicting everyday life with style.