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Remembering Leslie

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Remembering Leslie
A portrait sculpture of Leslie Cheung against a black background
Studio album by
Various Artists
ReleasedMarch 24, 2023 (2023-03-24)
StudioAvon Recording Studios
GenreCantopop
Length41:38
LabelUniversal Music Hong Kong
Producer
  • Eric Kwok
  • David Chow
  • Terry Chui
  • JNYBeatz
  • Rock Hill Street

Remembering Leslie (also stylised as REMEMBERING Leslie) is a compilation album released by Universal Music Hong Kong in March 2023, as part of the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Leslie Cheung's passing. The album featured emerging Cantopop artists interpreting Cheung's classic songs. Commercially, it reached number two on the Hong Kong Record Merchants Association's "Best-selling albums" chart. The release was accompanied by pre-release singles and a live concert titled Reminiscing Leslie Live.

Background and production

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In 2023, the world commemorated the 20th anniversary of Leslie Cheung's passing in 2003.[1] Cheung was known as a "cultural icon" in both music and films during his time.[2] In January, Universal Music Hong Kong, the record label to which Cheung signed in 1999,[3] announced their plan to release two special albums as a tribute. One of these albums, titled Remembering Leslie, would showcase new interpretations of Cheung's classic songs performed by emerging Cantopop artists from different record labels.[1] Deemed as a challenge for the young artists, Eric Kwok, the primary producer, however, expressed the task was relatively manageable, as the melodies of Cheung's classics were generally not overly intricate, allowing ample breathing space and easy memorization. The difficulty resided more in the scheduling conflicts, as the album recording process had to be completed within a three-week timeframe.[4] The development of album cover design started as early as October or November 2022. It incorporates portrait sculptures of Leslie Cheung as visual elements, intending to evoke a sense of sacredness and reverence that can resonate across generations.[5]

Release and composition

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The digital version of the album was released on various streaming platforms on March 24, 2023,[6] followed by the physical album release on March 31, 2023.[7] As part of the album promotion, several tracks were unveiled as pre-release singles. "An Affair", features rap lyrics written and performed by Anson Lo, was released on January 20.[8] The lyrics describe a mindset of seeking pleasure and indulging in extramarital affairs without harboring any hope for love.[9] The second single, "Awareness", performed by Mike Tsang and released on February 10, embraces a contemporary electronic style.[4] The lyrics describe the protagonist in a moment of reflective tranquility, and being away from the hustle and bustle of life.[9] The third single, "Addicted Beauty", sung by Jasmine Yam and released on February 17, deliberately infuses elements of rock to highlight both the explosive and gentle facets of Yam's vocals.[4] Lyrically, the song depicts the heroine's infatuation with her lover, using metaphors that liken the lover's beauty to a poisonous snake, illustrating the intense and entangled nature of their relationship.[9]

The fourth single, "My Life", performed by Gigi Yim and released on February 24, illustrates the heroine's numerous tribulations of love, expressing appreciation and gratitude for encountering true love.[9][10] Clarence Hui, the songwriter, personally commented on Yim's performance, praising her "honest...simple approach that still emoti[o]nally moves the wheel of time".[11] The dance track titled "Miss You Much", performed by the girl group XiX, was also released on February 24. Initially adapted from Janet Jackson's song of the same name (1989), this rendition was noted for incorporating "new groove elements" and showcasing rap lyrics contributed by the girl group members.[12] The final single, titled "Chase", performed by Keung To and released on March 16, maintains the original and authentic essence of the classic song despite its new music arrangement, avoiding additional elements like Rap.[13] The lyrics portray a protagonist who, having pursued fame and fortune, comes to the realization that love is the utmost priority in life after encountering his soulmate.[9]

Other tracks include "Monica", which features an arrangement characterized by an "energetic and down-to-earth" band sound.[14] The lyrics delve into the protagonist's memories and regrets following the breakup with their lover.[15] "Stand Up" carries a blend of rock and electronic beats.[14] "Stop Fooling Around" incorporates brass instrumentation in its arrangement and was described to evoke a "sensual vibe conveying a brief encounter between lonely souls".[14] The lyrics depict one's weariness with constantly seeking thrills and engaging in a changing partners romantic life.[16] In contrast to its original romantic ballad, "A Man of Intention" presents a "cute and dynamic" revamped version.[14] "Countdown with You" embraces elements of EDM in its composition,[14] with lyrics welcoming and counting down to the end of the world.[17][18] "Greatest Heat" tackles the theme of passionate and intense love with a "soulful and rhythmical" approach.[14]

Promotion and reception

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On March 3, 2023, Mike Tsang and Jasmine Yam held a busking session in Causeway Bay, performing live version of their cover songs.[19] On April 1, 2023, Universal Music organized a live concert titled Reminiscing Leslie Live at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, showcasing a lineup of artists, including a majority of those featured on the album.[20] The album peaked at number two on Hong Kong Record Merchants Association weekly "Best-selling albums" chart, remaining in the Top Ten for six weeks.[21][22]

Track listing

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* Tracks 4, 9, 11, and 12 do not have an official English title and are therefore transliterated.

No.TitleWriter(s)Artist(s)Length
1."Monica"
One Promise, Dez Yu2:38
2."Stand Up"
Error2:47
3."Awareness (有誰共鳴)"
Mike Tsang3:12
4."Stop Fooling Around (拒絕再玩)"
Louise Wong3:18
5."Miss You Much"
  • James Harris
  • Terry Lewis
  • Richard Lam
  • Aster Lau
  • Kiele Tang
  • Vici Chong
XiX3:22
6."Chase (追)"
Keung To5:13
7."My Life (今生今世)"
  • Clarence Hui
  • James Yuen
Gigi Yim3:19
8."An Affair (偷情)"
Anson Lo3:48
9."A Man of Intention (有心人)"
Yuta, Apple3:31
10."Addicted Beauty (怪你過份美麗)"
  • Gary Tong
  • Albert Leung
Jasmine Yam4:31
11."Countdown With You (陪你倒數)"
  • C.Y. Kong
  • Albert Leung
JNYBeatz, Rock Hill Street2:28
12."Greatest Heat (大熱)"
  • Leslie Cheung
  • Albert Leung
P1X3L, Kira Chan, Kerryta3:25
Total length:41:38

Personnel

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Credits for Remembering Leslie adapted from AllMusic.[23]

  • Apple – vocals
  • Kira Chan – vocals
  • Leslie Cheung – composer
  • David Chow – producer
  • Jacky Chui – arranger
  • Terry Chui – arranger, producer
  • Dez Yu – vocals
  • Error – vocals
  • Gigi Yim – vocals
  • Tin Hang – arranger
  • Jimmy Harris – composer
  • XiX – vocals
  • Liang Yong Jing – arranger
  • JNYBeatz – arranger, producer, vocals
  • Kerryta – vocals
  • C.Y. Kong – composer
  • Jun Kung – arranger
  • Eric Kwok – producer
  • Dick Lee – composer
  • Leonaka – arranger
  • Terry Lewis – composer
  • Cong Li – arranger
  • Anson Lo  – vocals
  • One Promise – vocals
  • P1X3L – vocals
  • Rock Hill Street – arranger, producer, vocals
  • Rick Springfield – composer
  • Koji Tamaki – composer
  • Shinji Tanimura – composer
  • Keung To – vocals
  • Gary Tong – composer
  • Mike Tsang – vocals
  • Louise Wong – vocals
  • Nick Wong – arranger
  • Jasmine Yam – vocals
  • Xu Yuan  – composer
  • Yuta – vocals
  • Zi Jian Zhang – arranger

Charts

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Weekly charts

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Chart Peak
position
Hong Kong Record Merchants Association[21] 2

Release history

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Release dates and formats for Remembering Leslie
Region Date Version Format(s) Label Ref.
Worldwide March 24, 2023 Standard
Universal Music Hong Kong [6]
March 31, 2023 CD [7]
July 5, 2023 vinyl [24]

References

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  1. ^ a b "張國榮逝世20周年 Anson Lo翻唱《偷情》" [20th Anniversary of Leslie Cheung's Passing: Anson Lo covers "An Affair"]. on.cc (in Traditional Chinese). 20 January 2023. Archived from the original on 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023. English Translation.
  2. ^ Chak, Ashlyn (31 March 2023). "'Leslie Cheung was a man ahead of his time': 20 years after the death of Hong Kong actor-singer, his cultural legacy and how he broke gender norms". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  3. ^ 齊森 (17 March 2023). "陳少寶促成「譚張」世紀合唱 「哥哥唔怕校長踩上錄音室」│陳少寶專訪" [Music DJ Alex Chan Siu-bo Interview: He facilitated the iconic duet between Leslie Cheung and Alan Tam]. Ming Pao Weekly (Interview) (in Traditional Chinese). Archived from the original on 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023. English Translation.
  4. ^ a b c 齊森 (10 February 2023). "環球企劃 致敬張國榮第二波 監製梁榮駿憶與哥哥合作點滴" [Universal Music HK's Tribute Albums: Honoring Leslie Cheung with the 2nd wave of release, Producer Alvin Leong Recalls Memorable Moments Working with the Late Icon]. Ming Pao Weekly (Interview) (in Traditional Chinese). para.11–12. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023. English Translation.
  5. ^ 齊森 (31 March 2023). "張國榮逝世20周年│製作哥哥雕像時限3個月變1個月 葛民輝笑談拆彈「30年未試過咁！」" [20th Anniversary of Leslie Cheung's Passing: From a 3-Month Deadline to 1 Month for Sculpture Production, Eric Kot Jokingly Describes it as "Defusing a Bomb, Never Experienced Anything Like It in 30 Years!"]. Ming Pao Weekly (Interview) (in Traditional Chinese). Archived from the original on 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023. English Translation.
  6. ^ a b "REMEMBERING Leslie by Various Artists on Apple Music". Apple Music. Hong Kong. Archived from the original on 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  7. ^ a b "REMEMBERING Leslie by Various Artists". YesAsia. 31 March 2023. Archived from the original on 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  8. ^ 許逸本 (19 January 2023). "Anson Lo翻唱《偷情》向張國榮致敬 網友激讚：已經全面超越哥哥" [Anson Lo's cover of "Affair" pays tribute to Leslie Cheung. Netizens highly praise it, stating that it has already surpassed the original in every aspect.]. HK01 (in Traditional Chinese). Archived from the original on 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023. English Translation.
  9. ^ a b c d e 蔣林 (2013). "09 夜闌靜，問有誰共鳴 [9 In the late quiet night, who can resonate with me?]; 28 拋開名利瀟灑跟你飛 [28 Leave behind fame and fortune, I fly with you gracefully]; 32 從未謀面才像愛情 [32 It seems like love without planning]; 35 信念也枯萎 [35 Even faith withers]". 不一樣的煙火：張國榮音樂傳奇 [I Am What I Am: Leslie Cheung as a Music Legend] (in Chinese). Hong Kong: 香港中和. pp. 65–69, 163–166, 182–186, 196–200. ISBN 978-988-8200-42-9.
  10. ^ 阿林 (25 February 2023). "炎明熹致敬張國榮重新演繹《今生今世》" [Gigi Yim reinterprets Leslie Cheung's classic "My Life"]. Wen Wei Po (in Traditional Chinese). Archived from the original on 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023. English Translation.
  11. ^ Hui, Clarence (24 February 2023). "Clarence Hui's comment on Gigi Yim's "My Life"". Facebook. Archived from the original on 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  12. ^ "聲夢女團XiX致敬張國榮 獲邀翻唱金曲萬分榮幸" [Girl group XiX is deeply honoured to pay tribute to Leslie Cheung by being invited to cover his iconic song]. on.cc (in Traditional Chinese). 8 March 2023. Archived from the original on 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023. English Translation.
  13. ^ 亦然 YIRAN (17 March 2023). "姜濤翻唱張國榮名曲《追》捱轟！網民狠批歌聲毫無感情：侮辱首歌" [Keung To's cover of Leslie Cheung's famous song "Chase" faced strong criticism! Netizens harshly criticized the lack of emotion in the vocals, deeming it an insult to the original song]. HK01 (in Traditional Chinese). Archived from the original on 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023. English Translation.
  14. ^ a b c d e f Yum Cha! Editorial team (12 April 2023). "REMEMBERING Leslie Cheung". YesAsia. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  15. ^ 黃志華; 朱耀偉; 梁偉詩 (2016). "黎彼得 [Peter Lai]". 詞家有道——香港十九詞人訪談錄 [The Way of Lyricists - Interviews with Nineteen Hong Kong Lyricists] (in Chinese). Hong Kong: 匯智. p. 30. ISBN 978-988-14826-3-1.
  16. ^ 月巴氏 (2019). 香港詞人系列：林振強 [Hong Kong Lyricists Series: Andrew Lam] (in Chinese). Hong Kong: 中華. pp. 35–36. ISBN 978-988-8573-05-9.
  17. ^ 洛楓 (2008). "晚期歌曲的末世風情 [The Apocalypse of Late Songs]". 禁色的蝴蝶：張國榮的藝術形象 [Butterfly of Forbbidden Colors: The Artistic Image of Leslie Cheung] (in Chinese). Hong Kong: 三聯. pp. 161–165. ISBN 978-962-04-2750-3.
  18. ^ 朱耀偉; 梁偉詩 (2015). "林夕 [Albert Leung]". 後九七香港粵語流行歌詞研究(I) [Research on Cantonese Pop Song Lyrics in Post-1997 Hong Kong (Part I)] (in Chinese) (June 2015 ed.). Hong Kong: 亮光文化. pp. 50–51. ISBN 978-988-8249-85-5.
  19. ^ "曾比特任暟晴Busking被圍" [Mike Tsang and Jasmine Yam's busking performance drew a crowd]. Oriental Daily (in Traditional Chinese). 5 March 2023. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023. English Translation.
  20. ^ "許志安唱《追》致敬 炎明熹向哥哥說心底話" [Andy Hui pays tribute by singing "Chase," while Gigi Yim speaks heartfelt words to Leslie Cheung]. on.cc (in Traditional Chinese). 1 April 2023. Archived from the original on 6 May 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023. English Translation.
  21. ^ a b "Made In Hong Kong Episode 876903". Made In Hong Kong (in Chinese). 14 April 2023. 29 minutes in. RTHK. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Transcript. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  22. ^ "Made In Hong Kong Episode 875857". Made In Hong Kong (in Chinese). 7 April 2023. 28 minutes in. RTHK. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Transcript. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  23. ^ "Credits: "Remembering Leslie"". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  24. ^ "REMEMBERING Leslie by Various Artists". YesAsia. 5 July 2023. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
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