Culture

Collective album helps earthquake kids in need

By Han Bingbin (China Daily)
Updated: 2011-02-14 07:49

Initiated by a newspaper and produced by local hipster Now Now, the newly-released album Tears for Children calls itself a "charity course".

More than a dozen musicians from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan have contributed to this collective album, which aims to sponsor children who have lost family or suffered health problems as a result of earthquakes across China.

Similarly, a mix of artists have also been involved to create works to be displayed in a limited edition notebook that holds the CD.

On board for the music is Taiwan rocker Chang Csun-yuk, veteran Taiwan musician Bobby Chen, mainland fresh talent Peng Qing, and returning Chinese diva Shunza.

All the stars were asked to use their musical maturity in the creation of songs that would not only generate money for the cause, but could also connect with these children psychologically.

The album does not promote sensational or sexy lyrics, nor does it serve as a playground for a range of instruments. Instead, the artists have reverted to a period of harmony, to sing heart-softening lullabies against the soothing sounds of harmonicas and guitars.

Though the mood might be controlled, the album has not impeded creativeness. Taiwan award-winning aborigine singer Pur-dur, for example, has adapted traditional Chinese elements into a lullaby called How High Is the Mountain. Through old-fashioned lyrics, Pur-dur sings with a Chinese operatic voice in the company of traditional instruments such as the erhu.

Many other theme albums can appear monotonous but Tears for Children offers an attractive variety of musical forms. A song named Stars by pop band at17, for example, is a typical rhythm and blues creation, but former Super Girl He Jie's contribution, Magical Night, is fantasy fused with rock 'n' roll.

For listeners wanting to settle down with a blend of gentle songs from a range of artists, Tears for Children is an album that can satisfy both spirit and soul.