With this year's "Super Voice Girls" ending with great success not so long ago, Zhang Hanyun, who finished the third place in last year's national final, has just released her first album, I am just Zhang Hanyun.
Ever since Zhang became the advertising face for Mengniu Dairy Corporation, she has become a household name. She was given the name Baby Zhang because of her lovely looks. Little though she is, she also has great expectations and works hard so that one day she will take a stage of her own. She believes there must be some day in the future when her singing wins the recognition of the public.
Just like her song Sour and Sweet Is What I Am whose lyrics give a vivid depiction of a teenager's life and thoughts. "With earphones in my ears I read comic books under the bedcovers. I may still be in an ivory tower, but I really want to grow up. Mom and Dad, please don't call me stupid. Although I am well-behaved, that doesn't mean I don't have any thoughts of my own."
Adapted from Pretty Young Thing, a tune sung by Lene Nystrom of the pop group Aqua, Zhang's version is pretty much like the telling of an innocent girl who wishes to grow up soon.
Just like the diary of a well-behaved kid, this song easily arouses strong emotions in people of her own age, who account for a large part of the listeners' market. The song reflects the real thoughts of many Chinese students today. They yearn for a long vacation, and get bored with numerous tests and homework.
Her song In a test shows a totally different style of her music. With rap added, this song is more rhythmic and brighter, suggesting that students should not cheat in tests.
A girl of just 16, it's hard for her to be far away from her parents, striving for dreams on her own. Let's wish Baby Zhang a good luck.
(CRI October 13, 2005)
