After her previous music album was released in 2001, Chinese pop star Zhao Wei surprised her fans with Piao, her fourth album and a much different music style.
At the press conference for promoting the album in Beijing on Friday, Zhao expressed her hope to convert her negative image among the public caused by her supposed design and support of an assault on a pregnant woman.
The name Piao, meaning "moving as time goes by," showed Zhao's desire to get away from all the rumors and relax. Zhao said she was misunderstood by most people and seldom did she reveal her true inner self. Hence, she hoped to deliver her feelings and communicate more freely with the public via music.
The album, being quite different from the dynamic and naive style expressed in the last three albums, shows Zhao as a thoughtful and mature female. Having practiced singing for some time, Zhao's technique has been much improved. The image designed for the album is a pure and quiet girl, who is self-confident in pursuit of her dreams.
One song from Piao, Gradually, was released on the Internet for trial listening. Zhao's image and singing were well received. It is reasonable to expect good sales for the album, observers say.
(Shenzhen Daily November 16, 2004)
