Remembering Leslie

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]

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]

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]

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

Credits for Remembering Leslie adapted from AllMusic.[23]

• Remembering Leslie at AllMusic