Pop legend Jeff Chang starts afresh with new album, world tour

Pop star Jeff Chang recently sat down with China.org.cn to discuss the concept behind his new album and upcoming world tour, expressing his desire to restart his story with a fresh musical endeavor.

Chang, 58, who is known as the "Prince of Love Songs," will soon embark on his "Continuum: Our Story" World Tour. The tour will open in Las Vegas on Sept. 27 and continue to cities including New York, Vancouver, London, Sydney and Tokyo.

"This is the international part of my 'Continuum' concert tour series, which has toured domestic cities for seven years and is now coming to an end," Chang said. He noted that he will perform the best parts from the tour while adding new songs from his latest album that he has not yet had a chance to perform.

The iconic singer released his new album titled "Be Part Of" in August. Chang said he wanted to present a new side of himself to listeners and rediscover himself. "I wanted to pose a question to myself: If I had the chance to start over again, if I weren't the Jeff Chang everyone knows, would the way I see and feel and think about the world be different?"

With this new direction, Chang is aiming to prove he is an artist who does not only sing love ballads. He integrated a variety of different music genres into his new album, from pop and classical-inspired ballads to rock, new age, city pop and orchestral arrangements. For him, the album is a way to challenge his fans to see how much of this Jeff Chang they can accept.

The singer explained to China.org.cn that each track on his 12-song album has a distinct purpose. For example, "Further Yet Closer" explores a philosophical theme, questioning whether achieving a goal is merely a step toward another destination. "Our Story" conveys an appreciation for the world's wonder and beauty, while "Accomplice" examines life's darker aspects. Meanwhile, "Perhaps, My Sole Witness" reflects on attitudes toward death and endings.

"Making this album was a process of digging deep into my heart once again, redefining myself and reconciling with who I am. I want to share this journey with everyone through the music," he said.

Pop star Jeff Chang speaks to China.org.cn in a recent interview. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Chang explained that he has always had a broad taste in music. He studied and listened to classical music from childhood and enjoyed campus folk songs during his student years, along with Western pop and rock. With few musical limitations, he is interested in trying any music as long as he believes it is good. However, he added that the final result must still suit his style, and he avoids attempting anything he feels he cannot master, but allows himself considerable creative leeway within those parameters.

"I find every song difficult to record," he said. "The challenge is not about technical difficulty, but about how to balance my signature style with different musical forms. I don't want listeners to think of it as Jeff Chang singing rock or Jeff Chang singing a dance track. What I hope is that all these genres become Jeff Chang-style music."

Chang co-wrote two songs, "Quit You" and "Fabulous," for the album. He explained that for these songs he was unable to find lyricists who could accurately reflect his mindset. "'Quit You' discusses the idea of letting go, and how that allows you to embrace a new world," he said. "For 'Fabulous,' it describes reaching a state of clarity that comes only after you've figured things out. When you clearly know who you are, are no longer subject to emotional blackmail, and no longer need others' approval, you can clearly tell them: 'I know you love me, but I can't be who you want me to be. I am who I am.' Only then can you truly say, 'I'm fabulous.'"

Jeff Chang said he would choose "Abide with You" to thank his fans for their unwavering support. "Creating music is a very personal endeavor. I have rarely compromised by singing a certain type of song for anyone, not even for my fans or their expectations," he said. "But I want to thank my fans for tolerating my self-directed expression. It is a rare and special connection."