The CD cover of Xu Wei's latest album "Love like Youth".

Hello, and welcome to another edition of  China Beat right here on 'China Radio International'. This is Zhong Qiu.  

Since his 1997 debut album 在别处, Elsewhere, mainland Chinese singer-songwriter Xu Wei (许巍) has inspired a large following of fans with his poetic folk and rock numbers. Since his smash hit of 2004, 每一刻都是崭新的, or 'It's New for Every Moment', Xu Wei took his time before releasing another album. He spent four years becoming inspired and putting his life experiences to music.

His fifth album, 爱如少年, 'Love like Youth', is a continuation of his musical journey. With his simple, mellow music Xu Wei once again reaches out to touch the hearts of listeners, reminding them that time and life may pass us by, but love, the feeling and memories of youth, and the music never fades. So for the rest of the show, we'll talk with Xu Wei and enjoy his poetic music.

"I looked back at each of my previous releases; and I thought I could have spent more time on them. So for most of the time over the past four years, I was writing and choosing songs for my next album. I whittled it down to 43 out of a possible hundred demos and gave them to the record company. Finally we worked together to select the 13 tracks for my new album—'Love Like Youth'. "

Out of the 13 tracks there are 12 new songs, and a band version of the theme song 风行, 'Travelling with the Wind' as a bonus. The first track, as well as the hit single, 爱, 'Love', gives us a hint as to what we can expect from the rest of the album.

"After I finished writing those songs, I was aware of the situation I'd been through. The album is like a reminder of what happened to me during the past four years; and the way my life and thoughts have changed. With this album, I hope to convey a message of love and a reminder to remain young at heart. Two of the songs are called 'Love' and 'Youth'. That's also why I called the album 'Love like Youth."

少年 or 'Youth', is the other track that echoes the theme of the album, 'Love Like Youth'. This track opens with an expressive guitar chord which is soon followed by the mellow and soulful vocals of Xu Wei.

"People need to grow. My current perspective on life surely is different from when I was twenty years old. What has remained the same is that my music is always true to my heart and I'll always present honest music to my listeners. "

This new album is a change, not only in the different musical stories that Xu Wei tells, but also because of the breakthroughs in the recording studio, which helped to change his understanding about music.

"For this album, I teamed up with a new band, comprised of a guitar player and a keyboard player from the States, a bass player from Taiwan and a drummer from Singapore. Their access to music and performance is different from what I have known. So working with them gave me a new approach to understanding music."

故事, or 'Stories', is the first hit off the album, 'Love Like Youth'. Xu Wei says this album presents stories not only about him but also about his band members.

"Each time I worked with different band members I would learn something new. I don't think an album is specifically one person’s work or just one person's thoughts. Rather it is a collective effort which includes the different personalities of the band members. Through working on this album, I began to see the best way to create music is to integrate yourself with the music, rather than try to control it. "

四季, 'Four Seasons', is one of Xu Wei's personal favourites from the new album. The impressive music arrangement features a funky bass introduction, and a main verse accompanied by a steady drum beat.

"I especially like the feeling expressed in the song, 'Four Seasons'. Life is like the stability of the four seasons. For most of us, days of life just move forward steadily as the seasons change in a simple pattern. But the simple days can be meaningful as you are with families, friends and love. In its ultimate simplicity we find the true meaning of life. "

That is also the essence of Xu Wei's music, to be simple and straightforward. To wrap up today's show, we'll play another song off the album, entitled 'An Unforgettable Day', 难忘的一天.We hope Xu Wei will continue to bring us unforgettable melodies. This is Zhong Qiu from Beijing. Bye for now.

A promotional photo of Xu Wei