Slowness Kay Tse (CD)

The second of Kay Tse's album releases last year is filled with down-tempo melodies - as its title indicates. In the past, Tse's songs have engaged with social issues. But, after facing personal attacks for a year, her latest release seems to exude an air of sadness.

Slowness features eight new tracks and two previously released ones for an advertisement and a television programme. The artist describes it as a musical journey, and says the order of the songs has been very carefully arranged.

The cover of the album features Iceland - unusually for a Hong Kong singer. The 30-minute music videos are fascinating, with Tse performing in scenic locations. Tse is a passionate singer and she brings her songs alive when she performs.

On the downside, Tse needs to differentiate herself more from Faye Wong in terms of voice and style. The lack of a change in tempo also makes this album a little monotonous, and Tse might also consider alternating her lyric writers. All things considered, Slowness could do with a few more sparks.