Reigning Mando-pop king is proof that mumbling your way through a career is no impediment to success. And his ninth studio release looks sure to keep him on his throne as he tackles a variety of styles set to crafty lyrics by Vincent Fang, who plays Bernie Taupin to Chou's Elton John. Highlight is the evocative Orchid Pavilion, a the clever piece of 'Zhongguo Feng' (a fusion of Chinese instruments or lyrics inspired by Chinese folklores in a western pop style). Chou adopts a clearer enunciation for this key track and it pays off, while Feng's lyrics border on the poetic. Chou also wheels out the inevitable romantic ballads - Ocean of Flowers and Where is the Promised Happiness - to keep his legion of tearful female fans happy.