At the same time, in view of the success achieved by "Lotus Pond under Moonlight", there are still tender Chinese-style songs like "Autumn Painting" and special duet songs like "Our Ballad" in the new album. Like many singers or groups who have released several albums, Phoenix Legend probably also has similar issues related to "breakthrough." Therefore, when we hear tangible changes in the album such as the appearance of a "duet," it brings us specific listening satisfaction. If many singers use abstract concepts like "style breakthrough" to lazily cover up, it will create an unrealistic impression. The taste of "Autumn Painting," which is akin to the charm of small bridges over flowing streams, remains pleasing, and will firmly continue the multi-faceted effectiveness of "Lotus Pond under Moonlight." There is a particularly unique dance track called "Starlight" in the album, whose melody largely carries the flavor of Korean music, although the promotional text does not highlight this aspect. Its arrangement is somewhat retro and deserves to be promoted as a new style for Phoenix Legend. Another electronic-sounding track, "Glow," is slightly more traditional but its lyrics are more concrete, with stronger感染力 (infectious appeal), possibly naturally dividing the song's audience. In these songs, Zeng Yi's singing parts are emphasized more, especially the prominence of the main verses. These are all changes sought within stability, effectively expanding and extending on a mature path, without taking life-risking leaps into complete transformation.
Discussing Phoenix Legend is always fascinating. Due to the multiple angles and complex stances involved. Just like this new album, after experiencing eight clearly advantageous and commendable tracks, a song titled "Worshiping New Year" still appears, practicing the timeless view that strengths and weaknesses coexist forever. The abrupt existence of this "Worshiping New Year" may serve no other purpose than to impact next year's Spring Festival Gala, and it might even interfere with the album's integrity, regardless of the single's inherent merits or flaws.
Interestingly enough, perhaps we can thus objectively view Phoenix Legend better, neither excessively flattering their promotion and influence of ethnic music, nor blindly criticizing the sophistication and right/wrong of their music. Objectively assessing the value of "Phoenix Legend," positively accepting their positive energy and market influence, no matter what stance we take in the future to evaluate them or categorize their music, it won't change the pop value or profound impact that Phoenix Legend has already brought to mainland China's music industry, and they will continue to have an impact. Their efforts determine how far-reaching this influence will be, and our ability to absorb determines how deep it will go.