posted: 2025-03-06 Come Across Zhou Xun

This album is an ambitious exploration of genres from dream pop to bossa nova, but it is so in such a subtle way it just flies by like a gust of wind. Ŏuyù, by Cantonese singer Zhou Xun, is what I would describe as a gem that only opens itself to the listener once one fully allows it in one’s spirit. The instrumentals on this thing range from cheerful incursions in the trip hop field, like on the highlight “什么都不需要,” to shy moments of bliss to the sound of masterfully arranged indietronica, like on the magnetic “小聪明.”

But truthfully, even in the LP’s brightest moments, one could ever so easily doze off to it, into the most peaceful of slumbers. I suppose this is aided by Zhou’s stunning, deep, yet smooth as silk vocals, which both blend in and help carry every single cut on here. She truly makes this record special, all the while not allowing her presence to be demanding to the point it’d deter the listener from the project’s breezy atmosphere.

I’d honestly love to see more appreciation for records like these on platforms such as this. Albums that don’t immediately show their true greatness to the listener, but that instead slowly unveil their true charm in a calm, swirling manner that’s perhaps all the more exciting than the former.

Migas, AotY