Wang Chung - Huang Chung

Released in 1982

Wang Chung's first album is a relatively obscure 80's gem, due in part to the fact that when the band released their first album they called themselves Huang Chung. Vocalist Jack Hues, Nick Feldman and Darren Costin were the trio that made up Wang Chung, with the addition of David Burnand (aka Hogg Robinson) on saxophone during the band's stint as Huang Chung.

The self-titled debut album contains some fairly sharp new wave music that differed from other bands of the time (as well as themselves starting with the next album). Unlike their later albums, the band didn't bathe their tracks in synthesizers and keyboards; they had a more organic sound that possessed the pizzazz of pop with the unique addition of the saxophone.

Some of the album's highlights are:

• I Never Want To Love You In A Half-Hearted Way – Long title to be sure, but it can be summed up nice and quick: a great track with a catchy rhythm.
• Ti Na Na – Although the band wasn't known for sentimental songs, they do slip in this little love song.
• Chinese Girls – A very infectious pop ditty that really should have become a hit. Best on the album, and one of the best in their entire career.

Huang Chung does contain some uninspired tracks, but this was a solid birth for what would eventually become one of the 80's better-known new wave/pop bands. It's not the easiest album to find, but it's worth picking up if you are a fan of Wang Chung or enjoy snazzy new wave.

Rating: 6 stars

Track List Hold Back the Tears I Never Want to Love You in a Half-hearted Way Ti Na Na Straight from my Heart Dancing China Rising in the East Chinese Girls Why do You Laugh I Can't Sleep

Additional Resources:

• Points on the Curve Review
• To Live and Die in L.A. Soundtrack Review
• Mosaic Review
• The Warmer Side of Cool Review

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