It's interesting that I am getting another music album just based on the name of the artiste. This time round it's FIR, a recent pop group that emerged out of fame due to their contribution of song "Lydia" to a taiwan idol tv series "Dou Yu".

Normally the second album of most artiste would be a risky one, betting on the fame and success of the first album. no doubt this second album of FIR will sell, but interestingly, i feel it will secure their position in the chinese pop arena, at least for the next 3 years. by that, i mean this album is actually good.

some of the tracks resemble tracks from the previous album, especially the hit tracks, but they have stronger melodies. and the arrangement of the music are more towards the ethnic side, yet it feels more powerful and emotional, perhaps due to the collaboration of england musicians (London Philharmonic Orchestration, London Session Orchestration, Mike Taylor on the tin whistle and Richard White on the bagpipes). all in all, the album feels true to the image of FIR, yet building on the quality of their music.

"Limitations" is not FIR at its limit, but it definitely shows us that FIR can push themselves further. No doubt a standout from recent chinese pop albums that feature mere tear-shedding and cliche love songs (think Lee Shen-jie and Shi Wen-bin).

4 stars out of 5

Johnzzon