Surf's up for now laid-back Chang

At the first meeting between Taiwan singer-songwriter Chang Chen-yue and his record company about his new album, the pop star was expected to offer up songs typical of his previous works, with edgy lyrics and hip-hop influences.

But Chang has turned his back on his urban rocker image from his earlier albums and songs like I Want Money and First Taste of Love. Now Chang croons tenderly with his guitar on songs like Used Guitar: I love sunny days best, we can meet by the sea.

Full of breezy, folksy tunes, Chang's new album Ayal Komod displays not only his musical shift but also his new attitude toward life and the world around him.