i used to love Rene Liu.

It all began during those odd few years when i had CD buying binges. i just bought and bought. But when i look back, i laso realise that it was a wonderfully uninhibited sort of activity. (aiya, binge ma!)

this uncontrolled purchasing meant also that i was more open to try new things - and so i did. and so it led to Taiwan folk singer-composer Bobby Chen (who i couldn't understand or like at the very first), and then his then protege, Rene.

i loved outwandering - the entire album. her earlier albums were very easy listening, too but this album is so plain, simple and easy to listen/accept. it didn't invite much attention yet some of the songs rang a bell deep within me, somewhere.

track three is called 'the sound of the door', a prelude to track 9 (the door). a song that illustrated the memories of a father leaving home. i used to sit in my room at night with this song playing. the door brought tears.

'heartbroken party' is a tender song - made me think of friends who were there during the bad times, thankful to have them and not of men, heartbreak and falling in love.

best of all, the title track 'outwandering' gave much joy. for it was like an invitation to wander about unhindered and light-hearted, making new friends and experiences.

listening to it again, reminds me not to forget to be a little adventurous. And even though, i've practically stopped listening to Rene Liu because she's just so commercial now - her earlier albums i still treasure. and funnily enough, i remember her explaining in an interview why she changed her style completely. One of her bosses told her that her voice was awful. poor gal! but truly, i miss that voice.

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