Cantopop songs from the past 4 years that every Hong Kong teen should listen to
- From Terence Lam’s heartfelt track about farewells to On Chan’s celebration of youth, these artists inspire you to treasure what you have
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What’s been on your playlist? Photo: ShutterstockRunning out of new music to spice up your playlist is a universal dilemma. If your song library is already overflowing with K-pop tunes or current English pop hits, have you considered diving into Hong Kong’s bustling music scene?
In recent years, Cantopop has gone through a revival, and dedicated musicians are having their moment. Heartfelt lyrics paired with emotional delivery make them one-of-a-kind. Here are songs from the past four years that every teenager should listen to.
15 best Cantopop songs of 2022: music from Hong Kong you should hear
2021: “The Hardest Path” by Joyce Cheng (最難行的路)
This song was released three years ago, but its message still rings true. Especially as society glorifies people-pleasing and conformity, it’s all the more important to stand your ground and stay true to yourself.
The next time your friends pressure you into something, rethink whether you’re happier betraying who you are or embarking on the more difficult path that brings peace of mind. In fact, only by listening to your heart will you acquire true liberation.
2022: “Remember” by Terence Lam (記得)
The track opens by comparing farewell scenes to birds undergoing migration – a delicately-crafted metaphor illustrating the fleeting nature of human connections and the inevitability of goodbyes. Progressing with an uplifting note, it advises listeners to hold onto every meaningful encounter.
The lyrics have been of great comfort to teenagers as they bid adieu to their school friends during graduation. Ultimately, it puts forward a melancholic yet hopeful message – despite their elusiveness, hold onto happy memories and always look back with a smile.
2023: “Still You Still Me” by On Chan (仍然是那個少年)
This heart-warming celebration of youth in all its glory – from reckless passion to undying curiosity and inseparable friendships – will surely resonate with teens.
With our student days nearing their end and the looming prospect of entering the workplace, many of us worry about losing our “teenage passion” in the perpetual chase for success. The fear of drifting apart from our friends haunts us as well.
Nevertheless, this song remains optimistic about retaining our youthfulness even as we grow older, highlighting the beauty of staying young at heart.
2024: “Light in Your Heart” by Panther Chan (念)
Released in February, this warm ballad tells a moving story about staying by a friend’s side during dark times. Rather than suggesting that listeners “toughen up” and bottle up negative emotions, the lyrics encourage you to cry and release your inner turmoil.
The lyrics are also a loving address, reassuring your friends you’ll be there for them through thick and thin and that they aren’t alone in their battles. Juggling academics and other pursuits is burdensome, making this song relevant to students weathering difficult circumstances. But with mutual support, things might just get a bit easier.