There is an old Chinese saying: It takes 10 years to sharpen a sword.

Veteran Taiwan singer and songwriter Lo Ta Yu has spent a decade working on his album Beautiful Island which was released in late November.

On thursday afternoon, Lo came to Beijing to promote his latest album and donated the first royalties of US$10,000 to the tsunami victims through the Red-Cross Society of China.

What he sings and what he does all reflect his usual concern for people and society.

Fans have waited the new album for quite a long time after the previous one, Love Music 2000, in 1994.

The album records the past decade and every song contains a story that has shocked Lo during the past 10 years.

He attributed some to the press: Political crisis in Taiwan Province, the financial crisis in Southeast Asia, the Taiwan earthquake on September 21, 2000, the September 11 terrorist attacks, SARS and the tsunami tragedy.

The audience's responses so far are controversial. Some applaud his holding to his view of the world and his continuing concern for society and life.

But others think he is too cynical or too political.

Lo's answer is: "You could listen to the critics but do not care much about them. To me, the point is to do what I want to do. The album is not the best, but I could not make it better."

Lo has always been an artist with a great sense of social responsibility and never gives up expressing his criticism about society through his songs.

He dares to say, to sing, to do what he thinks is right and is never frightened by the consequences.

Lo himself paid to produce, release and distribute the album which collects songs alluding to Taiwan's current politics in parable form.

"It is independent from other record companies," he said.

Generally speaking, it is still the hoarse voice, simple accompaniment of piano or guitar, Lo's usual melodies, that are romantic and poetic on some tracks while roaring power-fully roar on others.

But loyal fans can figure out some new elements. Electronic drum beats and varying vocal acompaniments and special audio effects blend in with the piano and guitar he loves most.

Quiet Hot Spring is in memory of his father who died in 1998.

"Father is the person who influenced me most in my life. It was him who initiated my interest in music."

People have to admit that Lo is not at his peak any longer, but fans never forget his songs and time does not pale the feelings he imbues into his lyrics.

The new album may not appeal to today's young people but is worthy for loyal Lo fans in their 30s and 40s.

Lo himself says: "I am 51 years old and will not give up my style and cater to today's trends. My music reflects my attitude toward life. I respect life and respect music.

"I write these songs to record the past decade and for the fans who have supported me for some 20 years."

(China Daily January 18, 2005)