The original soundtrack of Wong Kar-wai's hit Chinese TV series "Blossoms Shanghai" was released internationally on June 21, featuring revived and reimagined vintage classic songs.

The cover art of "The Original Music & Soundtrack of Blossoms Shanghai" album. [Image courtesy of Universal Music Group]

The 30-episode series, directed by legendary Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-wai in his first TV production, is based on Jin Yucheng's Mao Dun Literature Prize-winning novel "Blossoms." It portrays the vibrant business environment and local life of 1990s Shanghai, through Wong's masterful cinematic approach and aesthetic. Since its debut in December 2023, it has earned a considerable fan base and has become a cultural phenomenon.

The TV series features numerous nostalgic classic songs that resonate with Chinese audiences, now included in a new album from Universal Music Group and available on major online music platforms.

Universal Music, a longtime partner of Wong, provided extensive music support for the project. The company offered over 100 songs for consideration and invited new talent to reimagine and re-record several classics, while also managing complex copyright issues.

"I am very grateful to director Wong Kar-wai for using many hit songs from the 1990s in 'Blossoms Shanghai,' allowing younger generations of music fans to experience the classics of that era," said Gary Chan, managing director of Universal Music Hong Kong.

"This is also the greatest sense of accomplishment that the 'Blossoms Shanghai' project has brought me. Old songs like Jacky Cheung's 'Steal One's Heart' from 30 years ago became widely popular again because of 'Blossoms Shanghai,' which also proves the enduring value of our classic music catalog," Chan added.

The music executive added that Wong is undoubtedly a unique and outstanding master of film art and cinematography, with an unparalleled understanding and grasp of music.

"The Original Music & Soundtrack of Blossoms Shanghai" features hit songs by renowned artists such as Jacky Cheung, Faye Wong, Beyond, and Teresa Teng. It also includes Huju opera segments performed by actors Ma Yili, Chen Guoqing, and Zhu Lin, as well as monologues by actors, notably Hu Ge, who portrays the protagonist A Bao. Young singers like Mike Tsang reinterpret several classics, paying tribute to and preserving the musical heritage.

A physical album box, featuring three CDs, a leather-textured box, a booklet, and a unique packaging design, was also released in Hong Kong for fans' collections.

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