Lay Zhang breathes life into Monkey King legend with new album
Chinese singer and performer Lay Zhang, also known as Zhang Yixing, introduced his seventh album, Flawed Crown, to audiences during a special overseas preview event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on June 27. The nearly two-hour-long showcase showcased Zhang’s unique “M-POP” style, a blend of Mandarin pop music infused with a variety of musical genres to highlight Chinese cultural elements. The album, titled Dou Zhan Sheng Fo (Victorious Fighting Buddha) in Chinese, draws inspiration from the classic Monkey King legend, a character known to many through the novel “Journey to the West” from the 16th century. Through a combination of electronic sounds, traditional Chinese instruments, and mythical storytelling, Zhang was able to craft an “Eastern cyber” soundscape for his audience.
The performance kicked off with the sound of water dripping, emulating the mythical residence of the Monkey King, the Shuilian Dong (Water Curtain Cave). The album featured tracks like Call My Name and Again, where traditional instruments seamlessly blended with modern electronic arrangements. Beyond just music, Lay Zhang showcased China’s national intangible cultural heritage by incorporating a traditional Lisu ethnic group dance performance from Yunnan province. Known as Achi Mu Gua, or “goat dance” in the Lisu language, this dance imitates the movements of goats while also incorporating polyphonic singing.
Renowned music critic Liang Xiaohui praised the fusion of Lisu ethnic sounds with electronic dance music in Zhang’s work, noting the smooth transition that creates a harmonious blend of cultures without any sense of disruption. This gradual integration allows listeners to embrace the cross-cultural experience effortlessly.
Zhang has always aimed to promote Chinese culture through his music, and his “M-POP” concept, born with his third solo album Namanana in 2018, has successfully integrated Chinese tales, instruments, and aesthetics into modern pop music for a global audience. His previous album, Rock the Heavenly Palace released in 2025, depicted the Monkey King as a valiant challenger, while Flawed Crown delves into themes of self-reflection, desire, regret, and self-conquest.
Flawed Crown is set for release on July 3, continuing Zhang Yixing’s mission to bring Chinese culture to the forefront of the global music scene.