Huang Chung - Huang Chung (1982)

Wang Chung are an English new wave musical group formed in 1980. The name Wang Chung means "yellow bell" in Chinese, and is the first note in the Chinese classical music scale.

The London-based new wave group Wang Chung had a handful of hits in the mid-'80s, achieving their greatest popularity in the U.S. Originally called Huang Chung, the band consisted of vocalist/guitarist Jack Hues, bassist Nick Feldman, and drummer Darren Costin.
Huang Chung is the self-titled debut album of the band Huang Chung (later known as Wang Chung). Huang Chung was released on March 4, 1982.
This was a platter that stood out in 1982, among the keyboards and analog synths, because it has a saxophone at the base of the songs. It's not as versatile as a keyboard, but it works. Be sure to listen to "China", "Chinese Girls", and "Why Do You Laugh". Produced by Roger Bechirian & Rhett Davies (previously worked with Roxy Music), this is an unusual but ultimately rewarding album combining different styles and techniques with an unmistakable honesty transmitted through Hues' vocals.
Huang Chung was supposed to be one of two albums that the band did for Arista Records, but they departed and signed on with Geffen Records afterwards because their manager spotted the band's potential and their upcoming song, "Dance Hall Days", to be a possibly big hit. Meanwhile, after the release, Huang Chung saxophonist David Burnand (a.k.a. Hogg Robinson) left due to "musical differences". No song hit any charts in the U.S.A. or the U.K.
The band metamorphised from Huang Chung to Wang Chung following this album and gained considerable commercial success.

Track listing

01. "Ti Na Na" - 4:22
02. "Hold Back the Tears" - 4:05
03. "I Never Want to Love You in a Half-Hearted Way" - 3:11
04. "Straight From My Heart" - 2:52
05. "Dancing" - 4:38
06. "Chinese Girls" - 2:51
07. "Why Do You Laugh" - 4:06
08. "China" - 3:27
09. "I Can't Sleep" - 3:15
10. "Rising in the East" - 5:27

All songs written and composed by Jack Hues, except as noted. Note that Nick Feldman was credited as Nick DeSpig throughout this album.

Credits
Bass, Percussion, Vocals – Nick De Spig
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Darwin
Guitar, Lead Vocals, Piano – Jack Hues
Saxophone, Percussion, Vocals – Hogg
Design – Steve Joule
Design [Logo] – Alex Feldman
Photography By [Photos] – Fin Costello
Engineer [Basing St.] – Nigel Mills
Engineer [Jam] – Dave Bellotti
Producer:  Rhett Davies & Roger Bechirian

Notes
Release date:  March 4, 1982
Recorded at: The Gallery, Basing St., and Jam Studios
Genre:  New Wave / Synth-pop
Length:  38:14
© 1982

Label:  Arista Records