Pu Shu’s Return to Music

“I’m not sure how many turns ahead this road takes, but even if I had went further down it, I’d still have come back,” Pu Shu told Apple Music. “I think everyone is like that: they still return to the road they were destined for. I firmly believe so, which doesn't make any sense.” Fourteen years passed between Pu Shu’s 2003 album Life Like A Summer Flower and his 2017 release Orion. To mark his highly anticipated comeback, Apple Music invited the celebrated singer-songwriter to retrace the long and winding road of his return with the music that navigated the way. First released in 2017 as four separate playlists, Pu Shu carefully curated each with his own music and other tracks to reflect specific parts of that journey. The Wander Years (2003-2011) The first playlist, tracks 1 to 20. Pu Shu followed his debut I Went To 2000 with his acclaimed sophomore album Life Like A Summer Flower. But he struggled to cope with the success. Torn between meeting his artistic standards while “making others feel comfortable,” Pu Shu had a mental breakdown and withdrew from the public spotlight. But the silence of Pu Shu’s “wandering soul” years was also deceiving. Deep down, his passion for music kindled. The creative embers still glowed. Struggles of Starting Again (2011-2013) The second playlist, Tracks 21 to 40. “I had rested long enough and should get to work,” Pu Shu told Apple Music in what seems like a passing comment. But those closest to him know the courage and determination behind his decision. It had been 10 years since his last album. Times had changed—it wasn’t going to be easy. But Pu Shu persevered and was proud he did. The desire to make new music had taken hold. The Push Forward (2014-2016) The third playlist, tracks 41 to 62. Now it was time for the real work to begin. Pu Shu was buzzing with inspiration: He saw himself as a telegraph, catching the efflux of “eternal electric waves” that shot across the universe and turning them into sound. The Metamorphosis (2014-2016) The fourth playlist, tracks 63 to 85. In 2017, Pu Shu released the long-awaited album Orion. It’s an epic poem culminating his 14 years of growth, as well as gained insights into destiny, self and life. Pu Shu had a newfound clarity, which is reflected in each song that marked his journey. As he sings on the album's track "Qingbaizhinian":  “A life so cold / a life spanning oceans / that traces the endless passage of time / a vague and rippling murmur / I want to look back / and tell my story from the beginning.”