Singaporean singer Do Cheng Yi, widely known as A-Do, put his own stamp on the Mandopop ballad scene in the 2000s with raspy vocals and relatable lyrics that spoke to a younger generation. A former construction foreman, Cheng Yi was scouted at a company audition by famed Singaporean producer Billy Koh and picked out among 3,000 hopefuls. He kicked off his career in 2002 with debut album Dark, plunging his gravelly tones to new depths and lending a melancholy touch to his romantic titles. “He Loves You Very Much”, “Almost” and “Persevere” stir up familiarity with their stories of breakups and farewell, but A-Do’s themes also transcend tales of romance. “Release” laments the loss of a job and an uncertain future while “Andy” croons about insecurity. The singer made a comeback in 2018 after a six-year hiatus with “I Will Not Hide”, an aching yet hopeful track detailing his struggles with anxiety, and the courage he gained to bounce back. Even after six years away, A-Do's vocals were as evocative as ever, stoking the fires of nostalgia while reminding of their timeless value.