COLLAR Returns with New Album 'PERSONA' After Two-Year Hiatus
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong seven-member girl group COLLAR is set to release their second album 'PERSONA' on July 11, nearly two years after their debut EP 'Unit 1201'. The lead single 'Tears of Light' (淚光) will premiere next Monday, offering fans a first taste of the group's evolved musical direction. The album comprises seven new tracks and features an impressive lineup of producers and choreographers .
Key Points
- COLLAR's new album 'PERSONA' drops on July 11, featuring seven tracks including 'Tears of Light', 'SKSKZAZA', 'Assassin vs Best Friend', 'Junior Adulthood', 'Manage You Anyway', '(almost) perfect girl', and 'Wandering Footprints' .
- Lead single 'Tears of Light' breaks from COLLAR's usual high-energy style with a slower, more melodic approach and sincere lyrics documenting the group's five-year journey .
- Member Gao describes the album as more mature than their debut, comparing 'Unit 1201' to bravely hitting the highway while 'PERSONA' reflects life stations encountered during that journey .
- Marf revealed she rewatched 'Unit 1201' after the new album was confirmed, anticipating how audiences will react to the more mainstream-friendly songs .
- The production team includes renowned producers T-Ma, Hsu Hau, So Dorch, and Chan Hau Wai, plus international and local Hong Kong choreographers .
- Sumling explained 'Tears of Light' captures moments when COLLAR cried in rehearsal rooms, backstage, and on stage, emphasizing that tears represent still having feelings and the will to heal .
- Winka noted the song's感性 yet mature tone suits COLLAR approaching their fifth anniversary, making it ideal as the lead single .
- Candy favors 'Junior Adulthood' for its relaxed, lazy vibe; Day prefers '(almost) perfect girl' and 'Assassin vs Best Friend'; Ivy chose 'Wandering Footprints' as the song that truly belongs to COLLAR .
Why It Matters
COLLAR's return marks a significant moment for Hong Kong's Cantopop scene, demonstrating the viability of locally produced girl groups in an era dominated by K-pop and Mandopop. The album's emphasis on emotional authenticity and growth narratives reflects a maturing local music industry willing to invest in long-term artist development rather than quick-turnover idol projects .
COLLAR's return marks a significant moment for Hong Kong's Cantopop scene, demonstrating the viability of locally produced girl groups in an era dominated by K-pop and Mandopop. The album's emphasis on emotional authenticity and growth narratives reflects a maturing local music industry willing to invest in long-term artist development rather than quick-turnover idol projects .