Hong Kong vocalist Eric Chou (known familiarly as “Gigi”) recently unveiled his third single of the year, “Why Can’t I Measure Up to Him,” delivering a poignant ballad rooted in the classic Cantopop “K-song” style. The release is accompanied by a music video that frankly depicts intimate moments, including the singer resting his forehead against the lead actress, signifying a departure into traditional tear-jerker tunes after his previous releases.
Chou expressed enthusiasm for embracing the K-song genre, a staple of Hong Kong music popularized in karaoke lounges. “I have always loved Hong Kong K-songs, growing up listening to them,” Chou stated. “Two days after hearing the demo for this track, the melody was still firmly lodged in my mind. It was an instant decision; I knew I had to sing this song.” This choice signals a conscious effort to tap into the deeply nostalgic and widely beloved Cantopop soundscape.
For the production of this heart-rending track, Chou enlisted the expertise of producer Patrick Yip, known for crafting emotional hits such as “Singing Love Songs with My Back.” Chou noted that while they had collaborated on performances previously, this was their first time working together on a recording, describing the synergy as exceptional. “The producer has very high hopes for this song,” Chou remarked, “and we hope the audience will truly embrace it.”
The music video features Alison So, the lead vocalist of the independent female band Fiester. The video portrays a visibly close relationship between the two, showing them touching foreheads and affectionately feeding each other noodles. Chou shared a humorous anecdote from the shoot regarding the intimate head-touching scene. “That moment was quite awkward because of the intense heat,” he confessed. “I was sweating profusely, and I felt quite embarrassed about pressing my forehead against hers. We actually had to deploy two fans just to try and cool down the set.”
Lyrically, the song explores the devastating experience of losing a loved one to a third party. Chou disclosed that the emotional core of the song reflects similar feelings he experienced during his youth. He described the pain of unrequited love, realizing that his efforts were futile when the person simply didn’t reciprocate his feelings. “That moment was genuinely heartbreaking,” Chou reflected.
He offered a hopeful perspective derived from the painful experience. “It’s not that I wasn’t ‘good enough’ compared to the other person. It just meant that the person who truly loved me hadn’t appeared yet.” Chou concluded on a positive note, affirming his current happiness and fulfillment.
This latest single, “Why Can’t I Measure Up to Him,” is positioned to resonate with listeners who appreciate emotionally rich narrative storytelling intertwined with memorable melodies. By leaning into the legacy of the Cantopop sad song, Eric Chou is not only expanding his artistic range but also cementing his place within the tradition of Hong Kong’s signature musical form. The public reception to the track will be a strong indicator of the enduring appeal of the classic K-song format in the contemporary music market. The song is now available across major streaming platforms.