HONG KONG – After a nearly two-year hiatus, Hong Kong pop group COLLAR is set to release its sophomore studio album, “PERSONA,” on May 11. The eight-member act will preview the record with lead single “Tears of Light,” debuting on streaming platforms this Monday.
The album features seven new tracks: “Tears of Light,” “SKSKZAZA,” “Assassin vs. Diehard Friend,” “Rite of Passage for Beginners,” “Managing You or Not,” “(Almost) Perfect Girl,” and “Wandering Footprints.” The project marks the group’s first full-length release since “Unit 1201” in 2023.
A Grown-Up Sound for a Mature Group
Leader Gao Shenzhen (Gao) described the album as a natural progression. “Two years later, we feel incredibly grateful to put out another record,” she said. “We all know releasing an album isn’t easy. The team and we poured everything into it. Compared to ‘Unit 1201,’ this album feels more mature. Last time was like bravely stepping onto a highway; this time, it’s the experiences along the journey and the necessary stations of growth. It feels like a sequel.”
Member Marf Yau revealed she revisited “Unit 1201” after the new album was confirmed. “I’m really eager to see the new album come out so I can compare the two side by side,” she said. “I think this time the songs are more accessible to a broader audience, so I’m really excited for the release and the public’s reaction.”
The production lineup boasts heavyweight music producers including T-Ma, Tsui Ho, So To-Cheuk, and Chan Hau-Wai. For choreography, the group enlisted both international dance instructors and emerging local talent to present fresh moves.
Emotional Lead Single Breaks From Formula
“Tears of Light” represents a stylistic departure for COLLAR. The mid-tempo ballad eschews the group’s signature high-energy sound for a heartfelt, introspective tone. The lyrics chronicle the group’s journey over the past several years.
Member Sumling Li explained the song’s meaning: “Over the past few years, we’ve gone through a lot—happy moments, hard times, and tearful moments. This song aims to capture those moments where, even after crying, we still shine. We’ve cried in rehearsal rooms, backstage, even on stage. But after every cry, we wipe away our tears and keep moving forward. The message is that tears themselves can be a kind of light. They don’t represent failure; they show that you still feel, still hurt, and still want to heal.”
Winka Chan noted the track marks a first for the group. “COLLAR is about to celebrate its fifth anniversary,” she said. “This song carries a sentimental and mature vibe. I think it’s the perfect choice for a lead single at this point.”
Members Pick Personal Favorites
Each member singled out a personal favorite from the album. Candy Wong chose “Rite of Passage for Beginners.” “Through this song, I discovered I’m really suited to that laid-back feel,” she said. “Because it required a very relaxed, lazy vibe, recording it was really comfortable. I could totally follow my own instincts.”
Day Yip picked two tracks: “(Almost) Perfect Girl” and “Assassin vs. Diehard Friend.” “The lyrics of ‘(Almost) Perfect Girl’ are very close to us—it feels like our story, but also like many girls’ stories. I believe it will resonate widely. I love ‘Assassin vs. Diehard Friend’ because it’s a genre COLLAR has never tried before.”
Ivy So expressed a strong attachment to “Wandering Footprints.” “In my heart, this song truly belongs to COLLAR,” she said.
With “PERSONA,” COLLAR signals both a sonic evolution and a deepened emotional range, offering fans a cohesive body of work that reflects the group’s growth and resilience over five years in the industry. The lead single’s release next week will offer the first taste of that transformation.
