Reliving the Golden Age of Cantopop: Classic Covers Reignite 80s–90s Nostalgia in Call Me By Fire 4

Do you remember the first time you heard Monica? Was it in front of a cassette recorder, on a bustling school plaza, or during a heartfelt late-night car talk with friends? The golden age of Chinese pop music in the 1980s and 1990s left us with countless unforgettable melodies. Season 4 of Call Me By Fire brings these memories back, as veteran artists reimagine iconic hits—breathing new life into old classics, not merely as covers, but as lived experiences retold through song. 

1. “Monica” (1984, Original by Leslie Cheung) | Covered by Sammy Shum  

A cornerstone of 80s Cantopop, Monica helped Leslie Cheung transition from acting to musical superstardom. Sammy Shum’s take blends nostalgic funk with modern arrangements, offering a matured voice that channels both glamor and sentiment. After the official subtitled episode aired, viewers praised the rendition for evoking powerful emotions: “With each note, the tears just flowed.” 

2. “Dusk” (Late 1990s, Original by Steve Chou) | Performed by Hacken Lee × Azora Chin  

Released in 1999, Steve Chou’s Dusk is a staple on KTV playlists for its healing lyrics and bittersweet melody. In Episode 3, Hacken Lee and Azora Chin performed a heartfelt duet with complementary tones and minimalistic stage design. The YouTube performance clip now has over a million views, with fans commenting, “It felt like I was hearing the story of my past thirty years.” 

3. “A Little Red Flower for You” (2020s, Original by Zhao Yingjun) | Group Finale Performance  

Originally sung by Zhao Yingjun while battling cancer, this emotionally resonant track became a contemporary anthem of warmth and hope. During the Call Me By Fire Season 4 finale, all the brothers sang it together—not as a technical showcase, but as a deeply empathetic tribute to everyday struggles. Fans commented, “It was like my hard-earned life got a standing ovation.” 

4. “Love is Doubt” (1998, Original by Sandy Lam) | Reimagined by Team Rebel  

Penned by Jonathan Lee for Sandy Lam, this song explores love’s insecurities and complexities. In Episode 2, Team Rebel transformed it with electronic beats and intensified rhythms, offering a modern emotional twist. Audiences noted: “This isn’t just a song about love—it’s about being honest with vulnerability, especially from a man’s perspective.” 

5. “Whispers” (1989, Original by Leslie Cheung) | Immersive MV-style Rendition  

An underrated gem from Leslie Cheung’s 1989 album, Whispers was presented not as a traditional stage performance but through immersive visuals and live vocals, evoking a dreamlike quality. Viewers remarked: “In that moment, it felt like stepping into a past version of myself.” 

KTSF Broadcast : Call Me By Fire 4

If these golden oldies still hold a special place in your heart, don’t miss the rebroadcast of Call Me By Fire: Season 4 on Saturday, July 5 from 8–10 PM on KTSF. This isn't just another variety show—it’s a generational reunion, an emotional concert, and a powerful revival of youth-defining anthems. 

• Revisit Monica with Sammy Shum, igniting street-corner memories with his matured flair 

• Let Hacken Lee and Azora Chin’s Dusk duet walk you through years of silent understanding 

• Feel the warmth of brotherhood as all contestants sing A Little Red Flower for You 

• Rediscover the emotional depth of Love is Doubt, as Team Rebel rewires love’s complexity 

• And dive into a dream with the visual journey of Whispers, like opening a window to the past 

These performances aren’t just nostalgic—they’re revitalizing. They remind us that the songs which once defined our youth still resonate with the same power today. Let KTSF take you back—this time, with heart and harmony.