My 2009 was all about Jay Chou as far as music goes. I listen to him like, everywhere I went! Since his debut, he has always released a new album every year so in anticipation of that, I thought of taking a trip down to my Chou memory lane by listening to his old songs. Who would've thought that the anticipated "new" album would never come? Heh. They say it's gonna be ready in 2010, around February. Which is like... next month! I'm skeptical. I mean, sure, he might have something for 2010 but I don't expect that it will arrive as early as February. It will be probably out in the summer in time for his (rumored) World Tour Concert.
I know I've listed my Jay Chou favorites before, but it's slightly changed now because I've put more effort in trying to understand the lyrics.
So in the unlikely event that my dinosaur iPod mini gets stolen, here's what they will find in the Jay Chou Playlist:
- Silence (安静): It's a very heartbreaking song and a classic Jay Chou. It's one of the songs that helped turn him from a newbie into an idol in the Chinese music industry. Also, the song has an understated but painful message that you want to ignore but it just slowly creeps into your skin. Beautiful piano accompaniment too.
- Faraway (千里之外): Also known as A Thousand Miles Away. In this duet with veteran Taiwanese singer Fei Yu Qing, Jay was able to harmonize his trademark ballad style with Chinese musical elements. Their vocals are distinctly different from one another yet somehow they were able to blend well. This song will definitely go down in history because it's sung by two living legends from different times and genres.
- White Windmill (白色风车) and Retreat (退后): A lot of people have complained how these songs are very typical and therefore offer nothing new but I like them. Jay's ballads really do sound similar but it's not like a "hear-one-hear-it-all" kind of feeling. Each song still has its own story and each one evokes a different kind of melancholy.
- Simple Love (简单爱): I've posted the video of this before. This is my second favorite Jay Chou song for the moment because of its...err...simplicity and child-like charm. It fills you with warmth puts a smile on your face. By the end of it, all your cynicism is gone and you start believing in pure untainted love again. How I wish that he comes up with something like this in every album.
- Can't Speak (开不了口): This is my current favorite because of its airy and melodious quality. It's a very "classic" Jay ballad but rather than depress you, it actually calms you and makes you think of the sunshine after the rain. I was also surprised to know that the lyrics of this song was written by Vivian Hsu. I do know that she often collaborates with Jay but I wasn't aware that she is this good.
- Hair Like Snow (发如雪): I've written about this song before and I still think that this is the best song that came out of the Jay Chou-Vincent Fang team. And that's saying a lot because that tandem has been creating great music left right and center since 2001. Although it is a love song, I wouldn't categorize it with his regular ballads. It's quite unique in its romance approach. It feels like you're listening to ancient poetry under the moonlight.
- The Longest Movie (最长的电影): This is the closing track for his much-lambasted "On The Run" album. And while I agree that it was a sub-standard album, having this song last somehow ends it nicely. I kind of liked hearing his strained vocals in this song. I know it must be due to his difficulty in reaching the high notes but it sounded beautiful to me. Loved the echo effect in the chorus too.
- Sweetness (甜甜的): The title says it all and the song lives up to its name. Never mind that it's a nonsensical bubblegum pop. It's very enjoyable and has a very lazy feel to it. And if you just read the lyrics by itself, you'll find out that it has more depth than initially perceived.
- Seven Mile Fragrance (七里香): It's a breezy, very poetic modern song with a rather repetitive chorus. But it is complemented by good instrumentation and engaging tempo.
- Nocturnes (夜曲): If not for the haunting lyrics, this would pass as an ordinary love song. But because Vincent Fang bravely wrote it the way he did, it was taken to a different level."I play for you Chopin's Nocturnes, commemorating my dead love, the same sound as the night winds, heart breaking sounds good..." The highlight of the song is definitely the lyrics and the way it is complemented by Jay's unique voice and great piano skills
- Love in B.C. (愛在西元前): This song is stirringly beautiful and it never fails to give me the chills whenever I hear the opening phrase. It is perfectly written and every element just came together and formed the true "signature" Jay Chou melody. This is was a very appropriate choice for the opening track of the album. It just had Fantasy written all over it.
So with all this reminiscing, I hate to admit that Jay Chou has probably reached is peak during the 2001-2005 period. Anything produced after that was only riding on his past success. In fact, some songs in his last two albums sound amateurish for him. As much as I'm excited for any new stuff from him, I'm also bracing myself for another disappointment. Don't get me wrong, he is still head and shoulders above the rest. His worst song will win in any competition if put against an ordinary artist's. But that's the thing. He is not any ordinary artist. He has set a standard for musicians, himself included. And because of his recent works, I'm really tempted to start comparing him with other musicians in order for me to see his merits. But as his idol Jet Li once said "Your biggest enemy is yourself." so I've always compared Jay Chou against Jay Chou. Maybe someday, when he's less busy, he will come up with another masterpiece worthy of his talents. For his upcoming album, though I do not expect it to be anything close to Fantasy. That album is legendary. But as long as it's within the levels of November's Chopin or even Still Fantasy, I would be overjoyed.
