Jay Chou 12th Album : Opus 12 Review

So, after listening it a bunch of times... Now I'm doing my own review of the album. 

First and foremost, this album got me the most surprises that Jay Chou done. By the looks, as you can say.. and the preparation that he did just to make this album the best among the rest.

Let's not talk about the looks, because I just didn't like at first. But then again, it is Jay's choice.. so I just respected it :D

Let me talk about this in different terms.

About the cover:

This is really a very fresh and of one a kind cover, we all know that Jay used to have a very naughty ideas regarding his album that the fans would always like. And as for this unicorn and the oil pastel looking look..... hmm.. he didn't disappoint me.. but rather, it made me love his blonde hair look!!!

This have a look at his photo shoot.

I think this album cover was one of the best among his album. I'm a fan of Jay's childish ideas when it comes to his covers.. and I want him a very dark looking Jay. What do I mean of dark? I mean the style and the perspective of the photo that it conveyed. Like for example, his The Era album... the vampire thing. And the Ye Hui Mei album.. :)

About the Songs:

Tracklist:

1."四季列車" (Sì Jì Liè Chē Train Of The Four Seasons)

2. "手語" (Shǒu Yǔ Sign Language)

3. "公公偏頭痛" (Gōng Gōng Piān Tóu Tòng Gong Gong with a Headache)

4. "明明就" (Míng Míng Jiù Obviously)

5. "傻笑" (Shǎ Xiào Giggle; feat. Cindy Yen)

6.  "比較大的大提琴" (Bǐ Jiào Dà de Dà Tí Qín A Larger Cello featuring: Lara and Gary)

7. "愛你沒差" (Ài Nǐ Méi Chà No Difference In Loving You)

8. "紅塵客棧" (Hóng Chén Kè Zhàn Red Dust Inn)

9. "夢想啟動" (Mèng Xiǎng Qǐ Dòng Dream Initiated)

10. "大笨鐘" (Dà Bèn Zhōng Big Ben)

11. "哪裡都是你" (Nǎ Lǐ Dōu Shì Nǐ You Are Everywhere)

12. "烏克麗麗" (Wū Kè Lì Lì Ukulele)

In general, I think that it surpassed his previews album which is the Exclamation Mark. In my opinion, that any album was better than Exclamation Mark... because it was just like a recycled album to me. But in Opus 12, hmm. the old Jay Chou is finally back.

Bringing the smash hits of his well known "Zhong Guo Feng" songs.. or in other words.. his Chinese music style in his songs.. well I think he really did a massive comeback.

In his first carrier single, "Hong Chen Ke Zhan" (Red Dust Inn) really made another mark of Jay Chou's legendary songs. Like the one's that he did on Fa Rue Xue, Qian Li Zi Wai, Ju Hua Tai and Dong Feng Po.

Now, let's dissect the songs :D

1. "四季列車" (Sì Jì Liè Chē Train Of The Four Seasons)

- Another hit song for me. It given me a freshly Jay Chou "darker songs" What do I mean by dark... hmm.. it is somehow creepy tune or mystery type of song. Like his previews song, Twilight's Chapter, In The Name of the Father, and Nocturnes. The first time I heard this, I was like....hmm!! I love it in an instant. Really Jay never failed to create such nice songs.

2. "手語" (Shǒu Yǔ Sign Language)

- At first heard of this, I actually don't like it.. because of the auto tune thing. I think Jay really was not over with this auto tune.. If only I can say to him directly that HE DOESN'T NEED ONE because his voice is already at his best!! But then again, after many times of listening.. I guess that it was alright for me. Much forgivable than Mine Mine. And it was a romantic song.......so I have no choice but to love it too.

3. "公公偏頭痛" (Gōng Gōng Piān Tóu Tòng Gong Gong with a Headache)

- I'm not weird, because I actually love this too. I guess it was another song hit. Really it was good to hear the melody because of a mix of classic Chinese style and a modern kind of music. Much like of Zhou Da Xia :) And i think, it is a viral dance already in Taiwan and China!! Much much more better than the Gangnam style! a little trivia of this, Jay choreograph a bit of this dance.. especially the chorus part :D

4. "明明就" (Míng Míng Jiù Obviously)

- another big hurray!!! for Jay's ballad. I nearly cried when I first heard this. Thus, this become my favorite. I can feel his emotions in terms of his music. So.. I don't know.. but it is a sad song for me.. and the meaning of the song too. 

5. "傻笑" (Shǎ Xiào Giggle; feat. Cindy Yen)
- this is such a warming song. I love Jay's high register of voice here. It is a good KTV song haha. The meaning of the song make me love it more. Good job that their voice suited very well....... but, when you try listening it a bunch of times, you will somehow say this.."that it feels like Jay was the one who is featured here..not Cindy." Because she somehow overdo the song.. But even she does it, Jay manage to stay the power of his voice.

6. "比較大的大提琴" (Bǐ Jiào Dà de Dà Tí Qín A Larger Cello feat. Lara and Gary)
- this is what I'm talking about! This definitely one of the naughty melody that Jay has to offer in this album. It is like a musical feeling to me. Much more in the preparation of his upcoming movie which is rooftop :) I find Jay and Lara's voice to be very sexy... all through out the song. I will not comment about Gary.

7. "愛你沒差" (Ài Nǐ Méi Chà No Difference In Loving You)
- if I were to give the highest rating of songs in this album, I will surely give it to this one. A perfect combo ballad Jay Chou!! You definitely nailed this one. Nice voice + nice song = Ultimate song for this album.

8.  "紅塵客棧" (Hóng Chén Kè Zhàn Red Dust Inn)
- another zhong guo feng song. Thus.. a good one. I'll not elaborate on this one.. because every zhong guo feng songs of Jay is definitely a sure hit.

9."夢想啟動" (Mèng Xiǎng Qǐ Dòng Dream Initiated)
- this is a very relaxing one. Good thing he didn't use auto tune in it. You will get to realize that his voice are enough for this one. And also, i love the translation of this.. it is about encouragement. Good thing Jay didn't missed out writing songs about the inner aspect. Yes, this one gotten it. Like the Fragrance of rice :) not to mention the intro of the song.. is so.DIAO!! a very Jay Chou style!

10. "大笨鐘" (Dà Bèn Zhōng Big Ben)
- a very cute and nice song. Jay also wrote the lyrics of this song. I loveeeee his voice here. 

11. "哪裡都是你" (Nǎ Lǐ Dōu Shì Nǐ You Are Everywhere)
- he also wrote the lyrics of this song.. and this is the chosen one for his Rooftop movie. Hmm.. at first, i find this very pitchy.. like his Feng song. Even though i love Jay's vocals.....sometimes.. i find his voice very pitchy.. how i wisheh he somehow loosened up a little for this one. But the brighter side of it was.......the meaning of the song. It is so beautiful... but sad.

12."烏克麗麗" (Wū Kè Lì Lì Ukulele)
- the final song for this awesome album :) This is a very refreshing song! I love the intro as well.. because of the ukelele sound haha. I can feel the good vibes in this song. A very cheerful one. 


Alas, every song in the album is perfect. And Jay really proved that once again..he is the King of Mandopop.

and for the official music videos...

Warning: All the music videos are highly entertaining :))

And the viral dance of the year!! Gong Gong!!

Jay Chou: Climbing up ~ The Third Road

Hmm.. me being a super fan of Jay, of course I do some recommendation of the songs and albums that I want.. but.....what if all of the albums were good? I guess, I just have to name all of it and rate it according to my top picks :D

*I'll be getting some information in our dear forum which is jaychoustudio.com

I. Self titled - "Jay" album

Release date: 1st November 2000

Jay Album is the groundbreaking debut album from the talented writer Jay Chou. Featuring a fresh r&b style and wonderful lyrics from Vincent Fang, Vivian Hsu and Jay himself. All the tracks on the album are composed by Jay. The first track Lovable Woman features the lovely Vivian Hsu in the music video. Every track has a music video except for track 8, although there is a KTV which was not made by Jay.

Tracklist:

1.Lovable Woman (可愛女人) (ke ai nü ren)
2.Perfectionism (完美主義) (wan mei zhu yi)
3.Clear Stars (星晴) (xing qing)
4.Wife (娘子) (niang zi)
5.Bullfight (鬥牛) (dou niu)
6.Black Humour (黑色幽默) (hei se you mo)
7.Istanbul (伊斯坦堡) (yi si tan bao)
8.Old Indian Turtledove (印地安老斑鳩) (yin di an lao ban jiu)
9.Tornado (龍捲風) (long juan feng)
10.Clock That Goes Backwards (反方向的鐘) (fan fang xiang de zhong)

According to my favorite songs.. hmm.. comments?

1.Lovable Woman (可愛女人) (ke ai nü ren) - probably my second favorite song in the album :D Because it  i know this is the first hit song that was made by him... and also it got that RNB sense of style. To think that Jay is just a new comer on that time, it was probably the biggest hit song among that time.

2.Perfectionism (完美主義) (wan mei zhu yi) - I somehow liked this song because... it's good? haha. i dunno what to say but.. for those who think that it's weird, well I think you are all wrong. I'm also impressed about how he actually played the piano on the video.. because it is so.. diao!! (cool)

3.Clear Stars (星晴) (xing qing) - A very good acoustic feeling period.. and the way he sang it it's like Jay is singing you to sleep . a lovely voice!

4.Wife (娘子) (niang zi)

5. Black Humour (黑色幽默) (hei se you mo)

Jay Chou周杰倫 -黑色幽默Black Humor﹝官方MV

Jay Chou: Making a step ~ The Second Road

So.. probably you've read what I'vs posted earlier how did I came to know Jay :D

Yes.. and making a step in knowing him was at first listening to his songs and albums...one of the first song that I came to listen to him was Wo Bu Pei.. I think that I've mention it.. so here we goes.. my first acquisition among his collectibles are: The Era Concert (2010) and Jay Chou World Tours (2007)

It was so great having this concerts because really it is one of a kind! Honest;y the moment I watched his concert of the internet, I can't help but to.. "I wish I was there..and I wish i can buy the dvd.." then on my birthday.. I made a promise to myself that I should buy the concert dvd! because Jay was really amazing! When you get to watch the concert especially The Era, you will be amazed at the effects in which it has. And not to mention, Jay was so handsome in the concert.. and his voice is perfectly conditioned. Well, I love Jay's voice no matter what.

Why do I love The Era concert?

1. Choice of Songs.

Because... almost all of the songs included in the tracks were nice.. and back then, these was the only songs that I know from him. So I was so delighted that he almost sang it all... not to mention those that were included in the fantasy album. 


2. His dress.

Yeah. definitely it is not weird.. hmm but in the opening get up was forgivable to me.. like this:

do you know how much do I love the background light?? really it was awesome!! It is so lovely to see Jay in the highest platform with those green lights surrounding him and of course he was singing the legendary Kua Shi Dai while he was raised up in the air.

And also, this is the background cover of the concert DVD once you opened it! 


another dress talk.

this the part of which he was singing "Free Instructional Video" and yeah. It gave it a rock and roll atmosphere.. and the audience came to clap their hands as Jay did something.. he played the guitar part.. as you can see... he played the guitar in a different manner.. and the audience made a chant about that.


Why do I love World Tours 2007?

Also because in the choice of songs :) most especially all of the tracks in On the Run album. And I see here the different side of Jay, which is a more playful one. Compared in his previous concerts... and he really danced so well in this concert! More of it will be discussed in the concert segment of mine :D

Jay Chou: Breaking the Ice ~ The first road

First and foremost, because I'm so bored now.. and I can't hide my excitement about the upcoming album of Jay Chou on December 28, 2012. Glad that I did my preorder thingy.. and probably I will be waiting that to arrive at my doorstep! Gaa. I really can't wait.


So why am I blogging now? Hmm simply because I wanna share how did I came to know the one and only Jay Chou.

First. It all started when I'm finding another artist that I can listen too..

I admit, I somehow hate jay at first because I'm a huge fan of Show Luo. He's my ultimate bias when it comes to mandopop world. I didn't really know jay at that time but every time I look at the any music awards, I always see the name of jay where he always get the most all of the awards, because I'm hoping that Show will get the most of the awards. And it really irritates me because I always read the name "Jay Chou" and it really annoys me alot! And I wonder why he always get the major wards while show is only few.

And there is a english forum of show that I'm also a member of it and i've a thread about the comparison of Rashomon (show's 10th album) and The Era of jay... of course all the people including me supported show in his album.. other people commented that "The Era of jay is not as good as his past album.." so they always go with the rashomon of show because they think it have many styles and genre in terms of the melody. At that time, I was curious about the "the era thing" and I've listened to it........once. And I don't know what song was that I've listened but it is kinda rap.( I think that's kua shi dai) So I told myself......"What? this jay chou always get the major awards and has very weird style of music!" then I've stayed always with show.


Then the Mr. J channel came out.. and all the Show fans were eager to watch the premiere of that because of the "reuniting thing" that I don't know about in their past.(i think of the double J thing that others think that show and jay have a misunderstandings before because show take part on jolin's side Moreover, I simply watch the episode for the sake of Show.. then.....then.... I really loved Show and Jay's chemistry in hosting.. and I can see that there were really friends!! Because they spilled secrets on one another and have lot's of memories.. So I think this jay chou is not bad at all. And Show really supported Jay always!!! that he even came at his The Era concert in Taipei arena!!! and I saw that Show was seated where jay's family and friends are. So.. I didn't hate jay anymore :D


On my Christmas break last Dec 2010, i told my friend to recommend other mandopop artist so I will have a wider range of knowledge in terms in mandopop world. And she told me to listen to Jay Chou.. and she gave me her favorite album of jay which is the "on the run", "november's chop" and the latest which is the era... then i told her, alright, I will listen to it... and she let me watch the "wo bu pei (I'm Not Worthy) because that is her favorite jay song. Then I somehow didn't digested it because I'm still stuck with show, and alice tseng was also a lead gurl of show's mv... so I made comparisons again. And the song "head over heels" by show, have a same plot of jay's wo bu pei.. so I didn't like it.


After downloading on the run album.......I listened to it and it was Cai Hong (rainbow) that I've heard....and OH MY! OH MY! OH MY!!!!! jay's have a very nice voice!!!! very soothing and high, cute voice :D and also when I've heard "cowboy is very busy" It was actually very FUN and have a country feeling :D and different genre! then I told my mom to compare the voice of jay and show.. then she said, she liked jay's voice!!! haha.


After that, I became curious about his latest album at that time which is the era.. and I found it good!! and i was indulge at his raps and intricate music style :D and known only at that time that he composed everything that he sang. And I little by little I admire him a lot, discovering many things about him was exciting :D


in jan 2011, there's the green hornet.. and i watch it because jay chou is there and my other friends said that they will watch the movie because of jay, so I watch it.. and also, I'm kinds attached to his songs already that I give it a try watching TGH. and......and.... it was ultimately fun!!! and his action skills were good. So from that time, I research a lot about him and found one of his concerts a fancam in vancouver.......and i saw the opening and it was awesome!!!! the I told my friend, if she know where i can watch his the concert online.. and she told me just watch on the youtube.. and luckily... i found it :D


I was totally enjoying the concert because it was great!!! and almost all of the song that he sang were my favorites. So i said to myself....."I need to have a copy of that concert! I want it badly......" because jay was very professional singer in comes to stage and I really loved the 3D effects! and I've influence my sister to love jay too! and so we watch his movie secret and it was ROMANTIC!! it was really good. and jay, is very talented because he wrote the story itself and with that, my admiration to him really grows!


i think, my 2011 year, were full of jay's fandom :D because slowly by slowly....im collecting all his stuffs :D then I watched Kung fu dunk (very funny and cute jay) and initial D. My dad become fond of jay's movies too! and some of his songs hahah! I think it's bad that I've influence them haha!


Really...... jay is one of the person that is very talented :D I love his shyness and his love for pink............NOT!
up to now, i can't imagine his thing for pink stuffs :D Oh well I still love him though..... and about his dance steps.............NOT :D haha but it's okay for me! his dance steps were a bit funny for me.


Not to mention his dimples!!!!!!!!!! I love to stare at that!
And that's Jay for me :D

Jay in Nanjing for Sprite Meeting

So, here are my gathered pictures of the recent appearance of Jay in Nanjing

Jay with Instruments

Because I want to share how talented my dear Jay Chou is... so here's Jay with instruments.

The moment, Jay will do this... i wanna sing!! Whenever, I will re watch his concerts or somehow watch his performance.. it makes me wanna......SING!

And only through Jay, i got a chance to see some weird instruments.

Jay Chou @ F1 Concert

Once again, Jay Chou reigned the concert stage when he performed at the Singapore Formula one Grandpix.

Here's what I've got... credits for those who owned the video :)

He sang Kua Shi Dai (The Era)

Jing Tan Hao (Exclamation Mark)

Love Before the Century. I was like, what happen to this song? because i dunno, at first i though it would be nice because it have an acoustic feeling. But when i heard the synthesizer......woah. i feel not liking it anymore. Sorry Jay but, I loved your original rendition of that. No hard feelings! It really annoyed me haha. because it sounded like Mine Mine.

Shuo Hao De Xing Fu Ne (Where's the Promised Happiness) Good thing he sang it great!

Ecstasy ...How i love the lights :)

Super Raced Goddess

Of course, lot's of girls again..............

Can't Speak

My favorite song... because he sang it again so sweetly!

Some of the pictures that I've got... credits as marked :) This is an HD pic.. so just click it to be enlarged :)

More of the pictures :)