Hailing from Taiwan, Mandopop legend Jay Chou has been sweeping charts since 2000; he’s sold over tens of millions of records, and has been crowned with a range of global accolades. An icon of versatility, Chou has ingeniously fused genres ranging from rock and pop to rap and R&B, creating a unique musical voice which has won him a permanent spot in the canon of Mandopop greats. Ahead, we take a look at eleven of Jay Chou’s most timeless hits – and possibly the next addition to your playlist.
蒲公英的約定 (A Dandelion’s Promise)
This heartfelt song recalls tales of youth, from school antics to childhood promises: this simplicity is reflected in the instrumentation – a combination mainly consisting of Chou’s warm vocals and the piano. It’s at once uplifting and nostalgic, making the track perfect for a contemplative rainy day.
夜曲 (Nocturne)
The theme of paradoxes and dark undertones run rampant throughout this pop-rap fusion. From love and hate to life and death, and animalistic imagery, it’s an exploration of the more painful side of romance, complete with a catchy, reflective chorus and melodic rap lines.
擱淺 (Step Aside)
Jay Chou’s iconic mid-tempo ballad marries sentimental lyrics about hurt and forgiveness with meandering melodies which shift into a soaring chorus. The highlight – when Chou strikingly opens the final few lines on an impressively high note, accompanied by a heart-wrenching key change.
稻香 (Rice Field)
“Rice Field” takes listeners on a trip to the countryside – and Jay Chou’s own childhood – with its imagery of paddies and dragonflies, and its tone of youthful innocence. Filled with uplifting melodies and rustic soundscapes, this song celebrates the simple joys in life; meanwhile, the 2024 rock remix is an upbeat, summery take on the original.
聽媽媽的話 (Listen to Mom)
This upbeat yet contemplative track is an ode to mothers everywhere. Whether it’s their work as an unsung hero or their tough love, Chou’s song manages to vividly capture the essence of mother-child relationships in its lyrics. The chorus is memorable with its simple tunes, providing an enjoyable contrast to the more fast-paced raps in the verse.
陽光宅男 (Sunshine Nerd)
This song is the embodiment of ‘main character energy’, where the protagonist is a socially awkward, klutzy nerd on a quest to become a ladies’ man with the help of a friend. A bright, upbeat pop song with rock undertones, it perfectly encapsulates the personality traits the main character aspires towards , while encouraging the listener to be confident in their own.
告白氣球 (Love Confession)
With a Chinese title translating into “Confession Balloon”, this similarly light and airy pop-R&B track recalls the narrator’s feelings as he yearns for his love interest to say “I do”. The music video transports viewers to the streets of France while the lyrics make reference to Parisian landmarks such as the Seine and the Champs-Élysées – a romantic scene for sure.
忍者 (Ninja)
This hip-hop track is a homage to the way of the Japanese ninja, conjuring up images of the iconic figures’ stealth power and through a mix of lively electronic beats and sound effects. Chou’s energetic, assertive rap lines cut through this backdrop, cleverly rhyming Mandarin and Japanese in a punchy chorus.
不能說的秘密 (Secret)
Jay Chou is known for writing some of the best ballads in Mandopop history, and “Secret” proves just that. Against a rock-influenced backdrop packed with gripping tones from the electric guitars, Chou demonstrates mastery of his vocal range, with moments of elevated passion in his climactic high notes.
七里香 (Orange Jasmine)
What makes Mandopop so appealing to listeners worldwide is its melodicism; this is aptly demonstrated in “Common Jasmine Orange”, a track hailing from Chou’s hit 2004 album of the same name. Featuring Asian-inspired winds, strings and bells comprising the instrumentals, this song showcases the singer’s flair for memorable tunes alongside his emotion-packed vocals.
菊花台 (Chrysanthemum Terrace)
Rounding off this list is another track from Jay Chou’s collection of ballad masterpieces; this time, it’s a tribute to the singer’s heritage, featuring rippling sounds from the traditional guzheng, alongside melody lines inspired by pentatonic scales common in Asian music. It’s a calming song, but with a fair share of emotionally heightened moments, making it a beloved track among Chou’s fans.
Editor
Wing Hei WooCredit
Lead image: VCG via Getty Images