The track sticked to my head after I had hear it for the first time - it's that catchy. Classical + Latino + Rap. Gothic, eerie, feels sad but at the same time, not so sad. The song has such a great flow that it wouldn't have worked without the Rapping parts. Wonderful lyrics by Vincent Fang too.
2. Blue Storm (蓝色风暴/Lan Se Feng Bao)
The outstanding track of the album. It started off with Gregorian-esque chanting and then the whole mood changes from 'scary' to 'wacky' with the sounds of Dialing Tone from handphones. There's some special effects such as the Opera-ish singing in some parts of the track which reminds me of 'In The Name Of Father'.
3. Hair Like Snow (发如雪/Fa Ru Xue)
Excellent. Chinese traditional instruments, oriental-style. Matured singing and no more mumbling crap. Poetic lyrics by Vincent Fang (again). Certainly one of his best works alongside 'In The Name Of Father', 'Dad I'm Back', 'East Wind Breaks', and 'Tornado' (Just to name a few).
4. Black Sweater (黑色毛衣/Hei Se Mao Yi)
The weakest track of the album. Lyrics was too short and lacked depth. Overall, the song feels rushed and incomplete, like it's there only to fill up the numbers. The ending of the song was nicely done though.
5. Besieged (四面楚歌/Si Mian Chu Ge)
This track shows Jay Chou's lyrics-writing skill at a higher level - the song meant to whip the Paparazzi. Creative use of the shutter sound from Cameras and yet again, very catchy tunes. And just when you thought that 'that's it?', a Rap (Done by Michael Lin), appears out of nowhere, in Korean!
6. Maple Tree (枫/Feng)
Another song that shows Jay Chou's vocals (ability-wise). A love song comparing Maple leaves to waiting for someone. It has a very nice melody but Jay Chou needs to cut down on composing such songs.
7. Romantic Cellphone (浪漫手机/Lang Man Shou Ji)
Relaxing and soothing. The intro surprised me as I don't recall any Jay Chou songs that started off that way. The song feels very 80's. I know it's a cliche but the tune is very very nice. Highly recommended.
8. Against the Grain/Counter (Dragon)Scales (逆鳞/Ni Lin)
This track is inspired by his 'live' Piano performance with Yu Hao at the GMA (Some music awards). In fact, the Piano performance sounds a lot like it. A very meaningful song. It tell us how life is such, and that we should live it to the fullest. However, it seems like the song is conveying another message : Dragons (the Chinese) are not to be bullied by Westerners (Ang Moh).
In each our own ways, we stepped through the bed of thorns ahead,
You were arrogant and fearless. I was silent, but with determination.
Strike back with might! Shout in response!
Make them silent! Stunned in disbelievement!
Continue advancing! They're cowering in fear!
Stare at them! They're hiding!
Give up! So listen now, to my voice
9. Maltose Sugar (麦芽糖/Mai Ya Tang)
The track has a very European Festival feel, but at the same time it sounds very Asian too. A nice introduction and once again a very catchy tune. It's a very lively and happy love song. Great song to listen to when you are in love, just like 'Simple Love'. Something new by Jay Chou, well done.
10. Coral Sea (珊瑚海/Shan Hu Hai)
Something new by Jay Chou again. A duet in his album, the first in six. Lara's voice is too high-pitched at times, but overall it still feels okay. Jay Chou shows off his new singing-style in this track again. A definite hit at KTVs.
Final Thoughts :
Jay Chou maintains his standards. There are no significant changes, which is good. Because no one should change for the sake of changing. The only competitor is Jay Chou himself, and only he himself can surpass himself. I'm surprised the album is that good with all that acting crap (Initial D, and seriously he should just stick to music). I see this album on par with Fantasy and Yeh Hui Mei. Hopefully, he can concentrate more on his music (assuming there's no more movies) for next year's release.
Posted by TheLast | 
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