弦子 - 逆風的薔薇 -- Xian Zi - Roses in the wind

弦子 - 逆風的薔薇 (Xianzi - Roses in the wind) was released this month in Taipei. I recently picked it up from my local media outlet in true CD form. I was going to take pictures, the the facebook page has the whole thing.

I've gotten through most of the songs and have repeated some. The majority of the CD is more "rock". Not pop rock, but more rock. Which isn't too big a step away from 天真/Innocent. But it is still a step away. However the music, the constant is Xian Zi and her eclectic spin on it. Not too powerful of a voice, but pure sound none the less. And it does help to be super beautiful and talented at the same time.

樂之路 - Road Less Traveled - Upcoming

樂之路 (Road Less Traveled) is an upcoming film being released in Taipei on December 2, 2011. The movie stars Van Ness Wu, Jimmy Hung, Dean Fujioka, Eric Tu, and Christopher Lung.

From the trailer, it looks like a rags to riches story of a band. Van Ness has very long hair, so I'll have to date this movie his pre Autumn Concerto days. Looks like all these fellas are also raised aboard.

Looking forward to the movie. Especially Van and Xian Zi.

弦子 - 天真 -- Xian Zi - Innocent

弦子/天真 (Xian Zi/Innocent) was released a few months ago in Taipei and China. I picked it up recently at AMAX. The lead song is the theme track for Always Smile!. The rest is a bunch of pop tunes that go both fast and slow. There are 4 MVs for the CD already, you can take a listen yourself.

I was very disappointed when first listened to it. But after the 3rd and 4th time, I love the CD. Sometimes, it just takes a few repeat listens to get adjusted. I do prefer the 2nd half to the first half. So, do NOT give up on it. It'll put a smile on your face eventually.

Xian Zi is from the Guang Xi region, so her Mandarin is very similar to the "proper" Mandarin spoken in Taiwan. In many cases, I was thinking, is she from Taiwan? But she makes her music in Taiwan. Xian Zi is also very easy on the eyes.

Below are a bunch of clips from her latest CD, 天真 - Innocent.

If you'll remember, Xian Zi was a contestant on some China singing show from a few years back. She was asked to sing a duet with Wilber Pan a few years back called, 不得不愛 (roughly translates to, "can't help it to love"). Which to this day, I'll have on repeat for hours on end when I need to focus.

Pick it up and give a few tries. It'll grow on you.

Will/Wilber Pan - 未來式

Originally posted on xanga.

I recently purchased Will Pan's latest CD 未來式. I was struck by the female vocals on the 不得不愛 song by 弦子. I've had the song on repeat the last few days.

In general, I like 未來式 a lot. The production feel reminds me of a Jay Chou album. However, Will and Jay have very different styles.

If you're looking for a lot of songs (35!), this is the place to look. Looking for english sprinkled with all that chinese, this is the place too! Its a shame that Taiwanese and Chinese artist like to include English in their music. The reverse does not happen. Stop it. Just sing it in Chinese! For the Americanized Mando speakers, its inevitable for us to include English in our daily conversations. Mainly because sometimes, there is no short translation from Chinese. Or our Chinese sux that bad.

Back to the CD, it also includes a DVD. I haven't watched it yet. Maybe it'll have the MVs, so I don't have to watch the itsy bitsy ones ones on YouTube.

Seriously, Olympics in 1.5 days. Its so crazy.