The C-pop/M-pop Discussion 3rd Thread

[orbitalaspect]

Originally Posted by freedreamer

Jolin's new song

Not. Impressed. At. All. I feel like the two heavy hitters in dance-pop, Jolin and Elva, are ridiculously underwhelming right now.

I've had a chance to listen to Elva's new record, and I, for whatever reason, don't think it is an improvement or even on par with her last couple records. There are a couple standout songs--the title track and the final track on the album--but I feel like it record doesn't really live up to her talent as a singer and performer. Anyone else's thoughts?

And Jolin... wow. I can't see this song taking off like The Great Artist. Before MUSE, I thought she was a cheap knockoff of pop artists like Britney Spears, Ayumi Hamasaki, Madonna, etc. But MUSE was a huge evolution in Jolin's career. I still remember seeing The Great Artist's MV and saying, out loud, that I was so wrong about her.

Anyway, thoughts on the pop scene this year? We have had three or four of the popular women make comebacks this year, and I've been underwhelmed by most of what I've heard. Angela Chang's album was too ballad-heavy, Elva's doesn't pick up speed until the last few songs, and I'm hoping Jolin doesn't do a cover album.

A-Mei's record has been the standout for the year for me, though it's like a ballad collection. The videos are beautiful. It's a very deep record. At times, Faces of Paranoia has a way of putting things in my face that I won't say out loud. It reminds me of Sandy Lam's GAIA with an improvement over it in the writing and production, and definitely in the visuals.

Anyway, I'm just curious what you guys think so far this year, especially as it's been a big year for some artists we haven't heard much from in the last few years.

EDIT: Any clue if Hebe Tian will release new music this year? I think she single-handed saved my year in C-Pop last year. This is just a last ditch hope so that I can still say it's been a good year for C-Pop even if I wasn't impressed by my favorites.