Review first published in 2006.
2006年发行/EMI CapitolA musically presentable album to offer to her audiences was promised by Jolin and she did it. Anticipation have set in since news of her album release was known since this is Jolin's first album with a newly set up Capitol Music which is a sub-company of EMI. Her 3 years stay in SonyBMG has successfully brought her singing career to greater heights since her contract disputes with her artist managing company. Therefore, her sudden decision of not extending her contract with SonyBMG was rather worrying at first, however with the release of this album, sales soared beyond expectation in Taiwan with the help of massive and detailed promotion done by the record company.
The title track 舞娘 boosted her image as a dancing diva as we awed at her gymnastics performances in this music video. Even though we have seen Madonna and Elva assimilating yoga and pilates respectively previously in portions of their dance steps, I'm still impressed by the idea of incorporating rhythmic gymnastics in her dance movements.
This time round, the fate of this album lies in the hands of some of the top-notch producers which Jolin has worked closely with before, such as local musicians, Paul and Peter Lee, and A Di, giving the album a versatile outlook. Overall, I feel that Jolin's latest album is rather pleasant and radio friendly. The album started off with a bang with the opening track 完美 and the atmosphere was extended with a tinge of indie arrangement in the following track 舞娘. 马德里不思议 composed by Hagen Tan, one of the contestants from Channel U's Project Superstar, has such a catchy and light-hearted tune that makes one hum to the melody unknowingly. Her collaboration with Stanley Huang gave us yet another surprise, as 乖乖牌 ignites the chemistry between them. Mr Q's disco and retro finishing is specially tailored for party animals and playing this song will definitely uplift the mood of any occasion effortlessly.
Personally, I prefer her ballads this time round. Even though the slow tracks are not as distinct and impressionable, they depict the softer and inquisitive side of Jolin. 假装] stands out most among all the ballads in this album, portraying the emotional downturns of a broken relationship. I adore the arrangement of this song as it was able to capture a climax successfully to move her audiences. Other pieces worth listening are 心型圈 and 离人节. Despite that both songs do not have intricating and stunning musical arrangements, they did not fail to glow in the presence of Jolin's affecting performance. However, you need to repeat these tracks several times before the melody of these songs sets in subtly in your mind.
On the whole, Jolin has managed to secure her position in the music scene victoriously with this album. Even though gossips never fails to follow her wherever she goes especially of her relationship with Jay Chou, we should not neglect the fact that her improvements over these years have been tremendous and impressive. Jolin definitely have a bright future ahead of her, at least for the next few years to come.
A-
