Love Practice

Jessie Chiang

The album opens with the glossy R&B number, That Ain’t Love.

Is Taiwanese model-turned-singer Jessie Chiang’s album opener a riposte to superstar Jay Chou?

In the song, Chiang, who has been repeatedly linked to Chou, sings: “Let’s end things here, what do you say/Anyway, it’s only lies left that you can say.”

The added twist here is that the lyrics were penned by Huang Jun-lang, a frequent Chou collaborator.

Rumours of late have been about a break-up between Chiang and Chou, so perhaps Huang might be channelling some insider information.

Elsewhere, is the doe-eyed lass addressing herself on the ballad, Please Be A Little Braver?

The lyrics, in this case, are courtesy of Vincent Fang, Chou’s long-time musical partner: “Will you please be a little braver/Don’t want to hear any more sorrys/I’ll recover from my broken heart on my own.”

While she might be nursing a broken heart, the songs here do not come across as deeply felt.

The mood of the music is too light, cheery even, and her voice merely skims along, even when the lyrics are about hurt and pain.

At the same time, there is no denying that these bouncy numbers will get you grooving. Perhaps, one could think of the songs here as being defiantly resilient.

This might well be the strategy from the start. After all, living well is the best revenge.

Draw G’s First Breath

G.NA

Korea’s Cube Entertainment has girl group 4Minute and boyband Beast in its stable. The company is now branching out with solo female act G.NA, who used to be part of an unimaginatively named girl quintet, 5 Girls.

This debut EP is heavy on guest star power, featuring Beast’s Jun Hyung on the opening number, I’ll Back Off So You Can Live Better, and K-pop superstar Rain on the R&B duet Things I Want To Do If I Have A Lover.

It is the aptly named Supa Solo, though, which swaggers with attitude, and on which G.NA shines brightest.

More importantly, it sounds a little different from what is out there, and could help her to stand out in a K-pop market crowded with lookalikes and soundalikes.

(ST)