Reviews

On The Run (我很忙) (wo hen mang)

On The Run (我很忙) (wo hen mang)

Release Date: 1st November 2007

Overall Rating: Rating Stars

Jay Chou's eighth album, this album marks a significant change in style for Jay Chou. For the first time he experiments with country music, using it in his title track "Cowboy Is Very Busy". However he still persists with his own style for the rest of the album. This album more than any other reflects Jay Chou's life.

1. 牛仔很忙 (Cowboy Is Very Busy) (niu zai hen mang)
2. 彩虹 (Rainbow) (cai hong)
3. 青花瓷 (Chinese Flower Pot) (qing hua ci)
4. 陽光宅男 (Sunshine Homeboy) (yang guang zhai nan)
5. 蒲公英的約定 (Dandelion's Promise) (pu gong ying de yue ding)
6. 無雙 (Unparalleled) (wu shuang)
7. 我不配 (I'm Not Worthy) (wo bu pei)
8. 扯 (Babbling) (che)
9. 甜甜的 (Sweet) (tian tian de)
10. 最長的電影 (The Longest Movie) (zui chang de dian ying)

Rating Stars Reviewed by secretss on 12th November 2007

1) 牛仔很忙
6/10 Nice lyrics, but a disappointment for a first plugged song. Jay's first plugged songs are usually epic, like 我的地盤, 夜的第七章 etc.

2) 彩虹
8/10 Melody taken from First Kiss (Secret OST). It was the second song released and I spammed it in my player too many times.

3) 青花瓷
6/10 Not my cup of tea. Sounds like 千里之外 (Still Fantasy).

4) 陽光宅男
7/10 Funny lyrics and an infectious tune. Cheerful song. I like it, (it's almost surprising). It's nice to listen to. I like it more than Track 9 甜甜的.

5) 蒲公英的約定
8/10 Melody taken from 小雨寫立可白I (Secret OST). The lyrics leave some to be desired, though. I love the melody and Jay sings it with feeling.

6) 無雙
9/10 Love it! I tend to like songs like this more anyway. Beginning sounds a lot like something from Linkin Park.

7) 我不配
9/10 The introduction is identical to 愛在西元前 (Fantasy) except at a slower tempo. I took one point off for that. Love the lyrics and the story behind the song.

8) 扯
9/10 Love it too! Awesome beat and style. Can't wait for the MV. Then again, I'm inclined towards songs like this anyway.

9) 甜甜的
7/10 Cheerful/blissful songs don't stand out as much in my ears, thus, the score is between 6.5 and 7. Still worth a listen. Same category as 園遊會 (七里香), happy and lovey-dovey.

10) 最長的電影
6/10 Similar to 瓦解 (Jay wrote it for 南拳媽媽's debut album, and sang in it as well). The introduction is identical except for a transposition to a higher pitch. Doesn't stand out much and lyrics need work.

Rating Stars Reviewed by bodyglover007 on 12th November 2007

i don't understand much mandarin, since i was brought up speaking english at home. but i simply adore jay chou! he is my FAVOURITE singer. he's just amazing! he is super skilled. his voice, his playing. just amazing.

i just got the album yesterday, and i simply love track 5 =) the piano playing is super super nice. i love love love jay =)

cheers!

Rating Stars Reviewed by handyzhou on 11th November 2007

I think this album is very very excellent.. Superb songs..
I can't describe all.. Especially "Rainbow"..
It represent the energy of failure.. Giving a chance to success..
Jay Chou I appraise you the most!!
Hope you always be the best in pop songs

Rating Stars Reviewed by tchlg on 11th November 2007

This album definitely deviates from his previous albums which generally has the dark & mysterious feel. This is a lively, cheerful album and I just couldn't stop grinning esp track #1, #4 & #9. Go get it - no regrets.

Rating Stars Reviewed by andy tan on 11th November 2007

track 1 = nice song...should make the song longer 7.5/10
track 2 = love the song...especially the chorus 9/10
track 3 = sounds like qian li zhi wai and dong feng po......find it nice....the track which
i like. 10/10
track 4 = good song....gives a nice feeling 8/10
track 5 = i find this song the best among all his other song....perfection 10/10
track 6 = cool song....like the ending.....jay has such a nice voice 9/10
track 7 = find this song nice......love the ending too.....10/10
track 8 = another cool song....love it 9/10
track 9 = such a cute song...... 8/10
track 10 = a slow and nice song......good ending 8.5/10

Overall.....i think this album is much better than his previous album...good work (5 stars) a must buy album

Rating Stars Reviewed by mikitoru on 11th November 2007

Jay is a fascinating man and his music is of an equal calibre.

I must admit, when I first got my copy of his latest album, I was totally impatient to hear every song on his album and committed a great sin. I fast forwarded through each track just so I can get through them all and hear what they are all like. Not only was I not rewarded with the satisfaction, I was greatly reprimanded. Doing so, I did not appreciate Jay's new album at all and left it alone dissapointed in him.

However, picking it up today I realised my folly and I feel a great pain to think that the thought that Jay being dissapointing has every crossed my mind.

His new album is as per usual superb. But like all good things, you must take the time to let it seduce you.

--
1. 牛仔很忙 (Cowboy Is Very Busy) (niu zai hen mang)
I can't say that I've actually warmed to this song unfortuneately. I do love the cheeky lyrics and the thought and experimentation behind it, but I still don't like it. It reminds me of feeling that I get from "My Territory", the only other Jay Chou song that I must confess to not liking.

2. 彩虹 (Rainbow) (cai hong)
Upon first hearing this, I thought it was too bland. Not until I actually sat down properly and savoured it did I pick up on it's bueaty. It is beautiful as a slow song, and it does remind you of rainbows, the only problem with it is that I wish he didn't use the tinkling sound effect -- that gave too much of an amatuerish glow to teh song

3. 青花瓷 (Chinese Flower Pot) (qing hua ci)
I found upon first viewing too archaic and cringe worthy. However I've come to appreciate this song. It is lovely and oddly reminiscent of "East Wind Break". And I love how Jay Chou's pronounciation just suddenly became clear here XD

4. 陽光宅男 (Sunshine Homeboy) (yang guang zhai nan)
This song reeks a cuteness that I wouldn't usually associate with Jay, but it is a very refreshing break from his ballads and rap.

5. 蒲公英的約定 (Dandelion's Promise) (pu gong ying de yue ding)
I LOVED this song upon first hearing it and I still do. I am a sucker for good piano compositions and this one just brings tears to my eyes. The subject matter too, make it a lovely song. (Once again though, the tinkling distracts me)

6. 無雙 (Unparalleled) (wu shuang)
Just to show us that he hasn't forgotten how to rock and rap it out. A little too slow, but I think on a whole, it's very polished none the less.

7. 我不配 (I'm Not Worthy) (wo bu pei)
I felt really sad after hearing this, I wanted to tell Jay that he will always be worthy. It's lovely and very reminiscent of his older ballads.

8. 扯 (Pull) (che)
I love dancing to this. The girl is a tad annoying, but still, she's part of the effect so she's forgiven.

9. 甜甜的 (Sweet) (tian tian de)
BUBBLE GUM POP FTW! It's once again rather cute, kinda like "Maltose" but it's a great track for summer

10. 最長的電影 (The Longest Movie) (zui chang de dian ying)
Jay Chou, once again, showing off his genius piano playing. It's a great song and it's very fitting to all the movies he is making now.

Rating Stars Reviewed by deliverstamp on 8th November 2007

these days, Jay Chou has been very busy indeed. His world tour concert is starting tmw. his new album just released. he's composing a song for beijing olympics 2008. he's filming his new movie, kung fu dunk.
whats all this for? for us fans!
jay chou on the run has been a very very successful albums with PRE-ORDER sales going up to few millions.

track 1: Niu Zai Hen Mang, a cute track. this is a genre that he decides to explore on.

track 2: Cai Hong, a adaptation of FIRST LOVE from SECRET OST. One of my favourite song on the album. listed: EMO

track 3: Qing Hua Ci, a china style/wind song that is a must have in every of his album. he's improving on it!

track 4: Yang Guang Zhai Nan, a totally new summer feeling song. When i first heard it: gosh why so nice? isit really he compose one?

track 5: Pu Gong Ying De Yue Ding, one of my favourite track in the album. listed: EMO

track 6: Wu Shuang. a rock song which has the 'huang jin jia' feeling to it. not bad.

track 7: Wo Bu Pei. Can say its my favourite or second favourite track in the album. After u watched the mv, u will say this song is totally cool, totally nice. i love this song like mad! listed: Quite Emo.

track 8: Che. A Jay Chou style song definitely. Has the 'hong mo fang' feeling to it.

track 9: Tian Tian De. Very cute song. haha like it too.

track 10: Zui Chang De Dian Ying. A closing album track. Nice song to end an album. listed: VERY EMO.

buy his album! i bought 4! boost his album sales guys!

Rating Stars Reviewed by diana on 8th November 2007

at first when i hear his song, it was very blend kind of boring... but after i listen to it again for the second time i reaally like it. this album give you retro feeling and i think this album.. its like sooo him! i like the track no.7 and the music video too! the girl in the track no.7 was prettty.. well done jay!!!

Rating Stars Reviewed by ChrisWangster on 8th November 2007

So my review will be probably contradict what many have already agreed upon in terms of opinions on Jay's 8th studio album, On the Go. I apologize, I'm American, so my musical tastes are pretty skewed in terms of the type of music I've grown up listening to. However, I always try to embrace the Taiwanese music scene whenever I go to Taiwan during the summer with my parents. So on to the music...

Jay's latest album comes with 10 tracks, and I have been informed a couple are actually from his film, The Secret. The first track, "Very Busy Cowboy," is unanimously the most experimental track on the whole album. When I first saw the video, I thought it was a pretty clever and tongue-in-cheek song that was interesting because Jay was emulating a Western song with very Western themes, very much like Gwen Stefani's perception of Japan and the Harajuku girls. The song itself contains hilarious lines and is a great contrast to songs Jay has released on previous albums.

After a great start, the album transitions into "Rainbow," which is one of my favorite tracks. I like this song because unlike most of Jay's ballads, which are beautifully orchestrated with so many various contemporary and classical instruments, this song has a less produced sound with its simple guitar and slowly builds itself. The song is full of musical Jay motif's the will remind you of some classic Jay songs.

So if "Rainbow" didn't float your boat, then the next track "Chinese Flower Pot" surely will, as fans of Jay's pop songs with an Eastern flare will revel in how beautiful this song is. The beginning introduction sets you up for a wonderful ballad. And for someone who is often criticized for his annunciation, I think Jay does a pretty smashing job with singing. Yes, I realize being an ABC gives me very little credibility in terms of understanding Mandarin, lol, but I understood this song!

Jay brings the tempo back up with the fourth cut, "Sunshine Boy." A very enjoyable track that will keep you tapping your toes. And a Jay album would not be complete without a couple happy bubble gum pop tracks that make you smile.

After a brief upburst, lol, Jay slows things down with "Dandelion's Promise", an absolutely beautiful ballad. Piano lovers will love this song as the piano arrangement has a prominent sound and carries well throughout the whole song. This piece has an almost retro feel and reminds me past Jay songs.

Jay speeds the pace up with the rock sounding "Unparalleled." The hard rock beats, almost have an American rock sound, so this sound definitely worked in keeping me interested the whole time. And of course, with strings infused in the background, Jay brings his own creativity and signature style.

The next song seems to be loved by all, so I will agree. "I'm Not Worthy" is pure Jay and I think most people will enjoy that fact. After 8 years of releasing music at an almost non-stop pace, Jay has not forgotten his style and the sound that has made him famous. This song is full of Jayness, according to many of my more coherent Mandarin speaking friends.

While hip-hop isn't my favorite genre either American hip-hop or another culture attempting to emulate it, "Pull" is a track that features Jay's rapping, so I'm always appreciative of that. I'm not so sure I enjoy the female back up vocal (Don't kill me...), but the song has a nice dance beat that I'm sure I'll will do well in the clubs.

The album nears its end with the deliciously poppy track, "Sweet." With a title like that, I can say this song lives up to its name. I do not know why I enjoy this piece so much, it perhaps, reminds me of a style and sound of pop music that just does not exist in America anymore. With an almost 90's/retro pop sound, the piece is melodic from start to finish. And it definitely keeps me happy during the late, late hours of doing homework as a college student. I'm just surprised that he did not give this song to Nan Quan Mama, as the style is quite reminiscent of their bubble gum pop beats, as well.

Finally, Jay closes with the depressing ballad "The Longest Movie." Yes, the song is quite depressing, but a fitting end for someone who has a penchant and talent for writing beautifully depressing ballads. A great closer.

So all in all, I will go against many who have not liked the CD, or thought it not to be up to par with albums past. Jay has released 8 albums, and that's an incredible amount of good material. Being used to listening to American artists, you can expect your favorite artist to release maybe 4 albums within the span of 8 years and with that watching their personal lives detieriorate from the relentless paparazzi. Jay is a very busy man, and from rumors, if this album really was completed in a month, this cd is pretty wicked. Yes, there has been better, but that does not put down the whole album. Releasing an album a year is something that's incredible admirable and shows that Jay does honestly care about his massive fan base and those who have brought him to where he is. So I give the album a 9 out of 10.

Rating Stars Reviewed by Serene Tan on 7th November 2007

Jay always give me surprises and you can find it in the new album. Very Jay Chou's style.

I can feel the sadness in his sentimental songs like rainbow,Dandelion's Promise & I'm Not Worthy. This is a 'feel' album and I like it so much! U will know it when you listen to his songs. Jay's music will move your heart.... Rainbow is my fav! (^^)

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