Music Album Review: “Opus 12” by Jay Chou
Opus 12 <十二新作>
by Jay Chou
Language: Mandarin
Released by Sony Music Entertainment on December 28, 2012
Rating: 
So what does one expect to read about in a Jay Chou (周杰倫) music album review? There is no need to praise the singer’s talent in music making. This is a given since day one. Maybe a critique on his dancing? Again, this is already a given. The guy can dance. Maybe an in-depth review of his music videos? Nah. We all know that Jay Chou makes some of the most interesting and entertaining music videos in the Chinese music industry.
Because I did not enjoy Jay Chou’s last two albums, I thought he could only go downhill from there. Maybe my music tastes have changed, or maybe I’ve just become more open-minded, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed listening to his Opus 12 album. Opus 12’s hilarious music videos are definitely a big factor to my enjoyment of the album.
Opus 12 did not have many catchy or sing-a-long songs, but extra brownie points must be given for the original compositions heard in “Gong Gong with a Headache” <公公偏頭痛> and “A Larger Cello” <比較大的大提琴>. Also, I highly recommend their music videos as well. It is not very easy to come upon a smiling Jay Chou! However, my most favorite track in the album is the last one, “Ukulele” <烏克麗麗>. The song has elements of country pop, with a simple melody, and a sweet light-hearted rhythm. It is the kind of song to listen to after coming home from a stressful day of work.
The downside of Opus 12 is the ballads. Jay Chou, bless him, just cannot sing ballads. His voice is too weak to carry the melodic and dramatic tones of a ballad.
Recommended Tracks:
“A Larger Cello” <比較大的大提琴>
[vsw id=”P_XikgjUOS0″ source=”youtube” width=”425″ height=”344″ autoplay=”no”]
“Gong Gong With a Headache” <公公偏頭痛>
[vsw id=”FbqBv7Tz1QY” source=”youtube” width=”425″ height=”344″ autoplay=”no”]
Other Tracks in Album:
“Red Dust Inn” <紅塵客棧>
[vsw id=”L6joGUdc6y4″ source=”youtube” width=”425″ height=”344″ autoplay=”no”]
“Ming Ming Jiu” <明明就>
[vsw id=”UBySINroNkw” source=”youtube” width=”425″ height=”344″ autoplay=”no”]
“Big Ben” <大笨鐘>
[vsw id=”-u4sPnpaFEA” source=”youtube” width=”425″ height=”344″ autoplay=”no”]
This review is written by Addy for JayneStars.com.
Hopefully he sings clearly now.
Smiling at the music video for “A Larger Cello”; everyone jiggles…watch for Jay’s footwork!
I found “Gong Gong With a Headache” to be too slapstick though.
Not gonna happen. It’s his style, either you like it… or you don’t.
how come he sounds like a bit wang lee hom now the way he sing. Didn’t remember he sang this way tho. Quite nice. Very different than his other album.
For me, I love his ballad song,very emotional and tucthing inside.
What’s with the unicorn and the see through lace shirt? Very campy.
what’s with that blonde hair? hahah
so far i like red dust inn and ming ming jiu.i only like his ballad songs lol
red dust inn sounds similar to all his other songs lol
Not all his other songs, but those that are the same genre. Jay calls them 中國風 “China wind” songs 😛
I do believe 風 means “style/manner” in his context.
Yes, you’re right LOL. I just did a literal translation.
I am Jay’s fan start from the first Album. This album my favorite was the silly laugh. Like this kinda relaxing rhythm. However the less will me “Gong Gong with a Headache” … The beginning part really irritating when the gong gong shout -.-…aiks mood spoiler.