Jolin Tsai
Agent J (Te Wu ‘J’)
I wondered what Jolin’s record company was doing when I first listened to this new album, Agent J. I really can’t come up with any reason why there aren’t any better songs on this album, and why it was produced in such mediocrity either. Basically, the second time through, I wanted to shut the music off; I had no interest in listening anymore. After a few more runs through her album, I’ve reached a new verdict – the songs are enjoyable, some perhaps addicting, but there’s so much room for improvement that there’s no reason for us to support this kind of half-heartedness anymore. But onto the album.
There are catchy (more or less) ballads (Yi Ge Ren, Pa Shen Ma), as well as exciting and exotic dance tracks (Te Wu J, Ai Wu Di), plus some cute and upbeat tunes (Tao Hua Yuan, Ri Bu Luo) tucked in between. It’s basically a continuation of the mix of songs that filled her last album, the equation that came out with “Dance-era” Jolin. This album disappointed me much more than her last, however there should be three or four songs that might find their way onto my playlists. The music does grow on you, but on the other hand, horrible producing has ruined some of the songs.
Take Leng Bao Li, for example, which could have been and still might be a big hit, with its catchy dance beat and Arabian-influenced background. But after every line in the verses, Jolin repeats the last few words of the line. How annoying does that get, especially when it’s repeated with the electronically-manipulated cutesy Jolin voice? What’s worse is that during the choruses, every line is ended by that cutesy voice, “Oh Yeeeahhh” or “Okaaaay.” Ruined the entire song.
One or two ballads which, with a few more hours of work, could have become one of the best songs of the year were also neglected. The producers didn’t spend the extra work. They decided not to edit Jolin’s voice to make it sound smoother, to clarify the chaotic instrumentals in the background. Another problem, relatively minor, is that all of the ballads seem to use a similar motif in one or another part of the song. Please, Capitol
Records.
Of course, the album does have its positive points. Te Wu J, with its fast pace and dance beats, forces me to dance along. They’ve also used quite a bit of techno mixed with Arabian or Oriental influences to create a unique feel in much of this album. Apart from the faster dance songs, Tao Hua Yuan and Ri Bu Luo, bubble-gummy flavored tracks, attract me with their cheerfulness and catchiness. The ballads carry addictive melodies, but unfortunately sound like they’ve been arranged and recorded by some amateur studio.
I bow my head to Jolin for trying her best, and for patiently enduring the pressure that her record companies has thrown at her. I’d rate this album a 6/10. After all, it is slightly above-average and enjoyable to listen to. Can you expect less from Taiwan’s best selling artist? Buy this album, but don’t do it because you expect spectacular music – do it as a fan of Jolin and her diligence or as a supporter of an impeccable work ethic. Jolin’s been mistreated, in a way. It’s comforting to see that she’s not really suffering (at least not in her career) from it.
Written by Jed on Sep 13, 2007
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49 Comments, Join the discussion
Annie
If the release date is Sept 21, how did you listen to the album already?
Sep 15th, 2007
alice
awww. i
Sep 15th, 2007
Nana
any recommendation on which songs are nice?
Sep 15th, 2007
Jed
To Annie: I got the album firsthand from a special source. :)
To Nana: Tracks 1, 4, 5, and 11 are the ones I appreciated most. 3 is also nice. They aren’t stunning, but two or three of them might be good enough to be hits for a while.
Sep 15th, 2007
yenny
hmmm i don’t think they disrespect her. they have probably spent a lot on her for letting her make some sort of movie in some other places..it’s just Jolin’s image that they create i guess..
Sep 15th, 2007
ricky
i don’t think it’s capitol thats been compiling endless remixes and collections, if u look at the publisher it all says sony music, which i believe was her previous record company…
and on the other hand like wat yenny says her company seems to be spending a hefty sum on her instead…like creating that music movie in different countries and such, to me it seems her company respects her alot to be spending that amount of money on her.
it seems like sony is the one whos “abusing her fame and cheating her fans” since all her remixes/best of albums has her old songs that she made when she was with sony.
Sep 16th, 2007
Jed
You are right, Ricky, I’m sorry. I will change everything accordingly. Thank you so much!
Sep 16th, 2007
mel
ZOMG. i fully agree with you.
i listened to it once…basically diliked nearly evry single song..and then at the end was like..WOW i just wasted an hr and a half listening to craaaap ==
Sep 17th, 2007
Autumn angel
May I ask you that are you a professional song producer or a specialist on music?
I noticed that like all of her song titles are in 3- word format…hehe..
Sep 18th, 2007
Jed
Not really…. Just a committed fan of music. :)
May I know why you ask?
Sep 19th, 2007
Jeanna
the album leaked online early this month~ after listening it to it for almost a month, i think i can say i agree with you… this album could have been a lot better if she concentrated on fixing her voice. instead, they invested a lot of money into that 80 min. mv movie of hers… in the upcoming mvs you’ll find bits n pieces of the movie tied in. i’d rate this one a 5/10. it was just right. nothing amazing, just alright. Ballads-wise “Fei mai pin” is my pick from this album.
Sep 23rd, 2007
Sakiio
I seriously think her previous album, Wu Niang, is much better than Agent J.
Sep 23rd, 2007
selo
I think that’s very nice album……..because of not yet familiar with our ears……….Wu Niang seems like more that better……….
Agent J in no.1 G-MUSIC………..
I’m so proud of her….!!!
Sep 29th, 2007
babyglyniss
i’ve downloaded this! all i can say it’s a nice piece of work! 大好きだよ！
Sep 29th, 2007
candy
i think tht jolin tis album very different wf other…..exspecially the music movie….it is different JOLIN
Oct 7th, 2007
snowyowl
ei…i think this one is better than wu niang…i don’t know
i just like songs in this album more. And the film part, i think that’s interesting. What makes me attached to the song pa shi me is actually the little clip of the movie. I think to combine all the song to be one whole nice and heart-breaking story is a good idea
Oct 7th, 2007
snowyowl
o yea…one other thing…I DON’T KNOW WHAT’S WRONG WITH TAIWAN (either something wrong with the producer or the artists themselves)…all their artists,(at least lee hom and jolin) seems to have sleep deprivation, lack of rest, etc. all work work work. How can you produce your best, if you are lack of rest? crazy…they’re still human…
Oct 7th, 2007
>JoLiNrOx
dis album is great.. i like all her songs.. n the movie too.. Jolin is soo good in acting..
Oct 11th, 2007
Lady Jinxed
Well, along with many of you, i do agree the standard of this album wasn’t too polished compare the the rest of her previous. Instead, i think the composite has deteriorate much, mentioned on my blog. (http://craving-for-critiques.blogspot.com) However on the contrary, we ought to applause for all the efforts she has planted to appease the ever-thirsty crowd. She’s done well nevertheless. Jiayous!
Oct 12th, 2007
cpop4u
wow what a trash album… who will really buy this piece of s*** except if you like slow moody Jay songs
Nov 2nd, 2007
connie
i think she had done her best..Everyone body in this world is not always perfect..
Agent J is very very nice…
She puts alot of hardwork in her career than other artistes…
Nov 4th, 2007
Sharon
Wow how nice Jolin tsai ’s album r!!! i love u jolin
Nov 7th, 2007
Fanny NN
i think jolin is the best singer m ur biggest fan i love every 1 of ur song it all great and ur dance is really really hot u the best . :)
Nov 9th, 2007
BB
I agree that Wu Niang is a lot better…She still needs to improve a lot for her singing skill and techniques.. She doesn’t sound like she has the power of voice, despite some feelingfulness.. However, I believe Jolin has already gave her best into it so… JIA YOU Jolin..
ps.. my recommended track is also 非卖品 (Fei Mai Pin - Unsellable)
Nov 9th, 2007
Crystal
hmm… the song name should be like this :
特务J (Te Wu J - Agent J)
2. 爱无敌 (Ai Wu Di - Bravo Lover)
3. 一个人 (Yi Ge Ren - One person)
4. 怕什么 (Pai Shen Me - Fearless)
5. 桃花源 (Tao Hua Yuan - Ideal state)
6. 冷 前言 (Leng Qian Yan - Cold Prolouge)
7. 冷暴力 (Leng Bao Li - Cold Violence)
8. 非卖品 (Fei Mai Pin - Priceless)
9. 节拍器 (Jie Pai Qi - Rhythm Machine)
10. 金三角 (Jin San Jiao - Golden Triangle)
11. 日不落 (Ri Bu Luo - The sun never sets)
12. Let’s move it!
Nov 13th, 2007
Crystal
eh. sorry the Bravo Lover should be Ai Wu She
Nov 13th, 2007
christineLau
I’m not a fan of Jolin but she is definitely one of the most versatile artist in Asia. The mini movie on her latest album is simply spectacular to watch. In fact addictive to watch her every moves and glares. She is simply stunning and makes you groove along.
Nov 13th, 2007
steven zhang
YAYA, prety girl…HAAAA
Nov 14th, 2007
francine
To JED
I find Jolin to be a very hard working artist.This album is definitely not her best album and some people might not like the image she projected into this album But I THINK WE SHOULD NOT CRITICIZE HARSHLY ANY ARTIST because being an artist is not easy.If you dont like some artists you have the right for not buying their albums but you can never convince someone else not to buy their albums because everyone has their own tastes and nobody is wrong.Constructive criticism is helpful but not harsh criticism
PS. By the way,I am not a fan of Jolin .I havent bought any of her albums,but I like many of her songs still not because I can be fooled by bad quality songs.
Nov 16th, 2007
joyce
jolin she very sexy n then i like she so much
Nov 19th, 2007
KC
the theme song “Agency J” copy alot from Britney’s “Toxic”. This is very disappointing…
Nov 19th, 2007
Piglet (*(00)*)
Jolin, u are my first IDOL………i love u 4ever,sexy pretty gaL….!!
Nov 20th, 2007
Akie
She is very² good. ^^
I like when she dances “Wu niang”. :d
She’s cute. =)
Kissus~! =^.^=
.+*Akie*+.
Nov 20th, 2007
fairness for music
her vocals are clearly better than many other cheesy singers in the industry- gals trying to act like man when singing,guys trying to act like gal on the other hand. at least she sings NATURALLy and emotes well, not like those who sells out, betrays themselves in the soul of music, trying to earn their, oh im so personal with my music, image. indeed, these pple brainwashed their fans pretty well.
Dec 7th, 2007
rei
i’m a huge jolin fan and i too was disappointed when i first heard the album. however, after listening to the whole thing a few times i found that all of the tracks grew on me. i think that it’s one of her best albums, but not as good as wu niang. i do agree that her company spent too much money on generating hype for this cd with the movie and should have instead put the funds into polishing the production. nevertheless, jolin always works hard and agent j is, imo, one of the best cpop releases of the year.
Dec 8th, 2007
crystal
Wa……..Jolin is sexy and so……..pretty!!!! I like she so mush ……..pretty angle!!(^.^)!!!
Dec 13th, 2007
crystal
Wa……..Jolin is sexy and so……..pretty!!!! I like she so mush ……..pretty angle!!(^.^)!!!
Dec 13th, 2007
Inn Chyi35
she is so pretty when i saw her genting live concert!!i will always support her!!
Dec 16th, 2007
kyoto
your reviews suck ass
Jan 17th, 2008
cathy
i’m jolin super fan . i like her and very love her . forerver support her .
Feb 4th, 2008
selo_jolinerz
Jolin very very excellent….
Perfect album…..
Jolin is the best…
I love Jolin very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Feb 6th, 2008
Edmond_AiYiLin
Waw , this album was fantastic ^^
Feb 16th, 2008
Edmond_AiYiLin
4ever support her ^^
From : Indonesia ^^
Feb 16th, 2008
Ang (:
Can you list the tracks of her album? Thanks (:
Mar 22nd, 2008
dY
I think……….this album not so good…….compare to PAST albums……..
Mar 31st, 2008
selo-jolinerz
not so good…?
Agent J be g-music weekly combo & mandarin chart #1 24 weeks….!!!
May 25th, 2008
Nolee
This album rocks.I love this song compare to the others.Her dance moves are so coool!
I wish i can be like her
Jun 27th, 2008
Nolee
JOLIN FOREVER AND EVER!
Jun 27th, 2008
Nolee
I wish you could send me an e-mail because i’m your biggest fan of all!
Jun 27th, 2008
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