Rainie Yang
Free Gate (Ren Yi Men)
If only I had a 任意门, I would be in Dreamland right now. But at the end of the all-nighter (too much pearl milk tea and soda), and the beginning of the morning, I was greeted by the arrival of Rainie Yang’s new album. I did not expect much - after all, Rainie’s known for amateur vocals, and never had many songs which really became hits.
Her new album, Ren Yi Men, is a continuation of what she’s been doing. Yet at least she’s improving - her vocals have improved, and although you can still distinguish the strain and loud breathing in some parts of some songs, I can seriously enjoy her voice now. And, to the relief of most of us, she doesn’t use the cutesy voice anymore, except in only one song; rather, she’s gone for a more mature presentation in this album. In the slower songs, she even expresses the emotion of the song well. The topics of the songs have slightly become more meaningful and the infamous “Qing Zhu” era seems to have passed by.
There’s six lighter-paced songs and four “ballads” in this album. I want to give props to the producer, as every song has been produced very well. Each song is perfect, crisp and clean of any distractions in the background. The fast songs are especially unique, refreshing in their cheerfulness. My favorite two songs in this album are:
狼来了 (Lang lai le): Literally meaning “the wolf is coming,” the first track might actually be my favorite track in the album. The song carries an unique melody, adding electronic effects and sexy voiceovers in the background. Definitely going to be in my playlist.
任意门 (Ren yi men): A country-rock fusion isn’t common in Chinese pop. It’s not bad - Rainie even does a cute and catchy rap in the middle of the song (of course, some of you may hate that). Overall, a different song that’s still catchy and pleasing.
I can’t really recommend anymore because they’re all equally good. Why why love fans will also appreciate the inclusion of “Que Yang” and “Wan Mei Bi Li.” I’d give the album a 8/10, because while all the songs aren’t spectacular, they are pleasant, to say the least. Of course, with all the other albums coming out in the next month (Jay, Jolin, Wilbur Pan, Twins), you might want to wait. But Rainie has completed her best album yet in this one - it might even give Jolin a little pressure. Thumbs up for Rainie’s diligence in improving her vocals, to the company for erasing the cutesy image, and to the producer/composers for the enjoyable songs. Solid.
Written by Jed on Sep 7, 2007
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23 Comments, Join the discussion
Darran
I have already ordered from YesAsia, I am just waiting for them to send me the album + the oversized poster before I can give my comments on her 3rd album. But from what I have seen and heard so far, it could be very well her best yet.
Sep 10th, 2007
Gin
Luv it.
but i’m a fan so i’m a little biased.
:)
i think that compared to her last 2 albums where there are songs that i just cannot stand….. this album is better.
Her dance in Free Gate is also very good.
Sep 11th, 2007
casnie
hello
Sep 12th, 2007
brittany
i think this album suits her better and it’s really not all that bad. i like :]
Sep 12th, 2007
passerby
i’m not fan here but i like the song “ren yi men” it’s so cute the dance moves are also cool..her face expression could be more relaxed when she’s singing slow songs..otherwise the best songs so far. great improvement!
Sep 12th, 2007
autumn
her image, songs definite suit her personality a lot more.. i actually really like “ren yi men” === it really does brighten up my day.. i’ve been humming it in my head.. and kudos to her dance.. really a lot of people have been comparing her to jolin… and i really dont’ want… but i have to say, she’s brought something… freshness..
keep up the work, rainie..
also, good review, Jed!
She’s only 23, and that gives her time to improve.. though this is definitely a big step for her compared to her previous two albums!!
Sep 14th, 2007
X.C
This album is good, I like it =)
Sep 15th, 2007
cassandra
It’s really really good album… Must have it! ^^
Sep 21st, 2007
leonda
not bad,i like the ren yi men.can intro hins cheung new album?
Sep 23rd, 2007
babyglyniss
i’ve just listened to this album, quite nice and im starting to like chinese songs.
Sep 29th, 2007
rainie lover
esse álbum dela tá maravilhoso!!!!
muio bom mesmo…. recomendo à todos que apreciem essa nina linda e que canta pra lá de muito bem!!!
^^,
bjos…..
her album it´s just amazing!!
very beautiful and she´s really have a great voice….
and sings very good!
byeee
kisses a lot for all folks!
Oct 6th, 2007
mariko
I really like Lang Lai Le, too. The PV for it just recently come out, and it’s good. :] I like her dance in it. But Ren Yi Men seems her best yet. ^_^ She did a good job with it.
Oct 22nd, 2007
Alexandra
I think que yang and ren yi men’s rather nice, but Rainie really has to improve on her singing, especially when performing live. I like her dances too but hopefully this is only a starting, as the dances(esp, Ren Yi Men) are a little too simple to master it is easy to catch the steps just by watching her performances repeatedly for a few(4-5) times. It was rather disappointing as she is known to have years of dance background. She needs to train harder too, for the fact that there are still times when she found it hard to catch her breath while dancing and singing. The rest of the songs are not bad, quite catchy, some of which have a very different style as compared to those in her previous albums. She’s a possible big star in future given her young age, but she really needs to continue working hard in order to succeed. I like the overall feel of the album, at least one can see that she put in much effort to complete this album. Hope to see even better works from her in future. =)
Oops…sorry if i offended anyone, the above are just my heartfelt comments.
And…Cute Hairstyle.
Nov 11th, 2007
fairness for music
her vocals r not fantastic but she did try her best to emote. ren yi men is nice though. another hardworking singer in the industry who is simple n true in the approach of music..
Dec 7th, 2007
lilpetitegirll*/
i love the movies she’s in=) any websites i can go to listen to her songs?? i can’t find anyway…
Dec 12th, 2007
crystal
38!!!!!!!!!inonlikeshe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dec 13th, 2007
crystal
sorry!!!!!!
Dec 15th, 2007
Mickey
I think it’s pretty good, I like how they add some pop to her songs, instead of her just singing slow love songs. The dances are like WOW!
Dec 29th, 2007
kyoto
you’re such a freakin idiot and to think people listen to you. hahaha…Rainie’s songs are catchy, but she can’t sing and this album deserves a 3/10!!
Jan 17th, 2008
uyenuyen
I don’t like rainie yang but Ren Yi men has made me have second thought. She is not on a par with Jolin tsai but she is not too bad. She is only 23, if she makes great effort, I’m sure she will be able to keep pace with Jolin’s recent status in teh future. Rainie Yang, Cyndy wang, Angela Chang are talented singers with great potential. I’m looking forward to their competition
Feb 9th, 2008
winnie
i like rainie yang very much. she’s very cute and she’s albums its so awful… Rainie.. Chaiyo!!!!!
Mar 17th, 2008
dY
i like her past albums more…compare with this album……but i still support her coz she is so cute and pretty ……… i like her so much !!!!
Mar 31st, 2008
graCEL
I LIKE HER VERY MUCH
we hav some similarities i love singing same as her a tlented one
love her very much love u rainie more oppurtunities 2 come god bless looooooov u 4ever
Jul 16th, 2008
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