Chinese Music Blog

MC HotDog released his second full-length album - Mr.Almost (Cha Bu Duo Xian Shen), since his first and award-winning album 2 years. The new album follows the usual HotDog style of modern rapping) and this time, the Taiwan rap icon shows us more of the inner part of himself. And yes, this album is not suitable for younger audience.

My first listening impression left me annoyed with the first two tracks: “Insane” (Wo Feng Le) and “Mr.Almost” (Cha Bu Duo Xian Shen). “Insane” did what title implied - driving you insane; and “Mr.Almost”, well, it probably the most annoying song of the year - counting how many times the word ‘almost’ (Cha Bu Duo) appeared in the lyrics. However, I starting to like it after a few listenings, even find it quite meaningful and funny too.

My favorite song belongs to Track No.4 “Ko-Hai-Yan” (Hai Yang, translate: Ocean). It features a sample of the song “Hai Yang” (Ocean), originally from Chen Jian Nian (a police and amateur singer that shocked the world by winning the best male artist few years ago). MC HotDog injects the funky rap element to the slow and accoustic song. Seemingly turn a beach side gathering of old man with accoustic guitars into a beach party with hot bikini girls. It is just whole lot of fun listening to it.

I like how Mr.Almost controls the mood of the listener from start to finish. It starts with an unusual, psychodelic song “Insane” and “Mr.Almost”, follow by brighter, snappier songs like “I Ha You” (Wo Ha Ni), “Ko-Hai-Yan”. Then, slowly turns to the dark side (”King Wasted”, “Drugs”). And ends with the last track “F*** How They Feel” - a resemblance to the final track of Wake Up. Talk about a roller-coaster ride.

In conclusion, Mr.Almost almost lived up the hype from his previous album - Wake Up, but I thought it fall short of expectations. Still, if you are HotDog fan, there are no reason not to buy this album.

Track Listing
1. Insane
2. Mr.Almost*
3. I Ha You
4. Ko-Hai-Yan*
5. Thank U! Yahoo*
6. King Wasted
7. Drugs
8. Clap Your Hands
9. How Could It Be?*
10. F*** How They Feel*

*= Recommended