Chinese Music Blog

Nanquan Mama, a group consisted of youngster who idolised Jay Chou. Nanquan mama, it can be translated as “South Fist Mother”, which means they can be as powerful as the chinese ancient martial art - south fist, or as gentle as a mother. To be Meal no.2 is their 2nd album.

When I first heard this album when my friend was playing, I asked “Is this Jay Chou’s newest album?”. Yes, they sing like Jay, rap like Jay and compose song full of “Jay-Style”. They do not have the powerful vocal. They do not have Idol’s good looking face. But their talent on music composing are undeniable.

There are so many great songs worth mentioning in this album - Meal No.2. The main hit of this 2nd album goes to “Gone” (Xiao Shi). Highly complimented and recommended by Jay Chou himself. The new addition of a female member, Lara adds depth to all their songs. My favourite song, “The Last Smile” (Zui Hou Yi Mei Xiao Rong), is a “one-man-show” product by one of the member, Devon (Dan Tou). It is so sentimental and the chorus with Lara is beautifully attuned.

Another good song is “Angel’s Hero”. I like the lyrics part and it goes like this “You are my hero; I am your angel”. Amazes me on how it beautifully lays out the synergetic relationship between friends . The light, easy and cool “Orang Softdrink”(Ju Zi Qi Shui), “Peony River” (Mu Dan Jiang) are fun to listen to. “Daybreak” (Po Xiao) is a heavy metal rock song has the chorus style of “F.I.R” band, the rap part is also good. Adding up with that, the nasty “Wild Thing (Ye Dong Xi), the lonesome “Yuan Lai”, the simplistic “Eat the fish you cook” (Chi Ni Zu De Yu) are so nice and demonstrate what this young group can do.

Comparing to their first album (which consisted of 2 different member), Meal No.2 is definitely better. The first album is , raw (perhaps they want it to be this way), and this one is more polished, as well as more commercialized. And, I still think the whole album is still overshadowed, leaving every footprint of Jay Chou’s influence. Anyway, I still love it ! Highly recommended!

Track Listing:
1. Day Break (Po Xiao)
2. Gone (Xiao Shi)
3. What Can I Do
4. Wild Thing (Ye Dong Xi)
5. Peony River (Mu Dan Jiang)
6. Yuan Lai
7. Orange Softdrink (Ju Zi Qi Shui)
8. The Last Smile (Zui Hou Yi Mei Xiao Rong)
9. Night (Fu Ye)
10. Song Written For Chocolate (Xie Gei Qiao Ke Li De Ge)
11. Eat The Fish You Cook (Ci Ni Zhu De Yu)
12. Angel’s Hero