Yida Huang
Exclusive Code (Zhuan Shu Mi Ma)
I bumped into this talented composer thanks to the Taiwanese idol drama series “Devil Besides You” (E Mo Zai Shen Bian). The songs of this album used in the series are [臭男人] and [一秒的安慰]. After listening to this album, I went to get his first album, [無法定義] (Wu Fa Ding Yi: Undefinable) and did noticed significant improvements.
This album is interesting because of its various contents. It has songs about falling in love, heartbreak, encouragement, and being a jerk. Add a grocery store to that, it’ll make a one-stop shopping album. Hehehehe…
*** Notable tracks ***
[一秒的安慰] is my absolute favorite! Accompanied only by piano, his vocal is accentuated very well in this piece. The lyric is beautiful and the arrangement is simple yet powerful. [Set Me Free] is the most unique piece arrangement-wise. I have no idea what the French lyric meant, but I think it is an excellent idea to mix that in as it dramatizes the song. Last but not least, you have to love [臭男人] ! Why? Because it has a hilarious lyric and great arrangement! I seriously think Yi Da should write more punk-ish/rock’n roll-ish songs. Also, after listening to songs about love and heartbreak, this one gives a breeze of fresh air indeed.
Track Listing (source+title English translation from: www.yesasia.com):
1. 目擊者 Mu Ji Zhe (Eyewitness)
2. 那女孩對我說 Na Nu Hai Dui Wo Shuo (She Told Me)
3. 專屬密碼 Zhuan Shu Mi Ma (Exclusive Code)
4. 一秒的安慰 Yi Miao De An Wei (A Moment of Consolation)
5. 如果愛 就現在吧 Ru Guo Ai Jiu Xian Zai Ba (Let’s Love Now?)
6. 超愛你 Chao Ai Ni (Super Love)
7. 每天的每夜 Mei Tian De Mei Ye (Every Single Night)
8. Set Me Free
9. 臭男人 Chou Nan Ren (Jerk)
10. 征服自己 Zheng Fu Zi Ji (Conquer My Fear)
11. 顯微鏡下的愛情 （弦樂版）Xian Wei Jing De Ai Qing (Microscope View of Love) - Instrumental Version
Despite being a great composer, I do think he has a couple of problems:
(a) his vocal quality
(b) he’s not a good live performer because of (a).
For example, when he hits a slightly higher note, his voice turns scratchy. However, I believe as he gets more seasoned, he can definitely improve his performing skill.
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To check out the official site for this album:
http://www.sonymusic.com.tw/pop/yida/
A couple of Yida’s unofficial fansites:
http://www.yida-hk.com/
http://dualct.no-ip.com/yida_try/
Written by Tanti on Jan 16, 2006
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18 Comments, Join the discussion
Christine
I only like Na Nu Hai Dui Wo Shuo, maybe because it was the first song I heard by him. After watching Devil Beside You, I started to like Chou Nan Ren as well. Set Me Free has a good chorus but is the most repetitive song I have ever heard. To be honest I did not like this album.
Jan 16th, 2006
Irene
I find chou nan ren very catchy.. anyway i was wondering..since u’ve watched devil beside you, do u hav any idea wuts the name of the song where ah meng helped performed by playing the guitar with his injured hand.. or better, if u hav the song, can upload it somewhere for me to download pls? thx~
Jan 16th, 2006
Tanti
The band is called “XL” I believe.
I don’t have any of their songs, but here’s where you can buy their album:
http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/pid-1003921646/aid-1128126/section-music/code-c/version-all/
The song that Ah Meng helped perform is “Mei Li De Hui Yi” (Number 11 of the album)
Jan 16th, 2006
~Jessy~
I think his songs are okay, but I don’t like his vocal.
Great review! Good job, Tanti! :D
Jan 16th, 2006
Tanti
Thanks, Jessy! Jia You! Jia You!
Writing review for this blog is a good break from translating the Taiwanese tv series. Hehehehehe…
Jan 17th, 2006
Rani
Whaww, i came across this site accidentally when i search for top albums and this site is totally awesome!!!
i love how you reviewed Yi Da’s album. I bought this album and im satisfied. Set Me Free is completely addicting and it is the best amongst all IMO. Though, every songs are likeable and this cd becomes my favourite afterwards. great job!
Jan 31st, 2006
Tanti
Coolio! Thank you and I’m glad you like the album, too! :D
Jan 31st, 2006
Victor Ly
Very nice review, Tanti =) I found out about YiDa Huang during April of 2004, way before he even released his debut album. I liked him immediately, especially after finding out that he can compose his own music and such. However, after hearing him performing in several concerts, I have also came to the same conclusion that you have: that “his vocal quality” isn’t the best and that “when he hits a slightly higher note, his voice turns scratchy.”
Personally, I like his first album more than the second one, but I can tell that there have been some improvements made between the two albums.
Sincerely,
-=Victor Ly/MaStA ViC
Feb 4th, 2006
joel
halu! i really luv his song ..esp that girl said to me..well, honestly, i dun ave any idea the meaning of dis song..hope u’ll send me his song in english translation…thank u.. joel-brunei
May 2nd, 2006
Mandy
I LOVE YIDA HUANG!! ^^his sOngs are S0o awes0me lo!!~~~^^ wo xi huan ta!:) lol~ i lik exclusive code, jerk and mani MORE!!! XDXDXD aniwh0s Yida Huang is my number 1 artist^^ hehehe *2 thumbs up* yeah!:):)=]=p -[m]and[y]-
Jun 22nd, 2006
gia
i love you sooo much, your song really really cute same as your face ^^
Jul 8th, 2006
Rose
Grest review ^_^ I love the lyrics to moment of consolation and chou nan ren (two opposites =p) but I can’t find english translation for the others - do you know where I can find them?
Sep 16th, 2006
Mai
i love YIda his music rox!! but i have to say my favorite would have to be chou nan ran (jerk)^ _ ^
Nov 1st, 2006
Violet
I’m wondering if you have the lyrics for his song, Set Me Free, too (in either Chinese or English). I love that song, though not as much as Chou Nan Ran. Love your site.
Nov 23rd, 2006
Yu-Han
I do like his lyrics very much ^____^, but I gree that his voice isn’t exactly the best ^^;
Dec 20th, 2006
cherry
his smile looks abit like mike he jun xiang’s :)
Dec 22nd, 2006
Lyinae
Hey! I really like this “Set Me Free” in this song the French lyric meant “I wanna kiss you once more, I wanna remember you, I wanna tell you that I love you even if it’s the last time”….,I’m french but my english is not very good and in this song the french is not really correct so….lol
Feb 4th, 2007
love bei da
Many people on web who knows yida is because of Devil Beside You, I think. But I’ve never watched DBY because of it’s boring and annoying by lead actress . And it’s a pity some mentioned yida as “who sings the opening theme for the Taiwanese drama, Devil Beside You”. I think he’s a good singer than a good composer because there are better composers out there. But I’ve never seen him perform on live.So I don’t know much about his vocal problem.Is he at that bad? My fav. song on album is Mu Ji Jie (Eyewitness).But I like all songs from his three album. I really like him as much as I like Bei Da (Peking University).
Aug 22nd, 2007
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