Trying out new music is always a risk; sometimes you end up wondering why the hell you bothered. Sometimes you end up stumbling upon something amazing though. This is the case with Xiao Yu, whose music is quite incredible.

Xiao Yu had worked behind the scenes and composed songs for popular singers like Elva Hsiao, Danson Tang, and Vivian Hsu, before he debuted as a singer with the release of his self-titled album in 2008. The album won much critical acclaim, and was among the Top Ten Albums of 2008 selected by the Association of Music Workers in Taiwan. Now the singer-songwriter is about to release his latest album “Just Standing Here”, speaking directly from his heart through music rather than words. The Preorder Version comes with a 2G Flash Drive preloaded with an exclusive audio diary from Xiao Yu (which I must say sounds incredible XD) [source: Yesasia] So yes, here is Xiao Yu’s second (?) album released on 2009-06-09.

The album opens with a spoken intro before moving to the title track 就站在這裡(Standing Here)- a gorgeous ballad. Starting with gentle, bittersweet piano Xiao Yu comes in with incredible, soulful vocals. The track introduces strings at one point, and then some not-annoying backing vocals. It doesn’t use complex instrumental build up or dynamics to be dramatic- it just somehow manages to be that way! The song is a simple sounding composition but is not lacking- the track has so much feeling and it’s pretty moving. Although Standing Here could have been an average piano and strings ballad, Xiao Yu’s excellent vocals make it stand out as something beautiful and moving (and make it pretty memorable).

The next track 練愛(Practice Love) is a little more upbeat pop number. It still has that relaxed, romantic feeling that Standing Here has and again Xiao Yu’s vocals really drive the song/stand out (not that I’m complaining). That isn’t to say the instrumentation isn’t really nice too. It’s almost soft rock with some subtle and interesting synth. The lovely instrumentation and Xiao Yu’s equally beautiful vocals come together for another beautiful track. The spoken part at the end really catches me out- I always forget it’s there and end up surprised XD Can I say a rather random end? Although it lends something fun to the song.

愛上(Fall In Love With) is the commercial theme song for the brand that Xiao Yu serves as an endorser. It’s another soft, romantic track- an incredibly soulful ballad with an RnB feeling. This is the second track of Xiao Yu’s I listened to properly, and his vocals blew me away. He gives an incredible vocal performance in this song- although his vocals never sound bad, there is something about his vocals here that make the song sound unique and give a wonderful feeling. But overall the entire song has such an interesting feeling; it sounds perfect. (And it’s not the sort of pop-rnb I usually listen to which is pretty fascinating because it is definitely RnB but with something else, not pop or a ’street’ feel)

Another one of my favourite tracks is next. 你很好(You’re Very Good) is a lovely romantic RnB track. The song is so sweet sounding. I love the feeling, the emotions, the rhythms, the sound…. it’s gorgeous! OK well the opening is really off-putting- it’s a little over the top and bordering on cheesy. However give the song a try though and it’s pretty perfect from then on. Know what I was saying about Xiao Yu giving a special feeling to his songs? Well, again his vocals are just outstanding in that way. I also love the subtle effects, like the layering of different vocals parts. His vocals are what make this. The ending is really interesting too- again it’s not that sort of ’street’ or pop RnB…It’s something different, unique, and special.

The album stays incredible with 說分手之後(After Saying Break Up). The soft rock influences come back for this beautiful, bittersweet ballad. I just love the blend of rock with piano and again, Xiao Yu’s dominant vocals. There is something hopeful about it in a way. I wouldn’t say an uplifting feeling, but it isn’t wallowing in sadness- the song is relaxing, chilled out, but with an upbeat feel. It’s a very light, and easy to listen to.

一顆蘋果(An Apple) has the most bizarre opening. The futuristic sound and talking isn’t completely out of place, but it does take you by surprise after such relaxing tracks before it. Almost a minute in and the tracks thankfully gets rid of all the weirdness, and becomes a soft rock number with an urgent, noticeably darker, feeling. There is something surreal about the track- the rock instrumentation blended with dreamy vocals and synth is interesting. It’s definitely worth skipping the intro to get to the rest of the song ^^

漂亮女孩(Beautiful Girl) I removed from my play list almost straight away- the opening really put me off. Track 9 Every Time is a lot better. It’s got the heavier RnB feeling to it, but still very soft and laid-back. It’s lovely and Xiao Yu again fives a stunning vocal performance. His “woa oh woa oh” adlibbing reminds me of something I cannot place…but I like it.

Second to last is a rather upbeat track- 換換換(Change, Change, Change). This is the sort of RnB I’m used to. It’s more danceable, got more attitude and is more in your face. Xiao Yu effortlessly uses the lower register of his voice in the one vocal part, overlaid with his interesting falsetto in the chorus. The ending where all three vocal parts are overlaid along with the backing is pretty cool too. The track has a good feeling to it- though there is something notably more mainstream about it. (Whether that is a good or bad thing is up to you)

The album ends with Why- a soulful ballad. It’s pretty gorgeous. Xiao Yu sounds incredible (duh) and the instrumentation is pretty too. Once more the track has random speaking in it, but it actually doesn’t sound too out of place here.

Rating: 4487478/10 (Awesomeness)
Favourite Track: 就站在這裡, 愛上, 你很好, 說分手之後, Why

This is an incredible album. The songs are relaxing, gentle and easy to listen to. But it is far from boring or bland. Each song has a very special feeling to it and it’s easy to listen to it again and again without ever getting bored- and in fact learning to appreciate new elements, or discover that the one song that didn’t stand out is actually pretty good. ^^ It also really helps that Xiao Yu has such an incredible voice- powerful and versatile and definitely used in a unique, or not as common, way. This is well worth listening to, and I know I personally will be on the lookout for his debut now.

Kaira is Kaira Gong’s first and currently only album released on November 11th 2005. The album was later repackaged and sold in July 2006. Kaira Gong is a singer I only knew of through the song “Cannot Let Go” on the Tokyo Juliet OST. That song had bad lyrics, but a beautiful arrangement and Kaira sounded beautiful. Thus I’m happy to have stumbled upon her album!

The album opens with 再一次擁有(Possess Once More), a gentle ballad with a stunning piano part and sincere, beautiful vocals from Kaira. The song is tender and sorrowful- filled with longing and regret. There is a beautiful piano part as well as subtle use of strings. The song slowly builds up with instruments, growing louder and stronger. Kaira’s voice is pure and emotional- the use of dynamics perfect. It’s a wonderful start to the album.

The next track 想不想自由(Don’t You Want Freedom?) is soft and acoustic with a darker feel to it. Kaira puts a lot of attitude to her voice, giving an impressive vocal performance that adds great atmosphere to the song. The song is reminiscent of a certain song, with clear folk rock influences. It’s another beautiful and relaxing track, more upbeat and bitter than the first. Judging by the title, you can tell why Kaira sounds so bitter.

Track three 遠遠在一起(Together Far Away) is another piano based ballad. There’s fantastic use of strings, particularly cello too. The song is more hopeful than the sorrowful 再一次擁有 and just as beautiful. It has a much stronger arrangement though. It’s laid-back with wonderful instrumentation and Kaira sounds amazing, of course. The bridge is absolutely stunning, and the way it builds up to the bridge and the last chorus before dying away is very powerful.

歷險記(Diary of Adventures) is the next song. A soft and laid-back but bittersweet song, with gorgeous instrumentation- particularly the piano and strings and deep bass instrument. Kaira gives a strong vocal performance; I love it when she reaches up the higher notes and the dark rhythms of the verses and the bridge. Her voice is pretty ethereal, and gives a gentle feel to the song.

Track 5 opens with some warped instrumentation, continuing to build up to a upbeat, more pop-like tune.十字路口(Crossroads) is comparable to 想不想自由 with the same acoustic, folk influenced guitar arrangement and strong vocals filled with attitude from Kaira. There’s a few backing vocals but they are placed well and don’t deteriorate from the song. It’s another nice track. I love her adlibbing : )

We’re halfway through the album with 白鴿(White Dove), a sad sounding ballad. The soft melody at the beginning lends an ethereal feel, as do Kaira’s soft and beautiful voice. The song builds up, retaining the sad and slow feel to it. Kaira’s voice continues to be absolutely beautiful, filled with sincere emotion. It’s a stunning song, similar to a lot of the ballads here with the piano and strings however it doesn’t feel the same, nor am I bored. Instead I really feel the emotion of the song and it moves me. I think so far the album has been beautiful, the songs retain the same arrangements yet each still manages to be unique. Kaira’s vocals really shine too, she has a stunning voice.

But the album isn’t over yet! 如果你真愛我(If You Really Love Me) is the next track, and though it’s a ballad it is stronger, and the strings prominent right from the beginning. I really like the cello part to this, it’s adds a rich sound to the song. This is another beautiful and emotional ballad, stronger and less sad than 白鴿 but with its own beauty and emotion nonetheless.

一天天(Every Day) is a sweet ballad, with a nice acoustic guitar part. The song builds up the chorus, where it really shines. Kaira really sounds beautiful with the soft vibrato and the way she hits the high notes. The song sounds bittersweet and it’s filled with a tender emotion. It has a lovely instrumentation and Kaira sounds so wonderful. Another stunning track! I love all the variations it goes through.

The album is nearly over with 起初只是朋友(At First, We Were But Friends) which starts quietly, dominated by Kaira’s reflective vocals. The song builds up, becoming a sweet up-tempo ballad with a happy atmosphere. The acoustic guitar part is really nice, as are Kaira’s vocals (as always).

Then the last track, 思念(Longing), a quiet and tender ballad to end the album off. Much like the first song, this one is piano based. Kaira’s vocals really shine, leading the song forward and filled with so much emotion. Midway there is some beautiful strings introduced too. This is another beautiful track.

Rating: 4487478/10 (Awesomeness)
Favourite Track: 月光, イノセンス, 螺旋

This album is soft and emotional. It’s a beautiful and relaxing album to listen to; with soft laid back songs, more upbeat attitude filled ones and then some stunning sincere ballads. I first heard of Kaira through the one song she did for Tokyo Juliet, and was amazed by her beautiful voice. This album is a further showcase of said beautiful, absolutely stunning voice. Combine that with some gorgeous instrumentation and this album comes close to being pretty much perfect. I cannot recommend it enough. The album is beautiful! You should really listen if you want something relaxing to chill out to.