Female Soloists In C-pop (Pt 1)

There are numerous female soloists in the world of C-pop. Here is a list of a few currently popular Mando-pop singers who I listen to.  They are based are based in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Each item on the list contains facts about the singer, songs, and official sound tracks. Anticipate more in the upcoming parts of this series!

1. Jane Zhang

张靓颖 Zhang Liang Ying

Chinese

A renowned singer in Mainland China and in the Mandarin-speaking world, Jane Zhang gained fame for her appearance on the singing competition show "Super Girl". She earned the nickname "Dolphin Princess" for whistle vocal register. The majority of Jane Zhang's music is in Mandarin, but she does have some English singles including "Dream It Possible" and "Dust My Shoulders Off". 

Notable Works (Albums & Singles)

Reform(改变), Seventh Sense(第七感), Dust My Shoulders Off

Bazaar

Forever (永遠)

I Am Mine(我是我的)

OSTs/Promotional Songs

My Dream (我的夢) [Huawei Theme]

Change Your World [Budweiser Promo]

心電感應 808 [Budweiser Promo]

2.  A-Lin

黄丽玲 Huang Li Ling

Taiwanese

A-Lin is a vocal powerhouse of Amis, or Aboriginal Taiwanese descent. She made her debut in 2006 and since then has released 4 full albums and an extended play. In 2015, she competed on the Chinese show "I Am A Singer" which earned her more recognition. 

Notable Works

Guilt (罪惡感), Happiness Then What? (幸福了然後呢), Fleeting Happiness (幸福太短)

All In

Guilt (罪惡感)

一直走 GO

OSTs

How Far I'll Go (海洋之心) [Moana OST]

Fleeting Happiness (‪幸福太短) [Magical Space Time OST]

Moment Of Romance (天若有情) [Princess Weiyoung Theme]

3. G.E.M

邓紫棋 Deng Zi Qi

Chinese (Hong Kong)

G.E.M. Tang, whose stage name means "Get Everybody Moving" is a Chinese singer who originated from Hong Kong. She is known for writing her own music: songs that express deep emotions and strong messages. Her latest studio album, Heartbeat, is a visual album in which every track is accompanied by a music video. 

Notable Works

Intoxicated (你把我灌醉), Heartbeat (新的心跳), Live Piano Session

Goodbye (再見)

Bubble (泡沫)

Blindspot (盲點)

OSTs

Light Years Away (光年之外) [Passengers Movie Theme]

Heart Of The Flame (心之焰) [Princess Agents Ending Theme]

Peach Blossom Promise 桃花諾 [A Life Time Love (上古情歌) OST]

4. Angela Zhang

张韶涵 Zhang Shao Han

Taiwanese

Angela Zhang rose to fame after playing the main role in two hit Taiwanese television dramas. Soon after, in 2004 she released her debut album "Over The Rainbow".

Notable Works

Angela Zhang(张韶涵), Visible Wings(有形的翅膀), Head Over Heels (全面淪陷)

Not Afraid (不害怕)

When You Live For Love (為愛而活)

Love Isn't Wrong (愛沒有錯)

OSTs

Be My Faith (把你信仰) [Find The Adventure Of Love 尋找愛的冒險]

5. Diana Wang

王诗安 Wang Shi An
Chinese

Diana Wang was born in the Netherlands but is now based in Taiwan. Her debut album "How Are You? Love Lesson" explores the nature of love and contains a cover of British singer Birdy's hit single "Skinny Love". More recently, Diana Wang has gained attention for her collaboration with R-Chord in " Love Doesn't Need To Pretend" and her English single "Home".

Notable Works
Home, I don't Know, 你好嗎 Love Lesson

Home

Heartbeat
I Don't Know

OSTs

Love Still Exists (爱存在) [Ultimate Dormitory X (终极X宿舍)]



Sources:
Info and Images

Asian Pop Stars With Blue Hair

Pop stars tend to be daring when it comes to fashion, and with hairstyles too. In k-pop. it's very common for idols to have bright hair in unnatural tones. These K-pop, J-pop and C-pop stars went for aqua, turquoise, teal and electric blue locks!

1. Lisa

K-pop

Group: Blackpink

Song: Whistle, Stay

2. Mademoiselle Yulia

J-pop

Group: N/A (Soloist)

Song: Harajuku Wander

3. Meng Jia

K-pop & C-pop

Group: Miss A Soloist

Song: Candy

4. T.O.P

K-pop

Group: Big Bang

Song: Fantastic Baby

5. G.E.M

C-pop

Group: N/A (Soloist)

Song: Oh Boy

6. Luna

K-pop

Group: F(x)

Song: Red Light

7. Wonho

K-pop

Group: Monsta X

Song: Fighter

8. Mami Sasazaki

J-rock

Group: Scandal

Song: Departure

9. Lime

K-pop

Group: Hello Venus

Song: I'm Ill

10. Wendy

K-pop

Group: Red Velvet

Song: Happiness, Rookie



Sources:
Images
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Artist Profiles~G.E.M

G.E.M. is a Chinese singer-songwriter who switches between pop, ballad and rock genres. She is known for her powerful voice and always delivers quality music.

Female Soloist

(Gloria Tang) G.E.M.

C-pop/Mandarin/Cantonese

1. New Heartbeat

'New Heartbeat' is a pop track with the sentiment of a ballad, and is somewhat like a Kelly Clarkson song. It's an up-building anthem for people who stand out and the video is really sweet. I like that G.E.M. includes different races of people with various interests.

2. Blindspot

This song is also from her new album 'Heartbeat'. In the lyrics G.E.M. regrets not seeing all his good qualities, they were in her blind spot. It's honest, and in my opinion one of Gem's best. The music video is pretty stunning too.

3. You Gotta Say

An older song from 2009, Gem sings in Cantonese. Say what you want, I don't care - is the gist. It's a jab at the media and I can't blame her! Especially after seeing the annoying paparazzi in the video.

Other Songs:

4. In My Heart (美好的舊時光)

5. I Don't Know Love (我不懂愛)

6. Goodbye (再見)

Playlist 5. Bloom

Theme: Flowers

Songs with a [♥] are my preference/a personal favorite.

Spring is near! So, here's a playlist with a flower theme and relaxing mood.

1. Lee Hi - Rose

Korean ♥

Lee Hi sings of the bitterness that hides behind the sweetness of love;"Every rose has its thorn". Her sass is toned down for this ballad, but Hi keeps her soulfulness. This song took a few listens for me to like, but now it's on replay.

2. Ailee - Ice Flower

Korean ♥

'Ice Flower' is part of the OST for the K-Drama 'Queen of Ambition'. It easily could have been a typical ballad, but Ailee made it heart-touching.

3. Xia (Junsu) - Flower

Korean

Not a fan of the music video, but the song is nice enough. It's serious, intense and works well with Junsu's baritone. Tablo is featured in 'Flower'. 

4. Ladies' Code - My Flower

Korean ♥

From the mini-album 'Myst3ry'. I feel like Ladies' Code poured out their hearts while singing this song, there are such heavenly vocals. I was a little disappointed they only released three tracks, but the quality makes up for it!

5. G.E.M. - The Rose

Mandarin ♥

Trans. from "寂寞星球的玫瑰"

A beautiful ballad from G.E.M. that's very emotional. I really admire that she's a singer-songwriter. Her songs never get old.

6. Ailee - Sakura

Japanese/English

Ailee is on this playlist again with an English cover of 'Sakura' by Ikimono Gakari. She calmed down her powerhouse vocals and sang this track more delicately. 

7. K.Will - Love Blossom

Korean

Happy, relaxing and upbeat, it's really sweet. L (Myungsoo) from Infinite stars in the music video.

8. A Pink - Flower Petal

Korean 

A Pink try to decide if they'll tell their crush that the like him while pulling the petals from a flower. "Should I tell you or not? Should I tell you I like you?" The music video is equally playful as the song.