For Starters...

For Starters...I Want to Be Genuine

Hiiiiii!

As I sit here, typing and deleting for what feels like the eighth time, let me just say: starting a blog is hard work. Before I bombard you with the music reviews I've been hoarding since, oh, middle school (yes, the backlog is that real), I feel like you deserve the origin story—because what good is a sequel if you don’t know how it all began, right?

Let’s talk about regrets. Mine? Not stanning this South Korean girl group sooner. But hey, better late than never, right?

I’ve always wanted to be that cool music person, the one who can casually drop album recommendations that change lives. And honestly, I’ve tried my best. My love affair with music started way back when my dad used to DJ our family road trips with his prized CD collection. Picture this: a vintage Volkswagen, windows rolled down, and my dad passionately singing along to tracks I couldn’t name back then but now credit for shaping my musical taste.

Fast forward to today, and my arsenal has evolved into neatly curated playlists on QQ Music (shoutout to their algorithm gods). From Justin Bieber’s pop bangers to indie rock’s raw emotion and folk music that feels like a hug, my taste has done a complete 180.

If you think this blog won’t feature a lot of The 1975, think again. I’m head over heels for their music—and for Matty Healy’s intoxicatingly chaotic energy. (Matty, if you’re reading this, please hydrate and consider fewer antics.)

Oh Matty, stop being so intoxicated...

Let’s be real: middle school is weird. You’re figuring out who you are while surviving embarrassing haircuts and questionable crushes. For me, it was also when music stopped being just background noise and became a whole experience. My friends (bless their impeccable taste) pushed me beyond the bubble of mainstream pop into uncharted territory. Suddenly, I was vibing to indie anthems, alternative grooves, and songs that made me feel things.

Oh, and yes, I finally got over my "mainstream equals bad" phase. (Spoiler alert: you can love Taylor Swift and obscure Icelandic folk bands. Balance is key.)

A Justin Bieber song I think of 

when people mention the pandemic

It was during middle school that I actually fell in love with Taylor's songs.

The ability to truly appreciate music did not come easily to me. Even now, when I attempt to write music reviews, I find myself grappling with perplexity. I strive to be critical and dialectic, but I realize that this intentional approach needs to be revised and obliterated. The truth is, that a song or album has the power to evoke profound emotions that can overwhelm us, leaving us awestruck by the brilliance of these artists. It could be a poignant lyric, a captivating soundtrack from a Netflix show, or even a melody that transports us back in time.

Instead of trying to analyze and dissect these experiences, I've learned to embrace them. Life is a collection of "deja vu" moments and personal stories waiting to be penned down. The songs that hold a special place in our hearts become our refuge, like sealed bottles of memories that we can revisit from time to time. So let those emotions wash over you, allow yourself to be captivated by the power of music, and let it become a vessel for your own narratives.

Speaking of being reminiscent, "Red(Taylor's Version)" is the first album that comes to mind.

Films have undeniably exerted a profound influence on the maturation of my musical preferences. Amongst them, the cinematic gem "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" holds an indelible place in my heart and remains a perennial favorite. I can still vividly recall the mesmerizing moment when Sam, standing atop a moving truck within the confines of a tunnel, became a poignant symbol of liberation while Bowie's timeless masterpiece, "Heroes," emerged as a resonant anthem, imbuing the heart of my teenage self with palpable fervor.

Sam's ephemeral liberation in the tunnel

Equally deserving of acclaim is the Netflix original series "Sex Education," which not only served as an imperishable cornerstone of my formative years but also deftly contributed to the cultivation of my musical sensibilities. The melodic tapestry woven into the fabric of film productions possesses an ineffable power, effortlessly transporting viewers back to pivotal scenes and offering a transcendent auditory pilgrimage. Indeed, original soundtracks and meticulously curated mixtapes created exclusively for movies possess an intangible potency, akin to an ethereal force propelling me forward, gradually suffusing my being with poignant yearnings and profound sentiments.

Ezra Furman's soundtrack introduces an ambiance of effortless charm and subtle romanticism artfully facilitating the transmission of budding affection..

Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate sharing my musings on an assortment of movie soundtracks and television series compositions. I wholeheartedly encourage you to provide recommendations and suggestions, as your insights will enrich the tapestry of my work. Films and TV shows, through their masterful integration of music, have assumed an indispensable role in evoking emotions, forging enduring memories, and fostering an unwavering connection to the world of melodies—a journey that continues to shape my musical trajectory.

That said, I aspire to utilize this platform to impart my personal insights and reflections on the artistic endeavors of a diverse range of individuals (although it is imperative to note that Justin Bieber's work shall be subject to serious critique). Esteemed audience, I warmly invite you to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section of my blog. Additionally, please do not hesitate to share any albums or works of art that resonate with you. Furthermore, if you desire a thorough review of a particular artwork that captivates your interest, kindly leave the artist's name and the title of the piece in the comments section. I assure you that I will meticulously examine the artwork and provide you with my most sincere reflections and sentiments.

Scores will be given to certain albums, but the appreciation of music should never be quantified.

Welcome to my harbor!!!!

Zhang, Chengyang/Justin