Singer Zhang Jie

Hello, and welcome to another edition of  China Beat here on 'China Radio International'. This is Lin Lin, sitting in for Zhong Qiu. 

After conquering the hearts of his fans with his first EP "Most Beautiful Sun", Zhang Jie returns with the full-length album, The Day After Tomorrow. Containing ten tracks, this album is collaborative effort by Zhang Jie and a first-rate production team. It's being promoted as a showcase of Zhang Jie's musical versatility. In today's China Beat, we are going to talk with Zhang Jie and find out how this latest album brings us closer to a different Zhang Jie.

(Zhang Jie says hello to listeners in English)

(The Day After Tomorrow, 明天过后)

(Zhang Jie in Chinese)
"The title of the album, The Day After Tomorrow, offers listeners freedom to imagine. It is thoughtfully compiled album that the record company and I feel has beautiful melodies and catchy lyrics."

The title song, The Day After Tomorrow, is one such melodic ballad. The simple yet beautiful accompaniment of the acoustic guitar and Zhang Jie's mellow vocals make this track especially impressive.

(Zhang in Chinese)
"This is a ballad in which I croon about love. My fans may think this is not my style, but this song is what soothes me the most out of all the tracks in the album. I tried different vocal expressions and my baritone parts stand out. I especially like the accompaniment of the acoustic guitar. I believe with this song, my listeners will get to know a new, spunky side of Zhang Jie."

(We Are Alike, 我们都一样)

我们都一样, or We Are Alike, is another track featuring Zhang Jie's mature vocals. In this song, Zhang Jie employs breathy singing technique and combines it with a falsetto to hit high notes. This is a departure from his usual tenor voice he uses to win over listener's hearts.

(Zhang in Chinese)
"The song, We Are Alike, has a R&B slant to it. So I tried different kinds of vocal styles to lend it a "on-the-breath" feel. It is different from my usual way of singing. Add to that, the catchy music and I think it is a track worth listening to."

(Walking Far and Flying High, 远走高飞)

To follow up on the success of his last rock number, Most Beautiful Sun, the new album starts off with a rock hit, 远走高飞, Walking Far and Flying High.

(Zhang in Chinese)
"When I heard the demo of Walking Far and Flying High, I knew it would be a hit. It was my first time trying this kind of music with a fast beat and funk twist. The lyrics are also powerful. It talks about the determination and sense of adventure of young people as they pursue their dreams. Actually, I pursue my dreams with the same fearless attitude."

That was远走高飞, Walking Far and Flying High, taken from Zhang Jie's new album, the Day After Tomorrow. The fifth track, 天下, literally meaning On The World, is another hit on the album. It is an impressive mix of rock, hip-hop and Chinese style of music or Zhong Guo Feng. Against the backdrop of a powerful rhythm and grand music arrangement, Zhang Jie delivers with his rich vocal timbre and strong vocals.

(Zhang in Chinese)
"I think Tian Xia is a song I can identify with. It gives me room to exhibit my vocal skills. I think I've performed well with the melodious solo part and grandeur-filled chorus. I think my vocals have matured since my last release."

(On The World, 天下)

With both the looks and the talent, Zhang Jie finished at fourth place in the 2007 Happy Boy singing contest. For fans who knew Zhang Jie from the beginning of his musical journey, 北斗星的爱, or Love of the Big Dipper, is a song marked by his amazing talent. On his new album, there is also a song to do with stars, The Sidereel and The Shooting Star, 恒星与流星.

(Zhang in Chinese)
"This is the song I played most frequently on my MP3 player. The strings and piano accompaniment works well with my voice. When I listen to the song, I feel it reflects my personal life. We always have some lifelong goals, which are like sidereal bodies. Then there are a lot of things like shooting stars which pass us by. The choices and decisions we make between sidereal bodies and shooting stars can sometimes change our lives."

(The Sidereel and The Shooting Star, 恒星与流星)

After a couple of years of wobbling in the entertainment industry, Zhang Jie's voice and thoughts have matured. We hope this young artist will stop at nothing to release his dreams. With the song, 恒星与流星, we come to the end of this edition of China Beat. We'd love to hear your comments and suggestions. You can email us at Chinabeat@cri.com.cn or log on to our website at crienglish.com, find China Beat and leave your message. This is Lin Lin. Bye for now.