Faye Wong | Artist Spotlight
And why this artistic diva reigns superior in Chinese alternative music.
Have you been wanting to find new artists to listen to, ones that combine a unique mix of genres to create their signature sound? Well, look no further! Every once in a while, I will spotlight a musician or band, both upcoming and later productions, and state what specifically about their music sticks out to me.
The first artist on my radar is an artist I was infatuated with in late 2023 and still now. Her unique blend of traditional Chinese elements which she was surrounded with in her childhood and her natural appreciation for dreamy, poetic sounds is what pulls her music together. This, of course, is none other that Faye Wong.
Faye Wong, also known by her early stage name Shirley Wong, is a Chinese singer and songwriter prominent in mid-90s Hong Kong, where she currently resides today. For a bit of her backstory, she had always found a strong interest in music; specifically singing. She had branched herself into the infant music industry by discreetly releasing cover cassette tapes to avoid backlash from her strict mother. However, this move allowed her to have her name spread in the local area, ultimately giving her the confidence to apply and get accepted into Xiamen University in Hong Kong. Here, she sought out producer Tai See-Chung. With a lot of work, this connection allowed her to sign to Cinepoly Records. It was this move that saw her career blossom into what it was.
It is also worth noting that her artistic talent has stretched into modelling stints and movie features, such as her role in Chungking Express and Chinese Oddysey. While her music is not often played as much as it was between the 90s-2000s, especially since her retirement in the early 2000s, many still consider her a staple in Chinese music today.
Her music resonates with a beauteous blend of Chinese pop and alternative music. Considering the time period (1980s — 2000s), this was an artistic risk to blend these genres as Chinese pop was very conventional and doesn’t often fluctuate — yet this is what makes her stand out even more. One of her albums that perfectly resonates with this blend is her album ‘Hu Si Luan Xiang’ (胡吹乱捧). This album, when translated to English, is roughly named ‘Random Thoughts’ or something that connotates a rushed or wandering state of mind, which I find fitting considering the album's contents and sound. This album truly signified Wong’s shift from the traditional Chinese genre in 1994 into something more resembling the alternative, dreamy scene in which she would continue to lay her roots.
Many songs in this album are inspired by Chinese pop and alternative rock, giving the songs on this album a surprisingly lightweight sound. Each song sounds like a breeze in the wind, the kind of cool air that would be felt in a peaceful plainland in the Chinese mountains. Not to mention Wong’s exceptional vocal work. Her voice fits into the instrumentations with ease to carry the song along each verse, chorus, and bridge.
Another album in which this sound is found is named ‘Fúzào’ (浮躁), my favourite project of hers. Ever since discovering these ten ethereal tracks, I haven’t been able to take them off my playlists. This album radiates beauty and freshness. Wong’s voice is delicate and floaty, and the frequent combination of guitar and percussion elements provide this eclectic instrumentation I’ve only ever heard in her music. There is even a notable cover from the Cocteau Twins called ‘Fēnliè’ (分裂), a band who heavily influenced the production of this album. Elisabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins has been noted by Wong to guide her into producing a sound that is more reminiscent of the dream pop which they have been famous for. Despite the reception of this album not being particularly favourable due to its heavily artistic and alternative elements, this album stuck with diehard fans, even becoming Wong’s favourite album she had put out. Since this point, she has not released another album with a similar style to this one.
Overall, would I recommend Faye Wong’s music? Absolutely. If you are a fan of the alternative genre, as well as alt-pop, dream-pop, C-pop, or anything similar, definitely make sure to listen through her discography. Too, if you are already a fan of Cocteau Twins and other dream pop artists, check out her covers of their songs, such as her cover of Bluebeard called ‘Wu Si Lyun Seong’ (胡思亂想), and Tranquil Eye called ‘Fēnliè’ (分裂).
