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Capricorn (Jay Chou album)

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Capricorn
Studio album by
Jay Chou
Released14 October 2008 (2008-10-14)
Recorded2008
StudioJVR Studio (Taipei)
Yang Dawei Studio (Taipei)
Studio-One (Taipei)
Again Studio (Taipei)
Genre
Length43:57
LanguageMandarin
Label
ProducerJay Chou
Jay Chou chronology
2007 the World Tours
(2008) 		Capricorn
(2008) 		The Era
(2010)
Singles from Capricorn
  1. "Rice Field"
    Released: 22 September 2008
  2. "The Promised Love"
    Released: 14 October 2008
  3. "Give Me the Time of a Song"
    Released: 14 October 2008

Capricorn (Chinese: 魔杰座; pinyin: Mó jié zuò) is the ninth studio album by Taiwanese recording artist Jay Chou, released on 14 October 2008, by JVR Music and Sony BMG.[1] The album's lyrical content was penned by Chou and his frequent collaborator Vincent Fang, alongside Alang Huang, Ku Hsiao-li, and Juang Ling-ja, whilst composition was handled by Chou himself. The title of the album serves as a homophone in Chinese meaning Capricorn as well as magic—the former of which is a nod to Chou’s zodiac sign. Its production blend elements of pop, hip-hop, rock, and folk music.

Upon its release, Capricorn was subject to positive reviews music critics. It was met with commercial success in various regions in Asia, reaching number one on the G-Music chart in Taiwan and the Hong Kong Record Merchants Association (HKRMA) album chart in Hong Kong. It was the second best-selling record of 2008 in Taiwan, selling 152,000 copies, as well as the third best-selling record of the year in Hong Kong. In Singapore, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association Singapore (RIAS) in 2021.

Three singles were promoted for the album—"Rice Field", "The Promised Love", and "Give Me the Time of a Song". "Rice Field" won Song of the Year at both the Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan and the Beijing Pop Music Awards in China, while Chou won Best Mandarin Male Singer at the former award ceremony for the album.

Background and development

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The album’s title is derived from a homophone meaning both magic and Capricorn in Chinese, the latter of which is Chou’s astrological sign. The overarching theme of the album revolves around magic and playing card suits. The album's visuals consist of Chou embodying a knight on a playing card as well as a joker.[2]

Release

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"Rice Field" premiered on radio stations in Taiwan on 22 September 2008. Similar to Chou's preceding albums such as November's Chopin and On the Run!, the tracks from Capricorn were prematurely leaked on various websites prior to the official release.[3] Consequently, the record company decided to postpone the intended release date of Capricorn from 9 October to 14 October 2008.

Composition and songs

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"Do not give up so easily. Just like I've always said before, if your dream seems to be too far away, do not hesitate to redefine it. Success and fame are not the ultimate goals. Work towards your personal happiness, as that is the true essence of life."

—Chou on the message behind "Rice Field".[4]

The album's tracks blend elements of hip-hop and folk music.[5] The lead single, "Rice Field", draws inspiration from Chou’s nostalgic childhood memories. It depicts the plight of contemporary city dwellers, burdened by societal and life pressures, and their growing desire to retreat to a simpler, rural existence. Chou intended to illustrate a idyllic countryside setting, running barefoot through fields, stealing fruits, and carefree childhood play.[4] "The Promised Love" is an emotionally charged ballad that depicts pain associated with break up. It utilizes piano chords intertwined with instrumentals from the violin, cello, and drums.[4]

On year-end charts in Taiwan, "Rice Field", "Give Me the Time of a Song", and "The Promised Love", were ranked at number 3, number 17, and number 56, respectively, on 2008's Hit FM Top 100 Singles of the Year chart.[6][7]

Music videos

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The production of the music videos for "Magician" and “Uncle Jocker" involved over 15 dancers including dance troupes, jazz musicians, and stunt performers from various countries such as Russia. Behind-the-scenes footage of "The Promised Love" depicts Chou inviting actress Andrea Chen to star as the female lead. The music video for "Give Me the Time of a Song" featured actress Jenna Wang in the lead female role. In April 2008, Chou rented the presidential suite of the InterContinental Hotel in Hong Kong for the production of its music video. Additionally, a Pagani Zonda F, a high-performance sports car also known as "Ghost Son", was utilized for filming sequences in the city’s historic streets.

In preparation for the "Snake Dance" music video, Chou underwent specialized training to perfect the dance moves.[8] The video for "Dragon Knight" was set in a fantasy realm set a century into the future, in a world filled with bizarre creatures and mechanical behemoths locked in combat. Amidst the steel and concrete landscape, love remained the sole unchanging element. The video's artistic direction, cinematography, lighting design, sound effects, special effects, and post-production were all handled by Chou. The set utilized a circular clock, a grand hall, and an elongated corridor that fused the aesthetics of a city with classical Gothic architecture.[9]

Accolades

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At the 20th Golden Melody Awards, the album was nominated for eight awards, winning Best mandarin Male Singer, Song of the Year for "Rice Field", and Best Music Video for "Magician".[10]

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Nominated work Result
2009 Golden Melody Awards Best Mandarin Male Singer Capricorn Won
Best Mandarin Album Nominated
Best Album Producer Nominated
Best Musical Arranger Baby Chung for "Magician" Nominated
Best Music Video "Magician" Won

Track listing

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All music is composed by Jay Chou.

Capricorn – Standard edition
No.TitleLyricsLength
1."Dragon Rider" (龍戰騎士; Lóng zhàn qíshì)Vincent Fang4:31
2."Give Me The Time of a Song" (給我一首歌的時間; Gěi wǒ yī shǒu gē de shíjiān)Jay Chou4:13
3."Snake Dance" (蛇舞; Shé wǔ; featuring Lara Veronin)Alang Huang2:54
4."Floral Sea" (花海; Huā hǎi)Ku Hsiao-li, Huang Ling-jia4:24
5."Magician" (魔術先生; Móshù xiānshēng)Vincent Fang3:47
6."The Promised Love" (說好的幸福呢; Shuō hǎo de xìngfú ne)Vincent Fang4:16
7."Lan-Ting-Xu" (蘭亭序)Vincent Fang4:13
8."Drifting Poet" (流浪詩人; Liúlàng shīrén; featuring Gary Yang)Vincent Fang2:49
9."Time Machine" (時光機; Shíguāng jī)Vincent Fang5:11
10."Uncle Joker" (喬克叔叔; Qiáo kè shūshu)Alang Huang4:16
11."Rice Field" (稻香; Dào xiāng)Jay Chou3:43
Total length:43:57
Capricorn – DVD
No.TitleLength
1."Rice Field" (稻香) 
2."Give Me The Time of a Song" (給我一首歌的時間) 

Charts

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Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
Singapore (RIAS)[14] Platinum 10,000*
Taiwan — 152,000[15]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ (in Chinese) JVR Music Capricorn album info 14 October 2008. Retrieved 25 April 2011
  2. ^ "周杰伦新专辑定名 变身小丑玩魔术宣传新碟" [Jay Chou's new album is named, he transforms into a clown and performs magic tricks to promote the new album]. Tencent Music (in Chinese). 20 September 2008. Archived from the original on 23 September 2008. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  3. ^ "魔杰座未上市 又見中國盜載 網路出現11首曲目供下載 杰威爾未證實是否外洩" [Capricorn has not been released yet, and 11 tracks have appeared on China’s piracy websites for download]. The Liberty Times (in Chinese). 30 September 2008. Archived from the original on 2 October 2008. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "专辑：周杰伦《魔杰座》" [Album: Jay Chou's "Capricorn"]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). 20 October 2008. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  5. ^ "童年回忆成创作灵感 周杰伦新歌《稻香》唱励志" [Childhood memories become the inspiration for Jay Chou's new song "Rice Fragrance"]. Tencent Music (in Chinese). 19 September 2008. Archived from the original on 27 September 2008. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  6. ^ (in Chinese) HITO Radio Hit Fm Annual Top 100 Singles Chart- 2008 (#1 to 50). Retrieved 20 May 2011
  7. ^ (in Chinese) HITO Radio Hit Fm Annual Top 100 Singles Chart- 2008 (#51 to 100). Retrieved 20 May 2011
  8. ^ "周杰伦《魔杰座》音乐特辑首播 揭秘最爱女主角" [Jay Chou's "Capricorn" music special premieres, reveals his favorite heroine]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). 8 December 2008. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  9. ^ "组图：周杰伦《龙战骑士》MV媲美电影破纪录" [Photos: Jay Chou's "Dragon Knight" MV is as good as the movie and breaks records]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). 16 January 2009. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  10. ^ (in Chinese) GIO, Taiwan 20th Golden Melody Awards winners list Archived 10 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine 26 June 2009. Retrieved 24 April 2011
  11. ^ a b "2008香港卖碟王 '广州仔'张敬轩" [2008 Hong Kong CD-selling king 'Guangzhou boy' Hins Cheung]. Beijing Morning Post (in Chinese). 1 January 2009. Retrieved 16 July 2024 – via Sohu Entertainment.
  12. ^ "G-Music Combo Album Chart – Week 41 of 2008" (in Chinese). G-Music. 16 October 2008. Archived from the original on 22 October 2008. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
  13. ^ "08唱片销量一片惨绿 卖碟两万张就是大歌星" [08 Record sales are dismal, selling 20,000 copies makes you a big star]. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese). 15 January 2009. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
  14. ^ "Singapore album certifications – Jay Chou – Capricorn". Recording Industry Association Singapore. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  15. ^ "蔡依林称霸唱片销量榜首" (in Chinese). Taiwan.cn. 11 December 2009. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
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