2006 greatest hits album by Jolin Tsai
J-Top is a greatest hits album by Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai, released by Sony BMG on May 5, 2006. The album includes 20 tracks from Tsai's releases during her time with Sony, along with four music videos, one documentary, one remix medley, and two previously unreleased songs. The album achieved commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies in Taiwan and ranking as the fifth best-selling album of the year in Taiwan in 2006.
Background and release.
On July 23, 2002, Tsai signed with Sony, and through the label, she released three studio albums: "Magic" (2003), "Castle" (2004), and "J-Game" (2005). These albums achieved impressive sales in Taiwan, with over 360,000, 300,000, and 260,000 copies sold, respectively. In Asia, the total sales for each album exceeded 1.5 million, 1.5 million, and 1.2 million copies, respectively. Each album also ranked as the second-best-selling album of the year in Taiwan, while Tsai was the top-selling female artist in the country for each corresponding year.
On April 11, 2006, media reports revealed that Sony BMG would release a greatest hits compilation for Tsai in early May of that year. On April 20, the label officially announced the release of "J-Top" on May 5, 2006. Preorders for the album began on April 21. The album, which was released on May 5, included 20 tracks from Tsai's albums under Sony, four music videos, a documentary, a remix medley, and two previously unreleased songs: "My Choice" and "Clothing Astrology".
In its first week of release, the album topped the sales charts of G-Music and Five Music in Taiwan. By December 12, 2006, it was reported that the album had sold over 100,000 copies in Taiwan and was ranked as the fifth best-selling album of the year in the region. Additionally, it was ranked 14th on Five Music's year-end album sales chart of 2006.
Writing and recording.
"My Choice" and "Clothing Astrology" are two tracks that Tsai had previously recorded during her time with Sony but were ultimately not included in her albums due to concerns over maintaining a balanced musical style. "My Choice" is a heartfelt ballad that opens with a near-accapella piano arrangement, showcasing Tsai's delicate and emotionally charged vocal delivery. As the song progresses into the chorus, orchestral strings are introduced, amplifying the emotional depth of the track. The song lyrically explores the theme of unchosen separation after the end of a romantic relationship, and Tsai effectively conveys the feeling of helpless waiting.
"Clothing Astrology" is a mid-tempo dance track with a distinct hip-hop influence, featuring a strong rhythmic beat that invites listeners to move in sync with its pulsating energy. Tsai adds a seductive vocal performance, presenting a side of her artistry that contrasts with her usual style. This track highlights a different, more sensual facet of her vocal persona. Additionally, Sony BMG specially produced a remix medley for the album, which seamlessly blends electronic versions of her hits "Signature Gesture", "Magic", "Say Love You", "Overlooking Purposely", "Prague Square", and "Rewind".
Music Videos.
On April 26, 2006, Sony BMG released the music video for "My Choice", directed by Chin Cho. The video featured Ring Chiu, a member of the group MYRS, who was chosen to portray the female lead due to her resemblance to Tsai. The casting decision sparked mixed reactions from fans. On May 27, 2006, Sony BMG released the music video for "Clothing Astrology", directed by Bill Chia. The video featured six dolls designed to resemble Tsai, showcasing outfits from her previous music videos, including "Magic" and "J-Game". Sony BMG stated that the music video was a "graduation gift" for Tsai, marking her transition to a new phase in her career, and was also intended as a blessing for her future endeavors.
Critical reception.
"Tencent Entertainment"'s Shu Wa commented: "This compilation, released by Sony, was issued one week prior to Jolin Tsai's new album "Dancing Diva" under EMI. For the second time, Tsai found herself in direct competition with her own market. Regardless of any hype or media attention, her works were still highly sought after by fans. In terms of content, the album includes two new songs and 20 of her hit singles from her time with Sony, alongside a bonus J1 Concert video, which added considerable appeal. Strictly speaking, this was the first compilation with pre-order options made for Tsai, and it became the best-selling of all her compilations released after her departure from Sony."
Sina Music's Stephen Lee reviewed: "In fact, this album comprehensively includes Tsai's most popular tracks from her Sony BMG era, making it highly appealing. Songs like "Say Love You", "Magic", "Sky", "Overlooking Purposely", "Pirates", and "J-Game" were major hits in both Hong Kong and Taiwan, often favorites in karaoke sessions. These tracks represent her signature works from the Sony period and are essential for anyone wanting to revisit her development during this time. However, the two new songs, "My Choice" and "Clothing Astrology", are relatively average. The former is a smooth and lyrical piece with a melancholic atmosphere, but when compared to songs like "Sky" or "Rewind", it feels less remarkable—a steady but unremarkable ballad. As for "Clothing Astrology", the lyrics and composition are unremarkable, and the song lacks energy, with the performance also falling short. It is better to listen to her older tracks, which are far more impressive."
References.
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