Jay has also single-handedly redrawn the Mando-pop map with five albums by defying what was long accepted as the only format for success in the industry: ie, a handsome star singing simple love songs over harmless melodic instrumentation. Jay, by contrast, can rap in Taiwanese about nothing in particular before segueing into a more standard love ballad and then moving into a heavier, guitar-laden piece decrying a social ill. All without coming across as forced or insincere.
His album Jasmine sold 300,000 copies in Taiwan and Chou's total album sales in Asia are approximately 10 milion, from five albums.
His outward persona as the befuddled class dawdler who somehow happened into success also seems to strike a chord with young people's need for an anti-hero amid Mando-pop's crowded pantheon of polished, packaged pop stars.
At 173cm and of average looks, with a tendency to hide under a hooded sweatshirt and baseball cap, Jay could be any other 25-year-old wandering around Ximending. Except, he's not. At the annual Golden Melody Awards he has for the past three years walked away with the lion's share of trophies in the pop categories.
At tomorrow's concert Jay can be expected to perform some of the hits off that album and selections from his earlier ones. A word of caution, though: if he goes through all his hits, while breaking for the half-dozen or so outfit changes he's known for, the show could go until morning. So wear comfortable shoes and keep in mind that etiquette calls for raincoats not umbrellas.
Performace Notes:
What: Jay Chou Incomparable Tour 2004
When: Tomorrow, 7:30pm
Where: Taipei Municipal Stadium, 5 Dunhua N Rd, Taipei
Tickets: Tickets remain for NT$1,200. Available at the door or through artsticket.com.tw
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