Harmony cover

Harmony

Sa Dingding · 2010

57 min · 11 tracks · pop music

A mesmerizing blend of traditional Chinese melodies with modern pop and electronic elements that evokes a sense of otherworldly serenity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hua — This track exemplifies the album's thematic focus on nature and spirituality, combining ethereal vocals with rich instrumentation that transports listeners.
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    Pomegranate Woman — Here, Sa Dingding explores feminine identity through vivid imagery and cultural references, creating a powerful narrative that resonates beyond language.
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    Xi Carnival — The upbeat tempo and festive arrangement make this track a standout, reflecting the celebratory spirit of the album while incorporating traditional musical elements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional and modern sounds effectively, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that incorporate traditional Chinese instruments alongside electronic beats, creating a layered sound.
  • Several tracks, such as 'Girl in a Green Dress' and 'Pomegranate Woman', utilize call-and-response vocal techniques that highlight cultural elements.
  • The final track, 'Xi Ran Ning Po - Introspection', shifts to a more ambient soundscape, contrasting with the earlier rhythmic pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Ha Ha Li Li 5:18
  • 2 Girl in a Green Dress 4:24
  • 3 Hua 4:57
  • 4 Pomegranate Woman 5:43
  • 5 Blue Horse 4:49
  • 6 Yun Yun Nan Nan 6:25
  • 7 Xi Carnival 4:48
  • 8 Little Tree/Big Tree 3:49
  • 9 Lucky Day 5:12
  • 10 Xi Ran Ning Po - Introspection 5:53
  • 11 Ha Ha Li Li (Paul Oakenfold remix) 6:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata