Start from Here
Joanna Wang · 2008
74 min · 17 tracks
A whimsical blend of jazz, pop, and folk influences wrapped in Joanna Wang's ethereal vocals and introspective songwriting.
Top tracks — play these first
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Let's Start From Here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its airy melodies and conversational lyrics that invite listeners into Wang's world.
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Lost in Paradise — Combining vibrant instrumentation with lyrical exploration of escapism, this track showcases Wang’s ability to merge storytelling with catchy hooks.
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The Best Mistake I've Ever Made — This song highlights emotional depth through its narrative about love and regret, reflecting Wang’s thoughtful songwriting prowess.
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New York State of Mind — Wang's rendition of this classic infuses it with her signature style, bridging cultural gaps while showcasing her vocal versatility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres effectively but has moments where its pacing feels uneven.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with a consistent mid-tempo, while the second half shifts to slower, more introspective songs.
- Several tracks incorporate jazz elements, such as syncopated rhythms and improvisational sections, particularly in the instrumental arrangements.
- Wang's vocal delivery often includes layered harmonies and soft dynamics, creating an ethereal quality that complements the whimsical instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective moments of reflection
- ethereal vocals for quiet evenings
- gentle pacing for relaxed listening
- nostalgic themes of longing
- suitable for late-night solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2008, Start from Here is Joanna Wang's debut album following her discovery on a Taiwanese online music platform. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from a budding artist to one making waves in the Mandarin pop scene, marking her entry into the music industry with a unique sound that distinguished her from contemporaries.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Faye Wong· Lisa Hannigan· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Let's Start From Here 3:36
- 2 Lost in Paradise 3:14
- 3 As Love Begins to Mend 5:46
- 4 Bada Bada 3:54
- 5 Lost Taipei 4:36
- 6 The Best Mistake I've Ever Made 4:27
- 7 I Love You 5:16
- 8 For No Reason 4:38
- 9 Stages of Flying 4:00
- 10 Now 3:52
- 11 True 6:06
- 12 New York State of Mind 3:28
Disc 2
- 1 迷宮 3:37
- 2 有你的快樂 3:17
- 3 Now 3:55
- 4 因為你愛我 5:50
- 5 For No Reason 4:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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