Ugly Beauty
Jolin Tsai · 2018
39 min · 11 tracks · pop music
A vibrant mix of C-pop and electronic sounds, weaving together themes of beauty, identity, and personal struggle.
Top tracks — play these first
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玫瑰少年 Start here — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics addressing gender identity, showcasing Jolin's commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights through pop music.
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愛的羅曼死 — Combining catchy hooks with darker themes of love and loss, this song encapsulates the album's exploration of contrasting emotions.
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紅衣女孩 — The narrative-driven lyrics delve into societal expectations of women, making it a powerful commentary on femininity and empowerment within contemporary culture.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances energetic pop with introspective moments, showcasing strong production and thoughtful lyrics.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent electronic pop sound with layered synths and rhythmic beats, establishing the album's energetic tone.
- Tracks four through six introduce slower tempos and more introspective lyrics, creating a contrast that deepens the emotional impact.
- The final two tracks shift back to a more upbeat style, but incorporate complex arrangements that blend various electronic elements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- introspective lyrics for self-discovery
- bold themes challenging societal norms
- consistent flow for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- seek standalone tracks over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Explores bold themes and innovative sound, marking a significant artistic evolution.
- Themes
- beauty standards critique· gender identity exploration· self-acceptance journey
- Career context
- Ugly Beauty marked Jolin Tsai's return after her 2014 album Play. By 2018, she had solidified her status as a leading figure in the C-pop scene, known for her innovative sound and artistic evolution. This album reflects her willingness to tackle complex themes while embracing a more mature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- G.E.M.· Rainie Yang· Faye Wong
Tracklist
- 1 惡之必要 Start here 3:50
- 2 玫瑰少年 3:11
- 3 怪美的 3:02
- 4 你也有今天 3:06
- 5 紅衣女孩 3:15
- 6 甜秘密 3:27
- 7 愛的羅曼死 4:38
- 8 如果我沒有傷口 5:01
- 9 腦公 2:55
- 10 消極掰 3:02
- 11 你睡醒再看 3:41
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Art Angels
Grimes
Shares bold electronic production with introspective lyrics on identity and societal norms.
This Is Acting
Sia
Explores themes of self-acceptance and societal expectations through a pop lens with electronic influences.
Magdalene
FKA twigs
Combines electronic pop with personal narratives on gender and identity, creating an introspective atmosphere.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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