C-POP Classics and Popular Songs: Recommended Tracks and Hit Songs from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
In this article, we’ll introduce many classic C-pop songs that have been growing in popularity year by year!
C-pop is widely loved.
As an umbrella term for music from the Chinese-speaking world—centered around Mandarin-based Mandopop, along with music originating from Taiwan and Hong Kong’s Cantopop—you’ll find yourself captivated by its many styles.
You’ll surely be drawn in by the high level of musicality and the powerful, skillful vocals.
There are popular theme songs as well as singers and bands who have collaborated with Japanese artists, so keep an eye on those connections too, and be sure to check them out.
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C-POP Classics & Popular Songs: Recommended Tracks and Hit Songs from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan (41–50)
Tears of FortuneEVERFOR
EVERFOR is a project by Su Wei-An, guitarist of the Taiwanese city-pop band Freckles.
This track was released in April 2020.
Overflowing with EVER FOR’s love for city pop and the Shibuya-kei sound, it’s a number whose sparkling sonics are pleasing to the ear and intoxicatingly mellow.
The coupling track also includes a self-cover of “Kasuka na Ugoki,” a song originally provided to Kaede from the Japanese idol unit Negicco.
[C-POP Masterpieces & Popular Songs] Recommended Tracks and Hit Songs from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan (51–60)
I love you.Oushin-rin
“Ai Ni,” an unmissable smash hit in 2022.
It’s a song by Taiwanese singer and actress Cyndi Wang—who has many ties to Japan through her training at Avex and various cover songs—originally released in 2004.
When she performed it on Season 3 of the variety show “Sisters Who Make Waves,” it instantly became a hot topic and sparked an Ai Ni craze! The track is based on the original song “Listen to My Word,” released in 2000 by the Korean artist Papaya.
Its lyrics—expressing a desire to be even more lovey-dovey—are irresistibly cute.
Paired with a catchy, hum-along melody and Cyndi Wang’s sweet vocals, it’s a real mood-lifter.
friendWakin Chau
Besides Taiwan, this song is also famous on the Chinese mainland.
It’s widely recognized across all generations, young and old.
It’s a song about a dear friend, and the lyrics—singing “let’s live together” and “let’s walk together”—are especially noteworthy.
Skin to skinLuhan
This is one of the tracks from Xplore, the digital mini-album by Luhan, a former member of the idol group EXO who has been active in China since leaving the group.
Within the calm soundscape, Luhan’s clear, translucent vocals resonate, and together with the visual beauty of the music video, you can immerse yourself in a stunning world.
LightRocket Girls (huǒjiàn shàonǚ 101)
China’s popular idol group, Rocket Girls 101 (火箭少女101).
They’re idols similar to Japan’s AKB or the Sakamichi groups.
Unlike Japanese idols, they possess at least basic vocal and dance technique.
This song, “Light,” is notable for its BGM that resembles a hip-hop track.
I am a little bird.Ding-dong
Unlike many C-pop artists, who are relatively often from Taiwan, she is unusually from mainland China.
She sings about the difficulties and hardships she has felt in pursuing her dreams.
This is a standout track for its lyrics, which powerfully convey her own feelings.
Love me, don’t leaveChō Shingaku
Taiwanese rock singer Chang Chen-yue.
One of his signature songs, “Love Me, Don’t Go,” was released in 1998 as the title track of the album Secret Base and became a huge hit.
Covered by famous artists like Jay Chou, the song is a poignant breakup ballad that mirrors the chill of the night air.
Its lyrics are simple and easy to relate to.
While the lyrics alone feel sorrowful, paired with Chang Chen-yue’s vocals, the acoustic number carries a gentle, soothing resonance.