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 Masterpieces & Popular Songs] Recommended Tracks and Hit Songs from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan (51–60)
One-man showLAY
This is the solo debut song in China by Lay, who is active in Korea as a member of EXO.
The title “独角戏” seems to be a play on his image character, the unicorn (独角兽).
In contrast to his idol image, it features a heavy, weighty sound—an enjoyable track you’ll want to listen to late at night.
The moment of the New YearSNH48
The well-known 48 Group.
They’re based in Shanghai.
In 2016, they became independent from the group due to contractual issues, but they still hold general elections and so on.
Their songs and costumes are from the original AKB, but since they have many beautiful members, they come across as more glamorous than the original.
SoulmateHebe Tien
Hebe Tien, a leading female singer from Taiwan.
“Soulmate” was released in 2016 as the title track of her album Day by Day.
The music video was filmed around Sakurajima and Yakushima in Kagoshima Prefecture, which I feel adds deeper mystique to the song’s world.
The lyrics sing that no matter how deeply two people love each other, their souls can never truly become one.
There’s even a story that Hebe herself was moved to tears when she first heard the demo and later couldn’t sing in the studio, and the song’s depth—woven through her richly emotive vocals—makes it a beautiful ballad.
The Name Engraved in My Heart Your Name Engraved HereinRo Kōchū Crowd Lu
It’s the theme song of a 2020 Taiwanese LGBT film, whose title means “Your Name Engraved Herein.” It seems to convey a bittersweet feeling of supporting someone precious who shines amid the turbulence of friendship, love, and many emotions, while keeping one’s true feelings locked in the heart.
Crowd Lu’s gentle, beautiful voice really resonates.
Of course it’s a song you’ll want to hear alongside the film, and a key highlight is the rare chance to hear Crowd Lu himself perform the piece that was provided for the movie.
[C-POP Classics & Popular Songs] Recommended and Hit Songs from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan (61–70)
Persistence feat. Jay ChouWuyuètiān Mayday
MAYDAY is a six-member rock band from Taiwan that has even performed with groups like GLAY and flumpool.
Although they are a rock band, most of their songs are essentially pop in style, making them recommended even for those who aren’t fond of rock.
Their track “Persistence” feat.
"Jay Chou" is also crafted as an easy-to-listen ballad.
I just love you too muchHins Cheung
A passionate ballad by Hins Cheung that has been a major standout in recent years.
It opens quietly with no beat in the first half, then shifts to an R&B structure from the second verse.
As you might guess, it’s a breakup song and remains a long-running hit.
It expresses lingering feelings—sadness and regret—toward a former lover after the relationship has ended.
Hins Cheung is a relatively veteran singer, born on February 1, 1981, in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou.
It will be okay.LAY Zhang Yixing
Lay, a Chinese member of the K-pop idol group EXO, released this song in February 2020 as an anthem to support people around the world facing the COVID-19 crisis.
It conveys the hope that tomorrow will surely come, the love of caring for each individual, and the determination to overcome this together.
Even as the times when we can’t be together physically have increased, its warmth encourages us by bringing our hearts closer.
His voice is truly wonderful, so be sure to focus on that when you listen.