Artist: VanNess Wu 吳建豪
Album: V.Dubb
Release date: 2007

I'm usually not too easy to please, and I do believe in constructive criticism. But I'll admit it right off the top here, I can't come up with anything negative to say about this album.

Having said that, I must point out that I tend to like very little R&B, and do not generally enjoy rap, hiphop, or dance music. VanNess obviously does, and clearly shows it in his latest release. With the exception of 'Eternity', every track on V.Dubb would be categorised as one or a combination of the above genres, with some pop-ish touches mixed in for good measure. So keep in mind, everything I say is coming from someone for whom this type of music is not the norm.

V.Dubb got its hooks into me from the first time I heard track #1, 'Wo De Wang Guo' (My Kingdom). That tune infiltrated my brain upon just one hearing, took up residence and refused to leave for days. Track #2, 'Never Let You Go', did the same, repeating itself ad infinitum and forcing me to keep hitting the 'play' button so that my ears could duplicate the sound inside my head. It was like demonic possession, only a lot more fun.

With tracks like 'Friday Night', 'Huan Xiang Zhe Ai' (Fantasy Love), and 'Ling Shi Cha' (Zero Time Difference), you will probably find your body moving entirely on its own, whether you are aware (or even willing) or not. This can be especially mortifying if you happen to be caught bopping around the room like a maniac by your dad/brother/sister/pizza-delivery boy who you didn't hear come in.

The ballads are sweet and heartwarming and occasionally gut-wrenching, as a ballad should be. The voice is so expressive, you'll feel the spirit of the songs even if you don't understand a word of the lyrics. If you do understand them or can get a translation, all the better, because VanNess is a true poet. 'Fang Shou' (Let Go), 'Ru Guo' (IF), and 'MaMa' (written for VanNess's own mom, straight from the heart) are tear-jerkers in the literal sense of the word. I have to be very conscious of myself when listening to these in the presence of others, or I may embarrass myself severely.

'Eternity' is in a category all its own. This is a ballad that stands out as totally different from every other track on the album, as the music is more of a melodic, soulful rock/pop. It tells the story of a love that began in first grade and continues steadfast over the years, until the young man pleads with his sweetheart to trust in their fate and accept his love "for eternity"... god I'm getting teary-eyed thinking about it now. Just... simply beautiful. That one track alone would be worth the cost of the entire cd. Seriously.

Perhaps I am simply biased because I happen to adore this guy. But really, I don't enjoy an album this much very often. As I said, this stuff is not my usual cup of tea--and yet V.Dubb makes me want to dive into the cup and swim around in it until my skin turns pruney. If you like this style of music, I don't see how you can go wrong with this album. Get V.Dubb, asap. You won't be sorry!

~reviewed by: Leica 麗香

V.Dubb Music Videos:
"Ma Ma" - VanNess Wu 吳建豪:

"Never Let You Go" - VanNess Wu 吳建豪:

"Wo De Wang Guo (My Kingdom)" - VanNess Wu 吳建豪: