Alright, listen. I know my last article is about LAY‘s, but that was before I heard his entire album’s greatness. I used to have a series called Music Tuesdays, where I talked about new music releases that I enjoyed, and why. LAY has inspired me to bring that back, and yes, I know today isn’t Tuesday.

Lit

This m/v has to have been one of the most incredible videos I’ve EVER seen. Lit has a DRAGON for goodness sakes! There’s crumping; there are traditional Chinese instruments, soldiers getting ready to go to war, fight scenes…did I mention the dragon? I can’t even wrap my mind around the musicality in this song. Just…if you haven’t watched the video yet, please do so now. Thank me later. Wait, thank LAY, not me.

Jade

Why does this song make me want to do the Birdman clap (please Google the gif)? I know LAY is talking about someone with incredible beauty (of Jade), but when I hear the beat drop on this song, I’m ready to dance. My dancing is not beautiful. Jade is on my workout list (along with half of LAY’s album) so that one day someone will refer to me as their perfect match and want me to stay by their side.

Eagle

Is LAY calling himself an Eagle? I can see it, honestly. He’s out here chasing his dream, flying around the sun like he was the majestic bird. Eagle is another banger that goes on the workout playlist.

H2O

My favorite song from the album by FAR. I saw LAY on social media accepting the World Health Organization’s Safe Hands Challenge by discussing how important it is to wash your hands and stay safe. He used his song, THIS SONG, to make washing hands more fun. H2O does not make me want to wash my hands. It makes me think this song needs to be on someone’s After Dark playlist (plot twist, it’s on mine). The instruments backing this track make it a great relaxing song as well. I can’t even speak about LAY’s vocals on this. Breathtaking.

Fly

After H2O, I’m glad Fly has me back in the weight room. I wish I could name all the instruments that LAY uses because the overall effect has me singing this song long after my playlist has left it.

Soul

Another After Dark song for my playlist. You can’t change my mind. Okay, reading the lyrics made me change my mind. LAY is once again showing his strength in lyric writing by discussing what a new soul brings “energy, empathy, creativity, persevering.” It seems to be an ode to himself as he expresses how he won’t let himself down. I think it’s a great track and my number 2 in the order of importance.

Changsha

I’m not someone who twerks, but this song makes me which I could. I know that’s a bit much to imagine, so let’s say that it is a great groove song. The kind of music that makes you want to hop in the car and blast it with the windows down. Changsha is a city in China’s Hunan province, which, according to Top China Travel, is a famous ancient city that is rich with a history going back 3,500 years. Add that to the fact that it is the birthplace of LAY, and we got a hometown anthem fit for the Gods.

Mama

This song has this mama, an emotional mess. Listening to the chorus “Let me fly, fly away” makes me think that LAY wrote this as a message to his mom, reassuring her that he would be okay with going his own way. The line “unlock the cuffs and let me free” really hit me. My oldest turned 18 recently, and I know he’s ready to fly away and start his own journey. Damn LAY, this song is deep.

Boom

Please take me to a tropical island stat so that I can drink a fruity drink and dance to this song for 24 hours straight. Boom is guaranteed to get your hips swaying regardless of if you know how to dance or not. I just wish this song was longer. Two minutes and 30 seconds is not enough for me. I’ve hit repeat more times than I’d like to admit.

Call My Name

Lay slows things down and tells us when we call his name, our call exceeds all languages. Sir? Okay. I love that he’s included this mid-tempo, love song on the album. It almost sounds like he’s pleading with someone to not leave him for a choice he’s made. I am curious about what he could have done to make anyone want to leave, but…maybe I should mind my business and enjoy the song.

Late Night

This is what happens when you drink alone. Late Night’s bass-heavy thumps have you thinking about the choices in your life. When LAY sings about ordering champagne, looking for tipsy comfort, I felt attacked. I can guarantee that everyone has had a moment (or Night) where they are exhausted, mentally, and physically after pursuing their dreams. I’ve said it before but, damn LAY, this song is deep.

Wish

I guess LAY wanted to kick me when I was down with Wish. I’m a sucker for simply beautiful songs that feature a guitar and amazing vocals. Add in the lyrics of someone who wants to return to simpler times of a relationship when it’s just starting. I’m a sobbing mess while I write this. How many of us have had a bad break up or argument? (raises hand) How many of us STILL think about what you should have said instead of what you did? When LAY says courage always comes late, I felt that in my soul. I’m sad, but I’m happy I went through this incredible journey of his album.

 

Final Thoughts

What is so inspiring and straight-up dope as hell about LIT is that LAY created a sensational, cross-cultural music style all of his own. He used traditional Chinese instruments and modern hip-hop beats for a new innovative sound interlaced with English and Mandarin lyrics. The tracks were co-written and co-produced by LAY to ensure his message and story are infused in each song.

Take a listen to his album and let me know what you think? I know I’ll be playing this on repeat for the next week at least.