*** Album and song concept supplied by Xiao Zhan Official Fanclub 《肖战影音会》***
The album “WM” comprises a total of 10 songs, about me, about you, about TA (he/she), about the emotions everyone might encounter, or the relationships between people in this vast city. Each song attempts to narrate a different state of “me,” encountering or exploring various emotions and insights. Some emotions are subtle and often easily overlooked, while others are complex and hard to articulate, collectively forming a three-dimensional and rich individual experience of similar feelings with others. The combination of these songs will trigger familiar emotions, providing listeners with a space to freely experience the flow of emotions. You don’t have to smile when you’re happy, you might not cry when you’re sad, you might do something else besides daydreaming when you’re lonely, and would you cheer when you feel happy… You can allow and accept the emergence of all these emotions, such as joy, sadness, loneliness, despair, pain, and confusion. If we cannot reconcile them within ourselves, observe them, experience them, and witness them instead of escaping or hiding them, confronting the real and complex self.
Perhaps each of us is an observer of this world, and each individual is also a unique experimenter of this world at the same time. As individuals who exist independently yet intersect with one another, how do we coherently exist in this indefinable, ever- changing space? How do we blend in the world while remaining unique? Most of us cannot avoid wandering in the spaces of steel and concrete, encountering all kinds of people, and exploring personally. Time cannot be reversed, and as we move forward, we intersect, confront, and interact, “face to face” with different people, and then “back to back” with many people, gradually drifting apart. Understanding, recognition, trust, the possibility to choose and be chosen, are always our eager expectations, but perhaps the outcomes are always not so desirable. No matter whether life unfolds as hoped, can we maintain our pace, continue going forward according to our set goals, or constantly adjust ourselves and explore new paths?
Finding a resonance with me, with you, with TA, with individual inner emotions and connections with the world, gaining an additional balance point, allowing “WM” to be more stretched and relaxed, and achieving more self-consistency and reconciliation, is the emotional experience the entire album hopes to reach.
~*~Song Concept ~*~
“Wild” 《我们》
As civilization has developed to this point, we continue to progress. Each person seems to live within the bounds of secular moral norms, following in step, hoping to uphold kindness and strive to be a universally accepted “good person.” Yet, no matter the moment or situation, we inevitably experience the myriad forms of life. How can we maintain our resilient and unyielding vitality, remaining an undefeated “good person”?
“Anonymous” 《都一样》
The river of life flows like a street, where you and I are travelers, coming and going in a hurried pace. In life, most things do not go as we wish-perhaps we have once felt lost or lonely, unable to see the way forward. Yet, for every person who hesitated or paused, worries and joys are, in essence, “anonymous.” After self-comfort, with a heart full of exploration and reflection on our potential, we have to continue moving forward. We take a brief pause, but we will never halt our steps.
“Return” 《还愿》
We often create an impenetrable shell for ourselves, arming our defenses and hiding our fragility. Beneath the various masks we wear lies a history of moments that have been shaped and sharpened through struggle. Those who are carried by the past conceal their scars, accustomed to speaking words that don’t reflect their true feelings. To confront our innermost, most authentic emotions without avoidance, to learn self-acceptance-this is the path to returning “me” to myself,” and becoming a better version of who we are.
“Glimmering” 《荧》
The “glimmering” in the night light, though faint, remains a reliable source of brightness. The multitude of beings, how alike they are. Through the screens we encounter, the tiny glimmers of “glimmering” gradually converge, emerging into the public eye and illuminating their own worlds. In each interaction with the world, I balance the proud self, seek the unknown self, and encourage the uncertain me. The song incorporates elements such as foot pedals, breath, and stringed instruments, while the piano, with its rich wooden timbre, evokes the sound of sparks igniting as charcoal burns. As the song expresses, even the faintest glimmering can become an essential beacon, lighting the darkness.
“Life of Us” 《漂流》
“I” have journeyed through an unknown past, awakening in an unfamiliar world. The surroundings are strange and surreal, and from here begins “my” drifting journey. A stranger steps into a strange world-should I resist the dual invasion or boldly venture forward? In this unknown realm, there are surprises, dangers, and a vivid spectrum of wonders-colorful, beautiful, and tempting. But how can I avoid being swallowed up and turned into a puppet? Hold on to the path that led me here, and strive to reach the destination I long for. At the intersection of reality and dream, how can I avoid drifting aimlessly with the tide?
“Beacon” 《灯塔》
Alone in the heart of the sea, the beacon stands as the only point of reference amidst the endless waves, reminding us that on the journey of life, we will inevitably encounter moments of rise and fall. The path ahead is like a boat sailing, unaware of when it will face surging waves. Against the wind, undeterred by the storm, it is only the beacon within the heart that shines ahead, anchoring the direction and guiding the way forward.
The guitar, which loops continuously throughout the arrangement, echoes the vast and unceasing sea, while the high-pitched piano notes shine like the light of a beacon in the ocean. The vocals represent the ship, navigating regardless of whether the path ahead is bathed in radiant sunlight or engulfed by sudden storms. May we all carry the unwavering courage to forge ahead, undaunted by the challenges we face.
“Night Person” 《夜行人的自白》
After a long day of work, as you walk alone on your way home, have you ever felt the pang of loneliness? Social interactions have shifted online, as we navigate through various small windows, constantly refreshing, liking, and absorbing fragmented content, seeking fleeting moments of excitement through our fingertips. Each glowing screen illuminates the night beneath the urban landscape. As we rely on virtual communication in the digital realm, it often feels as though we are stepping into a broader world. Yet, sometimes “night walking” is not a choice, but a result of emotions such as fear and insecurity-feelings that cannot be concealed, entangling and confining those who have to navigate the night. When the captivating hustle of the night fades and the world quiets, we hope that every “night person” can find peace and solace for their emotions.
“Half-Dream”《归零》
Whether it’s the wind howling past or the mist that blurs the eyes as it settles on the brow, each is an unparalleled encounter along the journey. Looking back, the once blurry path gradually appears, becoming clearer. The arrangement of the entire song creates a calm yet passionate atmosphere. With the cool synth tones blend with strings, gently guiding the listener into a time wormhole where everything resets. It resets everything, bringing you back to the very beginning of the encounter, to verify your determination. The road you’ve traveled has been full of brilliance, obstacles, and loss, and each moment has shaped the person you are now. Ahead, the future still awaits. With a graceful farewell to the past, may you always have the courage to renew yourself and begin again.
“Go Ahead”《不要回头》
This is a song of self- expressing, yet it reaches beyond the “self”. “Go Ahead” is written for the self but also meant for all who listen. On the path ahead, there will always be hope, companionship, and eyes filled with expectation. We cautiously navigate our way through the world, stumbling across uneven paths. There will surely be moments of doubt and disappointment, but please, do not look back. Just go ahead. You will climb mountains and cross seas, discovering endless beauty along the way, while finding moments to pause and savor the fleeting joys of life. At this moment, no matter where the future takes you, the past will always remain as a foundation. The musical arrangement chooses to gently unfold, showcasing the unwavering heart. The path ahead may not always be wide, but it stretches on endlessly. Keep going ahead, and never look back.
“Bonne Nuit”《晚安》
On sleepless nights, with a midnight snack shared by someone. Slurp a bit of noodles and sip some warm soup. Through the faint, rising steam, listen quietly to the murmurs from the other side, whether intense or calm. In this city of steel and concrete, loneliness is a constant. Navigating joy and sorrow on one’s own becomes a rare kind of freedom and strength. As the closing piece that blends various emotions throughout the entire album, it adds warmth and care to a seemingly melancholic background, reflecting an understanding of human relationships. Through learning, growing, and years of busy striving, no matter what we seek, we hope to find food that satisfies, greetings that carry warmth, and rare moments of understanding and companionship, filling the gaps in every heart. At the end of a busy day, to ourselves, the family or friends by our side, say a goodnight.
