Capricorn (Jay Chou album)

Capricorn is the ninth studio album by Taiwanese recording artist Jay Chou, released on 14 October 2008, by JVR Music. The album's lyrical content was penned by Chou and his frequent collaborator Vincent Fang, alongside Alang Huang, Ku Hsiao-li, and Juang Ling-ja, whilst composition was handled by Chou himself. The title of the album serves as a homophone in Chinese meaning Capricorn as well as magic—the former of which is a nod to Chou’s zodiac sign. Its production blend elements of pop, hip-hop, rock, and folk music.

Upon its release, Capricorn was subject to positive reviews music critics. It was met with commercial success in various regions in Asia, reaching number one on the G-Music chart in Taiwan and the Hong Kong Record Merchants Association (HKRMA) album chart in Hong Kong. It was the second best-selling record of 2008 in Taiwan, selling 152,000 copies, as well as the third best-selling record of the year in Hong Kong. In Singapore, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association Singapore (RIAS) in 2021.

Three singles were promoted for the album—"Rice Field", "The Promised Love", and "Give Me the Time of a Song". "Rice Field" won Song of the Year at both the Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan and the Beijing Pop Music Awards in China, while Chou won Best Mandarin Male Singer at the former award ceremony for the album.

Background and development
The album’s title is derived from a homophone meaning both magic and Capricorn in Chinese, the latter of which is Chou’s astrological sign. The overarching theme of the album revolves around magic and playing card suits. The album's visuals consist of Chou embodying a knight on a playing card as well as a joker.

Release
"Rice Field" premiered on radio stations in Taiwan on 22 September 2008. Similar to Chou's preceding albums such as November's Chopin and On the Run!, the tracks from Capricorn were prematurely leaked on various websites prior to the official release. Consequently, the record company decided to postpone the intended release date of Capricorn from 9 October to 14 October 2008.

Composition and songs
The album's tracks blend elements of hip-hop and folk music. The lead single, "Rice Field", draws inspiration from Chou’s nostalgic childhood memories. It depicts the plight of contemporary city dwellers, burdened by societal and life pressures, and their growing desire to retreat to a simpler, rural existence. Chou intended to illustrate a idyllic countryside setting, running barefoot through fields, stealing fruits, and carefree childhood play. "The Promised Love" is an emotionally charged ballad that depicts pain associated with break up. It utilizes piano chords intertwined with instrumentals from the violin, cello, and drums.

On year-end charts in Taiwan, "Rice Field", "Give Me the Time of a Song", and "The Promised Love", were ranked at number 3, number 17, and number 56, respectively, on 2008's Hit FM Top 100 Singles of the Year chart.

Music videos
The production of the music videos for "Magician" and “Uncle Jocker" involved over 15 dancers including dance troupes, jazz musicians, and stunt performers from various countries such as Russia. Behind-the-scenes footage of "The Promised Love" depicts Chou inviting actress Andrea Chen to star as the female lead. The music video for "Give Me the Time of a Song" featured actress Jenna Wang in the lead female role. In preparation for the "Snake Dance" music video, Chou underwent specialized training to perfect the dance moves.

Accolades
At the 20th Golden Melody Awards, the album was nominated for eight awards, winning Best mandarin Male Singer, Song of the Year for "Fragrant Rice", and Best Music Video for "Magician".