"Someday, Somewhere" is a song by Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai, written by Tsai, Richard Craker, and Jen Chih, and produced by Tsai and Howe Chen. The track was released as a standalone single on October 31, 2023, by Eternal, and serves as the theme song for the Netflix series At the Moment (2023).[1] Tsai and Craker received a nomination for Best Composer at the 35th Golden Melody Awards for their work on the track.[2]
On September 27, 2023, Tsai hinted at the possibility of releasing a new single later in the year, sparking anticipation among her fans.[3] On October 5, 2023, Netflix unveiled the trailer for At the Moment (2023), which prominently featured Tsai's new theme song, "Someday, Somewhere".[4] The following October 29, 2023, Warner officially announced via social media that the single would be released at midnight on October 31, 2023.[5][6] Just days later, on November 9, 2023, Tsai released the song's cinematic music video on her YouTube channel.
Composition and recording
"Someday, Somewhere" was co-written by Tsai and Richard Craker, who had previously collaborated on "Ugly Beauty" and "Hubby".[7] The song was built around a gentle piano arrangement, complemented by lush string instruments, with Tsai's vocals layered to match the emotional depth of the show's themes. The lyrics express a longing for love, coupled with the regret of words left unsaid in the moment. Described as a dialogue between the present self and a future self, the song reflects on love, time, and the connections we forge.[8]
In the creative process, Tsai worked closely with Lien Yi-chi, the lead director of At the Moment (2023), who shared the series' script and suggested that Tsai approach the theme from an angel's perspective, observing urban romance on public transportation.[9] Tsai crafted a ballad that balances beauty with regret, aligning both melody and lyrics with the series' themes of love and reflection.[10]
For the first time, Tsai also took on the role of vocal producer, alongside co-producer Howe Chen. While her demo recordings showcased strong emotional delivery, Tsai worked diligently in the studio to adjust phrasing, resonance, and dynamics.[11] Tsai even set up a home studio to rehearse, often recording multiple takes before heading to the official sessions. The track features subdued phrasing in the beginning, which gradually builds into a soaring, emotionally charged climax.[12]
Critical reception
Zhao Buyi, a Taiwanese musician, lauded Tsai's involvement in the composition, calling the song a "healing ballad for autumn" that conveys both courage and strength through Tsai's impassioned vocals, especially with the lyric line, "confess bravely, turn away bravely, be brave wholeheartedly".[13]
Hu Zhimin also commented on the song's melody, describing it as both beautiful and reflective of the hesitation and determination often felt in love.[14] Zhong Wanyun, a musician, observed that the song carries the atmospheric qualities of early 2000s ballads, with a slower pace and a focus on musical detail.[14]
Dai Ruo My Yi, a reviewer, highlighted Tsai's more delicate and airy vocal delivery, noting the blend of warmth, grandeur, and clarity in her voice.[15] San Shi Yi Sheng, another critic, remarked that the song revealed Tsai's ethereal ballad style, reminiscent of her early 1019 (1999) era but now with more refined breath control.[16]
On PlayMusic, reviewer Creamypolly praised the song for showcasing Tsai's first effort in combining lyric-writing, composition, and production. The review noted the track's rare softness and near a cappella style, with no choreography, allowing Tsai's vocal timbre to shine through. Tsai's voice was described as tender yet resilient, making the song "very beautiful to listen to."[17]
Awards
On May 16, 2024, Tsai and Richard Craker received a Best Composer nomination at the 35th Golden Melody Awards for their work on "Someday, Somewhere."[2]
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