"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. It serves as the theme song for the Netflix series At the Moment (2023).[1]
Tsai and Richard Craker received a nomination for Best Composer at the 35th Golden Melody Awards for their work on the track.[2]
Background and release
On September 27, 2023, Tsai hinted to reporters that she might release a new single later that year.[3] On October 5, 2023, Netflix unveiled the trailer for At the Moment, which featured Tsai's new theme song, "Someday, Somewhere".[4] On October 29, 2023, Warner announced via Facebook and Instagram that the single would be released at midnight on October 31.[5][6] On November 9, 2023, Tsai released a cinematic music video of the track on her YouTube channel.
Composition and recording
Tsai co-wrote the track with Richard Craker, with whom she had previously collaborated on "Ugly Beauty" and "Hubby." The two also co-composed the song, with production handled by Tsai and Howe Chen.[7] Built around gentle, slow piano and lush string arrangements, the song layers Tsai's vocals with the show's narrative themes, conveying longing for love alongside the regret of emotions left unspoken in the moment. Its lyrical concept has been described as a future self whispering to the present self, embodying sincerity, connection, and reflection on love and the passage of time.[8]
During the creative process, Tsai frequently consulted with the series' director and production team. Lead director Lien Yi-chi shared the script and suggested she approach the theme from an angel's perspective, quietly observing urban romance on public transportation.[9] Drawing from her own observations and the director's guidance, Tsai crafted a wistful ballad that intertwines beauty and regret, aiming to align both lyrics and melody with the show's core themes.[10]
For the first time, Tsai also served as her own vocal producer. Co-producer Howe Chen explained that while her demo recordings already displayed strong delivery, the official sessions required adjustments in resonance, rhythm, and dynamics to achieve the final, moving performance.[11] He noted that Tsai had even built a small home studio to rehearse, often self-recording multiple takes before entering the studio. On the track, her early phrasing is subdued yet emotionally charged, while the soaring high notes of the latter half release a yearning intensity that draws listeners into the music's emotional arc.[12]
Critical reception
Musician Zhao Buyi praised Tsai's involvement in both lyrics and composition, calling the single a healing ballad for autumn that conveys courage and strength through its impassioned vocals and the lyric line "confess bravely, turn away bravely, be brave wholeheartedly".[13] Musician Hu Zhimin described the melody as both beautiful and reflective of hesitation and determination in love.[14] Musician Zhong Wanyun noted that the track evokes the atmosphere of the early 2000s, when music was created with a slower pace and greater focus on detail.[14]
Reviewer Dai Ruo My Yi remarked that Tsai's vocals sounded more delicate and airy, blending warmth with grandeur and clarity.[15] Critic San Shi Yi Sheng observed that the song showcased Tsai's ethereal ballad style not heard in years, likening her pure, girlish tone to that of her 1019 era, though now with more refined breath control.[16]
Creamypolly from PlayMusic described the track as Tsai's first effort combining lyric-writing, composition, and production. The review highlighted the song's rare softness and near a cappella style without choreography, praising Tsai's vocal timbre as tender yet resilient, highly infectious, and overall "very beautiful to listen to".[17]
Awards
On May 16, 2024, Tsai and Richard Craker received a nomination for Best Composer at the 35th Golden Melody Awards for "Someday, Somewhere".[2]
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