As the internet buzzes, the song "Gao Bai Qi Qiu" (Confession Balloon) continues to gain popularity.
In just two days, a single live acoustic version has dominated major short video platforms both domestically and internationally, with countless netizens eagerly requesting the official release.
This surge in popularity is beyond what many anticipated. With its current momentum, it's clear that if an official version of the song is released, it would likely top all music platform charts.
However, popularity often breeds controversy.
Even the current artist, Ting Yu, faces criticism online.
#Ting Yu Has Run Out of Ideas, Wasting His Reputation on a Drivel Song.#
A music critic's online statement ignited a public debate.
"The lyrics of this song are too straightforward, not fitting Ting Yu's current standing."
"The melody is also very simple, not a top-tier piece."
"I believe 'Gao Bai Qi Qiu' shows Ting Yu is not at his best."
"Qing Li Xiang's lyrics from before truly amazed me, but this song makes me feel like I'm listening to a viral hit from a Douyin influencer."
Is "Gao Bai Qi Qiu" a drivel song?
The answer is, not entirely.
Drivel songs are defined by their excessive use of ornate language and a catchy melody for "popularization," generally lacking a core theme.
While "Gao Bai Qi Qiu" has a catchy melody, its lyrics, though direct, create a sweet atmosphere. The core theme is sweetness, and the lyrics do not lack poetic quality.
In fact, high-sweetness songs like "Gao Bai Qi Qiu," while not as astonishing in arrangement and lyrics as "Yi Fu Zhi Ming" (In the Name of the Father), have the broadest audience.
After Ting Yu's dark trilogy, he had already achieved god-tier status in lyricism and composition. However, these songs had a certain level of professionalism, and while the public knew they were great, they couldn't pinpoint exactly why.
"Gao Bai Qi Qiu," on the other hand, is different.
The song is fresh and casual, easy to sing along to, and fully captures the flutter of young love. The chorus, in particular, is a universal "hand-waving song." You can't quite explain why, but when listening to this song, you'll find yourself raising your hands and swaying to the melody and rhythm.
Where there is doubt, there is also defense.
And at this time,
Mo Yan, known as the entertainment industry's number one Ting Yu supporter, steps forward without hesitation!
"I've noticed a rather amusing situation. When people believe the public's musical taste has improved, but not entirely, they tend to label popular songs as drivel. If 'Gao Bai Qi Qiu' is truly a drivel song, then the term 'drivel song' loses its derogatory meaning."
Mo Yan's subconscious implication in saying this was:
"Do you guys have to pretend so much?
What good does it do for the domestic entertainment industry to follow the trend and criticize Ting Yu?
And besides the lyrics lacking poetic depth and being too direct, is the melody of 'Gao Bai Qi Qiu' really at the level of a drivel song?"
With a big shot leading the way,
The fans naturally gain confidence.
"These nitpickers are just idle. Just say if 'Gao Bai Qi Qiu' sounds good or not!"
"It's not like they're participating in a major competition. Ting Yu casually sang a song to make his girlfriend happy, and these contrarians are already blowing it out of proportion."
"Haven't you seen how touched Lin Yanyu is? And this song hasn't even released its official version yet, and these stubborn ones can't help themselves."
"And wasting his reputation? If one song can waste his reputation, then Ting Yu's reputation and achievements are too cheap, aren't they?"
Everyone expresses their opinions online, arguing enthusiastically.
A song that caters to popular taste is not necessarily a drivel song.
Although mass appeal and art are two different levels,
This song perfectly captures popular aesthetics but has an essential difference from Douyin viral hits.
This is because it has excellent arrangement and the lyrics have a core message, unlike those drivel songs that merely pile up flowery words.
This is also why, when Jay Chou released "Gao Bai Qi Qiu," people said he had run out of ideas, yet "Gao Bai Qi Qiu" still managed to dominate the charts.
At that time, "Gao Bai Qi Qiu" was all the rage across the country, but it was fiercely disliked by his own fans, which was quite tragic.
The reason for all this is the issue of "popularization." When a song becomes immensely popular, it's deemed cheap.
If "Gao Bai Qi Qiu" hadn't become so popular, the online discourse would undoubtedly be different.
"Why does 'Gao Bai Qi Qiu' have such a good melody but fail to become popular?"
Therefore, Su Yu was not particularly surprised by the song's significant market reaction after its release.
Because the song aligns with popular aesthetics, people like it. Coupled with his fame and reputation, it's quite normal for it to become a viral hit online through a live acoustic version.
As for the remarks calling it a drivel song,
Su Yu did not pay much attention to them.
As the fans said,
At that time and in that place,
"Gao Bai Qi Qiu" was more suitable than any other song.
…
The debate over "Gao Bai Qi Qiu" continues to rage.
However, it does not affect Su Yu's current reputation and status.
He is on the verge of reaching the peak of Blue Star, and such minor negative evaluations have no impact on him.
There are only a few days left until the grand finals of "Time Music King."
However, before the finals, he and Lin Yanyu are scheduled to attend an art exhibition.
"Su Su, should we do a live stream?" outside the art exhibition venue, Lin Yanyu asked Su Yu hesitantly after a moment's thought.
"No need, live streaming is too troublesome, and we won't be able to enjoy ourselves fully. Besides, art exhibitions like this have their own live streaming channels. If we steal their spotlight, it might be awkward," Su Yu shook his head.
Various large-scale events on Blue Star have their own official live streaming channels.
Let alone the world's top art exhibitions.
They feature world-renowned masterpieces.
To gain attention, the organizers naturally set up their own live streams.
If he were to stream, he would undoubtedly divert some of the official traffic, potentially causing dissatisfaction, which would be pointless.
It's better to enjoy himself within the exhibition.
"Alright," Lin Yanyu nodded, then linked her arm with Su Yu's and walked into the exhibition. "I heard they're auctioning some privately collected masterpieces at this exhibition. If possible, I'd like to bid on one for you to give to my dad. He enjoys studying these things, and with Chinese New Year approaching, he would be very happy to receive a gift from you."
"How can my little fairy do all the work? I'll bid on one myself later," Su Yu couldn't help but praise Lin Yanyu's thoughtfulness.
He hadn't really considered this aspect. Fortunately, Lin Yanyu reminded him.
Chinese New Year is approaching, and he does need to prepare gifts for everyone.
Since his father-in-law enjoys these paintings, he must get him one.
After all, Lin Chaoyang has helped him so much; buying something to show filial piety to his father-in-law is the most basic courtesy.
"It doesn't matter who bids; we're getting married soon anyway."
Although there's still some time until the wedding, Lin Yanyu and Su Yu are already like an old married couple.
Moreover, she's a little rich woman who doesn't lack money.
So, there's no clear distinction in these matters.