10 Jackson Wang Tracks You Need to Know Before Seeing Him Live
The pop megastar makes his India debut at Lollapalooza this weekend; learn more about him via his biggest hits
Before you head to Lollapalooza India to catch his performance, check out our list of some of his biggest hits to learn more about his artistry. Photo: Courtesy of Team Wang
“Bullet To The Heart” (2019)
With lyrics penned by Wang, “Bullet To The Heart” was a particularly vulnerable release, exploring the pain and heartbreak that surrounds pursuing a passion, relationship or other life goals.The track was also co-composed by him and is primarily a mix of slow R&B and trap, building a minimalist base to make Wang’s gravelly voice the main focus. In the music video, Wang is disheveled and exhausted as a woman in black flings him around the room with telekinetic powers.
“100 Ways” (2020)
In his 2020 single “100 Ways,” Wang teams up with dance crew The Kinjaz to tell the spellbinding story of a love that transcends time and death. The track keeps its instrumentals minimal but complex, blending deep house with haunting strains of flute, synth and trap.
“Pretty Please” (2020)
Wang teamed up with Swedish producer Galantis to deliver the funky and playful EDM single “Pretty Please” in 2020. The artist also co-directed and conceptualized the endearing music video which pays tribute to the Nineties Hong Kong cinema style.
“LMLY” (2021)
“LMLY” sees Wang foray into the iconic era of Eighties disco-pop sound marked with his laid-back, soothing vocals. Written and composed by Wang alongside Michael Matosic, Richard Boardman, LOSTBOY and Pablo Bowman, “LMLY” narrates the tale of a secret admirer daydreaming about a woman he just met. The music video co-directed by Wang is set in the same universe as “Pretty Please.”
“Drive You Home” (2021)
Armored with a gripping storyline and smooth R&B, Jackson Wang’s “Drive You Home” sees the multi-faceted artist join hands with American music collective Internet Money. The cinematic music video–which plays out in reverse–sees Wang as a suited corporate man who is backed with power, wealth and love, but is then struck by tragedy.
“Blow” (2022)
This track was our first glimpse of Jackson Wang’s stunning studio album Magic Man. He dives into Nineties-style grunge rock–a departure from any of his previous works–with a thrilling music video he described to Rolling Stone India as a “Renaissance age concept.”
“Cruel” (2022)
“Cruel” shows us a different side of the singer-songwriter and producer as he harnesses the power of grunge-pop to accentuate the phenomenal performer that resides within him. The track is about an electrifying relationship, and the music video and live stages showcase some of Wang’s most intense and sultry choreography yet.
“Blue” (2022)
Characterized by smooth grooves, “Blue” is a fitting single to lead an album that unearths hidden chapters from Wang’s life and admiration for the rock genre. The track also sees Wang adopt an emotive and mellow vocal approach as he gives listeners a glimpse of his relationship with solitude and who he runs to when it eventually sneaks up on him.
“Champagne Cool” (2022)
The absolute champion from the Magic Man LP, “Champagne Cool” is a true reflection of Wang’s ability to take on any genre with ease. The singer-songwriter and producer uses a backdrop of smooth desert rock as he breaks down the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry to unveil the darkness that lurks right under. The music video is a loop of genius choreography that hits every beat on the track, despite the endless repetition of moves and is a hypnotic wonder.
“Come Alive” (2022)
On “Come Alive” from his 2022 critically-acclaimed LP Magic Man, Wang explores blends of jazz and alt-rock to highlight his falsetto. The sleek but chilling music video sees him take on the role of a master of an undead circus, using his power to resurrect and direct the troupe around him.
