''Half'' is the second

extended play An extended play record, usually referred to as an EP, is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP record.

by Chinese singer-songwriter

Joker Xue Joker Xue (, born 17 July 1983) is a Chinese singer-songwriter and record producer. Formerly known as Jacky Xue, Xue is known for his hit songs and stage charisma with his signature musical style. Since his 2006 debut, Xue has produced a string ...

. It was released on October 17, 2015, by Ocean Butterflies and later acquired by Xue's own label Chaoshi Music.

Background

''Half'' is the second of the two EPs Xue said he would release prior to the full album in a bid to make sure every song has a chance to be heard by the audience because most songs on a full album are often ignored for the lead single. Xue once again served as the producer on the album, collaborating with Guo Ding,

Li Ronghao Li Ronghao (born July 11, 1985, in Bengbu, Anhui) is a Chinese singer-songwriter, actor and producer. He has released six studio albums, three EPs, and won the Golden Melody Award for Best New Singer in 2013. He has also acted in 3 movies, most ...

and Peter Krafft on the songs. "Child" is written and composed by Guo, who has previously worked with Xue on his albums before. Xue liked the song as soon as he heard the

demo Demo, usually short for demonstration, may refer to: Music and film *Demo (music), a song typically recorded for reference rather than release * ''Demo'' (Behind Crimson Eyes), a 2004 recording by the band Behind Crimson Eyes * ''Demo'' (Deafhea ...

, the message that people who are too rational and calculating in love wishing to regain the "innocent heart of a child" resonated with him. Xue considers "Half" the best set of lyrics he's written in the past few years. It details a breakup of a couple where "half of you has become my fetter, and half of me has become your obstacle." "Stay Here", composed by Kraff, was originally intended for an English song but Xue thought it was so good that he couldn't resist writing the lyrics for it, creating a song that memorializes his stubbornness with the hope that in the future, he won't make the same mistake again. Xue continues to showcase his unique "Xue Style Love Song" and maturity in his music through his second EP, finally letting go of the emotional pain of the past and presenting it in his songs through different emotions such as determination, sadness, nostalgia, regret, tenderness, pain... When the listener hears Xue's songs, they can't help but be touched by the story in his music. ''Half'' won the top spot on many music charts since its release. On November 10, Ocean Butterflies held celebration in Beijing in honor of ''Half'' surpassing 100 million listening volume, achieved in less than a month.

Track listing

References

{{authority control 2015 EPs Joker Xue albums Mandarin-language albums Mandopop EPs