Adai Song | The Bloom Project (EP Review)

Adai Song is an artist who knows how to mix the past with the present in a way that feels completely natural. Her new EP, The Bloom Project, is inspired by the old Shanghai sound known as shidaiqu, which blended Chinese folk music with Western jazz. But instead of just re-creating it, Adai flips it into something fresh and deeply modern. She brings together everything from traditional Chinese instruments to EDM beats and pop melodies, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and brand new at the same time.

Across eight tracks, The Bloom Project feels like walking through a glowing Shanghai night where the echoes of history mix with the pulse of the future. It’s bold, emotional, and full of personality. Check it out below!

Track by Track

A Lost Singer

The opening track sets the tone perfectly. Built around piano, bass, and the haunting sound of the erhu, it feels intimate yet powerful. Adai’s voice carries both sadness and strength, as if she’s reflecting on what’s been lost but also what she’s learned.

Night Shanghai

This one captures the rhythm of a city that never sleeps. It’s got this cool balance of traditional instruments with dance beats that make it shimmer with energy. There’s a sense of mystery underneath all that sparkle, giving it real depth.

Make Way

“Make Way” is a major standout. It’s full of fire and confidence, turning the classic idea of the rose into a symbol of power. The mix of pipa, synths, and driving percussion is unexpected but works beautifully. It’s the kind of track that feels both elegant and fearless.

I, I Want

Playful and assertive, this track feels like a musical conversation. Adai switches between sweet and sharp, traditional and modern, with total control. There’s a catchy beat underneath that keeps it moving and makes it one of the most replayable songs here.

Carmen 2025

This one is wild. Adai takes inspiration from Carmen and turns it into a fusion of electronic and traditional sounds that feels cinematic. The energy builds and drops in all the right places, and her vocals bring real drama to the mix.

Wuxi Tune

“Wuxi Tune” is both delicate and adventurous. It has touches of jazz and electronic beats, but the traditional melodies give it a deep sense of place. It feels like a bridge between generations, showing how music can evolve without losing its roots.

Wild Thorny Molihua

This track reimagines the classic “Jasmine Flower,” giving it a darker, more defiant edge. The electronics pulse and twist under the traditional melodies, and the result is something haunting and beautiful. It’s one of those songs that lingers long after it ends.

River Run

The EP closes on a peaceful note. “River Run” feels like acceptance, like finally exhaling after a long journey. The production is clean and flowing, and Adai’s voice drifts like water over smooth stones. It’s the perfect ending to such an emotional project.

Final Thoughts

The Bloom Project is a gorgeous blend of old and new, where every track feels like a story unfolding. Adai Song has created something that honors her roots while confidently stepping into the future. It’s rich, bold, and full of heart—a project that truly blossoms with every listen.