Tanya Chua can’t be put in a box. With a career that spans over three decades, the Singaporean singer-songwriter is not afraid to go with her gut, running the gamut of genres to her heart’s desire.
She first debuted in Singapore with her English album Bored. Two years later, she made the bold decision to sing in Mandarin instead, and it was only up and onwards ever since. She established her presence in Taiwan shortly after, going on to become the first and only artist to win ‘Best Mandarin Female Singer’ four times at the acclaimed Golden Melody Awards. Behind the scenes, she penned lyrics for fellow female stars like Faye Wong, Fish Leong and Stefanie Sun.
Where most follow the well-trodden path of commercial success, Chua goes where her heart leads. Her 2007 album Goodbye & Hello came from one of the singer’s lowest periods in life, exploring a variety of musical styles and vocal techniques. Her Aphasia album saw Chua putting her guitar down for producing software instead, creating an EDM-forward record. And when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted and a slower pace of life ensued, Chua focused on stripped back acoustic arrangements with Depart.
Chua certainly knows how to keep listeners on their toes with her expansive discography. From her buzzy Mandopop ballads to her early English deep cuts, Vogue Singapore gives you a hand on where to start when it comes to uncovering the songstress’ artistry.
‘Letting Go’
One of Chua’s most notable songs, and there’s no question as to why. The melancholic pop ballad is undercut by an addictive pop-rock melody that, once paired with Chua’s grounded vocals, is an evergreen song that one can always turn to.
‘讓浪漫作主’ (Romanticism)
Leading up to her Depart album release in 2021, Chua released this track as a final sneak peek. An easy-going melody runs throughout the song, with fans finding solace in Chua’s comforting lyrics of learning to love again after heartbreak.
‘一克拉’ (One Carat)
In 2015, Chua experimented in the studio to create 失語者 (Aphasia), an electronica-based album. This penultimate track drives female power as her resolute voice liken women to diamonds: enduring, illuminating and elegant.
‘Goodbye & Hello’
Found deep in one of her earlier albums from 2007, Chua brought this track back on her Into the B-sides tour where she shone a spotlight on her lesser known tracks. With heavy guitar riffs and a spunky attitude, Chua greets the world with fresh-faced optimism.
‘My Colour TV Set’
The third track from Chua’s debut album Bored is a breeze. The laid-back acoustic groove sends you into a escapist daydream state, wasting the days away flipping through television channels and people watching from your window.
