There were five Rounds in Call Me By Fire Season 3 before their finale. Each stage broadcasts creative collaboration between 32 contestants (or "brothers") to create masterpieces and set new benchmarks for the Chinese music industry.
This is a list of my personal favourites... top 8 must-watch performances in Call Me By Fire Season 3! Enjoy!
Note: the following song titles are loose /literal Chinese translations as there are no official releases in English.
Walking Fish (行走的鱼)
I interpreted this as a tale of personal growth, where one ventures into the labyrinth of hardship. Performed by brothers with solid vocals: Chen Chu Sheng (陈楚生), Nicky Lee (李玖哲) and Gem (宝石Gem).
Actor 伶人
This is a story of an actor's life in ancient China: a dichotomy of low social status yet performed as important figures in their plays.
A brilliant writing by Xu Liang (徐良), this modern Chinese opera is delivered beautifully by Bird Zhang Yuan (张远) with Derek Ma's (马晓龙) final touches in classical Chinese choreography.
Joker
When five Jokers of unique personalities blend into a masterpiece of chaos and insanity!
Performed by brothers David Wang Yao Qing (王耀庆), Zhang Yuan, Nicholas Teo (张栋梁 Zhang Dong Liang), Jawn Ha and Derek Ma Xiao Long.
Someone Like Me (像我这样的人)
Inspired by the award-winning movie Forrest Gump, this theatrical play portrays four personas of different lamentations from different walks of life... all through the eye of a narrator.
Performed by Tiger Hu Yan Bin (胡彦斌), Lu Yi (陆毅), Xevier Bo Yuan (伯远), Kenny Kwan (关智斌), and Wei Xun (魏巡).
Becoming Human for the First Time (第一次做人)
An emotional depiction of modern society's loneliness and vulnerability. Delivered by brothers Nicky Lee, Zhang Yuan and Derek Ma Xiao Long.
Falling Leaves Returning to their Roots (落叶归根)
A heart-warming stage that brings one back to its roots, ie home. Sung by lead vocals Chen Chu Sheng, Cai Quo Qing (蔡国庆) and Jeff Satur.
Crossing the Sea to See You (飘扬过海来看你)
A love song performed in a duet by Tiger Hu and Lu Yi. The steal of the show, however, is the modern dance wonderfully performed by brothers Xevier Bo and Kenny Kwan.
Walking through the Wheat Field (走麦田)
A metaphorical stage design with open-ended lyrics interpretation. Is it about pursuing innocent dreams? Or the disparity in social rankings?
Whichever resonates most on a personal level, I'd say.
Conceptualised by Derek Ma Xiao Long, this artistic play is performed by brothers David Wang, Nicholas Teo, and Zhang Yuan.
Is There A Song that Reminded You of Me (有没有一首歌会让你想起我)
Tiger Hu Yan Bin cleverly weaves other brothers' iconic songs together, thereafter living up to its song title of "A Song that Reminded You of Me".
In other words, "A Song that Reminded [Us, the audiences] of [Them, the brothers of Call Me By Fire]".
Set in a cosy living room, this ballad is sung by Lu Yi, Gem, Nicky Lee, Jeff Satur and Danko (弹壳).
What's Next?
I'm not adept in the Chinese language... but man this Chinese Singing Reality Show got me hooked! Even though I don't understand half of what's happening!
While we're still on this topic... I have plans to write more blog posts: an episode review, a specific performance analysis... anything. So if you have a particular video you would love me to express my thoughts on, then let's keep in touch!
Thanks for reading and see you next time!