The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 1779 Emptying the Shelves
People say that Anson is just a pretty face, and that the so-called album is just a money-making scheme, bait to deceive those fanatical fans.

People say that Anson is all show and no substance, that the success of the band August 31 was all thanks to the members—especially the cellist—but that Anson selfishly stole all the limelight and abandoned the band. His next solo album will reveal whether Anson has any artistic integrity, and everything will be clear.

People say that Anson's music is just for a small group of enthusiastic fans to enjoy, and the general public has no interest in it at all, and the same goes for his new album.

Criticism, questioning, complaints, and attacks... were incessant.

Whether it's the saying "fame brings trouble" or "the higher you climb, the colder it gets," the negative emotions born from envy, jealousy, and hatred always twist and ferocious in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to launch a fatal blow unexpectedly, eager to vent all the pain and struggles of their real lives on the internet towards some seemingly all-powerful target.

However, to everyone's surprise, things still went off track.

Before the fervent fans could even make their appearance, professional music critics had already emerged and spearheaded the frenzy, igniting a wildfire before any negative voices could even surface. The fire raged on, dispelling darkness and evil, and the entire situation was instantly reversed and completely turned around.

boom! Boom boom boom!
The media went crazy, the fans went crazy, and the onlookers and innocent bystanders on the internet all went crazy too.

Everyone was eagerly anticipating the release of Anson's debut solo album, and the lingering charm of "Midsummer Midnight" had not yet dissipated this year. However, the moment the album was released with a media score of 99, which defied expectations, the amazement and cheers erupted in full force.

Ninety-nine points.

That's a score of ninety-nine!
Of the more than 500 albums released in North America so far in 2004, it rightfully holds the number one spot, surpassing all others to claim the top spot!
Even setting everything else aside, compared to himself, 99 points is almost a perfect score, marking Anson's first appearance as a solo artist after leaving the August 31st band, leaving his own magnificent mark in the vast ocean of the music world.

If a movie receives positive reviews, the actors are only part of the equation; the contributions of the director, screenwriter, and producer cannot be ignored. Music is different. Although the music industry also has a large team, it cannot stand alone. However, there is no doubt that creators and singers stand in the center of the spotlight.

That's the reality. People may dislike Anson as an actor, and they may continue to define Anson as just a pretty face, but in the music industry, Anson is carving out his own unique style and personality step by step, tearing away all labels to showcase his individuality and talent.

"Ninety-nine points" belong entirely to Anson.

The New York Times even commented, "Ninety-nine points! The only reason it didn't reach one hundred is that I'm already looking forward to Anson Wood's next album, and this imperfect score is both an expectation and a sign of trust."

This is the highest praise, even more powerful and profound than the simple and blunt compliment of "best of the year".

The shock and disbelief have only just begun. The trolls and haters are all dumbfounded, shouting vehemently that it's all a conspiracy, refusing to believe what's happening before their eyes. One by one, they've fallen into a vortex of existential doubt, completely unaware that the more furious they become, the more foolish and pathetic they appear.

This wave of frenzy spread wave after wave, continuously impacting the general public, with an influence and impact no less than that of "Spider-Man 2".

No wonder Blair and Karen are so confident.

Because they believe in Anson and his music, a hundred effusive praises from them can't compare to three minutes of personal experience. Also, because of the integrity of the album "Dawn Breaks," the emotions flow smoothly and seamlessly, and once you start, you can't stop. Ultimately, you still need to listen and experience it for yourself. Everyone feels different emotions from the album, and they don't intend to influence the experience with preconceived notions.

Ultimately, it's up to the audience. Truly excellent works will always stand the test of time, just as gold will always shine.

In their exchange of glances, Blair and Karen could see the excitement and elation in each other's eyes—a connection more real and direct than words. They both knew that "the dawn" deserved all the praise. Everything!
Blair savored the intricate nuances in the melodies and lyrics, the hesitations and uncertainties, the vulnerability and sorrow, all subtly hidden within the notes, complex and profound, far from simple. She simply wished to immerse herself in Anson's musical world, to wander and roam until the sea turned blue.

There are no useless tracks on the entire album. After listening to the first song on repeat, you will naturally start listening again and continue to immerse yourself in the music.

Time passed by so quickly that it was imperceptible; it seemed like only a blink of an eye before they were back at the front of the line, standing at the entrance of the record store.

Karen still seemed reluctant to leave, "The next song, the next song is..."

“'Stranger'.” Blair had already memorized it.

Karen nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, yes, yes, my favorite! I can hardly believe that there is a song that is more moving than 'Sunflower' and 'Sailing'."

Blair took a deep breath, a complex mix of emotions lingering on her tongue. She completely agreed; she was utterly captivated by the album. Although "Stranger" wasn't her favorite, it was definitely in the top three. She longed to re-enter that world and feel the power of the melodies.

It's only been less than three hours since they got the album, but it has already left a deep impression on them, allowing them to savor its unique beauty.

“Karen, we need to speed things up.” Blair regained his composure.

Karen, puzzled, followed Blair's gaze and nearly dislocated her jaw—

The record store is still the same record store, but the situation inside is completely different.

The vast and tranquil ocean on the shelves is now incomplete and on the verge of disappearing. The albums and posters displayed on the side counters are also almost gone, looking as if a hurricane has just passed through, leaving behind ruins and a mess.

If they hadn't been there the whole time, the scene would have looked like a robbery, so worrying that one couldn't help but ask, "Do we need help calling the police?"

Karen was puzzled, but a sense of foreboding crept over her. Before she could ask, she followed Blair back into the record store.

Blair asked, "...Is there no 'Dawnbreak' left in stock?"

When Karen heard this, her first reaction was, "How is this possible?" The current chaos must be due to the rapid pace of sales, which the store staff couldn't keep up with in restocking... right?

However, before Karen could speak, the clerk replied, panting and sweating, her face flushed with the marks of her busy work, "The last three boxes were just brought out. What you see here is all the stock we have for today."

Karen: ...

transfixed!

(End of this chapter)