Chinese pop icon Jackson Wang released "High Alone," a brooding new single and music video, on Feb. 13, drawing immediate fan acclaim and offering a glimpse of his upcoming album.

A behind-the-scenes photo from Jackson Wang's "High Alone" music video. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Records]

Wang penned "High Alone" alongside collaborators Andre Wollrabe, Charles Martin and Dwayne Fleming. After its debut, the single quickly claimed the No. 1 spot on iTunes charts across more than a dozen countries and regions. Wang said the song reflects his belief that "the deepest wounds are not from your enemies, but possibly from those you trust the most."

The song, serving as an introduction to his new album, captures the pop star's journey through vulnerability, loneliness and heartbreak. It reveals a different facet of Wang while exploring the complex relationship between himself and his "Magic Man" persona, which will unfold throughout the album.

The forthcoming album "Magic Man 2," a follow-up to his smash-hit 2022 solo debut "Magic Man," is slated for release later this year. During a Thursday afternoon Weibo Q&A with fans, Wang announced the album will comprise four chapters: "Manic Highs," "Losing Control," "Realizations" and "Acceptance."

Each chapter will explore Wang's emotional world, with themes of loneliness and self-doubt woven throughout the album, while examining questions of identity, betrayal and self-acceptance. Additionally, the highly anticipated album will depict Wang's growth more deeply and authentically, showcasing his evolution as an artist and musician.

"All my life, I never really told you who I truly am, how I really feel. Maybe it's not something people want to listen to. Maybe it's not something people even care about. I've spent the last year understanding the Jackson I have always been avoiding. Let me tell you the truth I see. It's all in this album. Let the story begin," he wrote on his Weibo account.

In the cinematic music video for "High Alone," Wang portrays two versions of himself: an imprisoned man and an alter-ego magician attempting to escape from a glass water tank while being watched by callous spectators. The haunting imagery shows Wang confronting his own manipulation by others, trapped and mocked with no escape, as his resilient spirit slowly erodes. Dark synth sounds complement the compelling visual storytelling, leaving a strong impression of Wang's past depression and struggle.

Originally, Wang created "Magic Man" to process his pain, using it as a mask for his darkest emotions. When that chapter concluded, he faced harsh realities that led to a mentally and physically challenging period. Writing in his diary became his outlet, and for the first time, he channeled his personal experiences into his music. After a yearlong break, he realized his previous work hadn't represented his authentic self.

"It felt like I had never written songs for myself or expressed what I truly wanted to say. So I chose to stop and face myself, to write down all my feelings and turn them into new music," Wang said.

The single cover for Jackson Wang's "High Alone." [Image courtesy of Team Wang Records]

Wang said he didn't focus on specific music styles, genres or themes while creating the new album, instead concentrating on sharing his own experiences in showbiz. Each song stemmed from diary entries written over the past year.

"I want to show reality as it is, neither good nor bad. It's simply the truth," he said. "I wouldn't say I'm brave for doing this. It's about living more authentically and being honest with myself, and it's also a way to make peace with myself."

Wang, the internationally acclaimed Chinese superstar, is known for his boundary-pushing music and global influence. His previous album, "Magic Man," debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and amassed 123 million streams, showcasing his versatility and willingness to experiment across genres. 

His Magic Man World Tour in 2023 sold out almost immediately, and he made history as the first Chinese solo artist to perform at Coachella. Jackson also headlined the 2022 League of Legends World Championship Opening Ceremony, where his performance of "Fire to the Fuse" peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Trending Songs Chart. Jackson continues to break records on social media, amassing 100 million followers across platforms. On Instagram, he is the most-followed individual from China.

Beyond music, Jackson — as the newly named creative director for Nike and Jordan, as well as the ambassador for Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Hennessy and co-founder of his own brand, Team Wang Design — keeps pushing boundaries, blending music, fashion and culture to cement his impact worldwide.

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