Bad Habits is the second solo studio album by Ella Chen Chia-hwa, a member of the famous Taiwanese girl group S.H.E. It was available for pre-order on February 29, 2024, and officially released on April 1, 2024. This is her second studio album, released nine years after her previous album "Why Not".
The track, "The Moon", was ranked 83rd on Hit Fm's Top 100 Singles of 2024.
Background and release After nine years in the making, Ella Chen released her second solo studio album, Bad Habits. Over this period, Chen experienced significant personal growth and achieved remarkable career milestones, including her sold-out large-scale concert The Ella Show, winning the championship in the reality competition Ride the Wind 2023, and starring in the film Listen Before You Sing, which grossed NT$80 million at the box office. Despite her success in other fields, Chen remained dedicated to her passion for music. Through Bad Habits, she shares her reflections on life, exploring various aspects of the human experience across ten tracks.
The album's title, Bad Habits, is intended to convey the complex and multifaceted nature of things. To reflect a sense of inclusivity, the album cover's visual design features a massive fabric backdrop alongside a large-scale installation art piece titled "King Kong Rhino." Weighing 300 kilograms, the rhinoceros sculpture was entirely handcrafted from hundreds of stainless steel plates, incorporating geometric cuts and industrial rivets. The imagery of soft fabric juxtaposed with the rigid steel rhinoceros combines strength and beauty, designed to symbolize unwavering determination.
For the track "Wish" (Chinese: 願望清單), Chen utilizes a nuanced vocal performance that highlights her narrative approach to singing. Through an understated delivery, the song conveys themes of deep-seated longing and regret, creating a cinematic atmosphere. The accompanying music video stars actor Jerry Yan. Composed by Lala Hsu, "Revenge" (Chinese: 復仇大任) blends orchestral elements with hip-hop rhythms. To create a distinctive sound, the track incorporates a whispery vocal delivery while maintaining a rhythmic bounce, highlighting Chen's rhythmic control and hip-hop influences. "The Moon" (Chinese: 南方的月亮) explores the anxiety and uncertainty of leaving home to pursue one's dreams, conveying themes of familial love and longing. Arranged by Huang Chung-yueh, the track utilizes an acoustic guitar and a trombone to evoke a sense of nostalgia, emphasizing the lyrical concept of home as a permanent sanctuary. The accompanying music video stars actress Ivy Chen. The arrangement of the title track "Bad Habits" incorporates subtle retro instrumentation and rhythms. Chen's vocal delivery balances strength and softness, complementing the song's diverse stylistic elements. "Don't Stay" (Chinese: 別再留下) is a soul-infused urban ballad that explores the dynamics of modern-day relationships; its accompanying music video features actors Cheryl Yang and Tony Yang. "Nothing" (Chinese: 廢) is an electropop track characterized by African-inspired rhythms and vibrant elements. Chen interprets the dance song through melodic rap, showcasing her versatile vocal tones. The track was written, composed, and produced by Howe Chen, the guitarist of the band Buddha Jump.
Track listing
Music videos Title Director Release date Channel NotesBad Habits EthanYIJAN (一盞) March 8, 2024 Ella Chen's Official Channel -Don't Stay(別再留下) Remii Huang (黃婕妤) April 8, 2024 Featuring Cheryl Yang, Tony Yang Nothing(廢) Bill Chia (比爾賈) August 19, 2024 - Hot Like Chili DaMOVE (大目) June 21, 2024 - The Moon(南方的月亮) Yin Chen-hao January 22, 2024 Featuring Ivy Chen, Kelly Ko (柯素雲)Wishes(願望清單) December 27, 2023 Featuring Jerry Yan
Concerts TitleDateCityLocationNotesElla Chen “Bad Habits” Album Concerts April 13, 2024 Taipei City, TaiwanLegacy Taipei Free entry with ticket May 17, 2024 Shenzhen, China So Fun Live June 9, 2024 Shanghai, China PHASE LIVE HOUSE September 7, 2024 Wuhan, China IN TIME LIVE
Awards 2025 KKBOX Music Awards Top 100 Artists of the Year — Ella Chen "Don't Stay" 2025 Hito Music Awards Most Popular Female Singer Award — Ella Chen "Bad Habits"
References