No other song from Seattle musicians Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten, known together as Chinese American Bear, will have you head over heels like their newest single, “Forever Lover (永远的爱人).”
The two, who happen to be married in real life, are coming off of last year’s Wah!!! The album’s blend of genres, along with its switching between English and Mandarin, helped put the duo on the map following their self-titled 2022 debut.
However, with “Forever Lover (永远的爱人),” they wear their hearts on their sleeves in what might be the most unabashed love song in recent memory. At the same time, the cross between electronic music and traditional pop is made compelling by the unorthodox song structure united by the gleefully lovey-dovey lyrics.
“This song is one of the more romantic love songs we’ve written,” said Tong. “It’s inspired by our own love story. Bryce and I first met in high school, [and] we dated for ten years before getting married in 2018. We’ve now officially been together for over half of our lives.”
“Forever Lover (永远的爱人)” is also a love letter to pop music, something that’s especially evident by the romantic, New Wave-esque synths at the start and the duo’s lighthearted vocals. What first begins with a muffled sound eventually evolves into a smooth jam of a song, rounded out by infectious melodies courtesy of the two.
By the time “Forever Lover (永远的爱人)” wraps up, you won’t have any doubts as to why Barsten and Tong make a natural pairing.
Visit Chinese American Bear on Instagram and their website to stay updated on new releases and tour dates.
Listen to “Forever Lover (永远的爱人)” the new single from Chinese American Bear.
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