The Stories behind the Swing Songs from Crazy Rich Asians

At Yehoodi.com, we’re loving the new rom-com film Crazy Rich Asians. Among the many treats of the film is the eclectic soundtrack, featuring various Asian and Asian-American artists. If your toes were tapping during the film, that’s because there are a couple sweet swing songs in the movie that are a fusion of Eastern and Western influences. Here’s the story behind them.

“Wo Yao Ni De Ai (I Want Your Love - I Want You to Be My Baby)” by Grace Chang

“Wo Yao Ni De Ai” by Grace Chang is heard early in the film, setting the tone as a throwback to Classic Hollywood romantic comedies.

“Wo Yao Ni De Ai” was a hit song by Chinese actress and pop star Grace Chang from the 1950s. Based on the Louis Jordan jump blues song "I Want You to Be My Baby," “Wo Yao Ni De Ai” was part of a new wave of Shanghai-based pop music called shi dai qu, or “songs of the times.” Shanghai has always been a city where Eastern and Western cultural influences met. This came together in a unique genre of Shanghainese fusion pop songs called shi dai qu during the 1930s-1960s that spread all across Asia.

“Give Me a Kiss” by Jasmine Chen

“Give Me a Kiss” is one of the songs performed by Jasmine Chen during the wedding reception scene in the film.

Jasmine Chen is a contemporary jazz artist based in Shanghai who has recorded several albums blending Western jazz and Eastern influences. (Check out our exclusive interview with Jasmine Chen on SwingNation.) “Give Me a Kiss” is based on the Patsy Kline country song “Seven Lonely Days”, but with completely different lyrics.

We like Jasmine Chen's version of Dave Brubeck's "Take Five". Check it out!

“Wo Yao Ni De Ai (I Want Your Love - I Want You to Be My Baby)” by Jasmine Chen

Jasmine Chen reprises the song “Wo Yao Ni De Ai” during the wedding reception scene, this time with a four-person jazz ensemble with a more neo-swing feel. Reportedly there is a dance scene that was filmed with this song, including Asian-American actor Harry Shum Jr. But it was cut in the theatrical release. Here’s hoping it makes it into the DVD extras!

There are lots more gems on the Crazy Rich Asians soundtrack, that shift from orchestral to hip-hop to cha-cha to surf rock. Director John Chu has stated that he wanted the soundtrack to bring home the East meets West nature of the film. What did you think of the Crazy Rich Asians soundtrack?