Its lyrics about how one must learn to stand up after a fall have resonated with the Chinese in the wake of the 7.9-magnitude quake which hit China on May 12.

Beijing-born Jade Liu is humbled by the success of the song: 'Laughing Tears is supposed to be a love song but I am glad that it has helped to give the survivors of the earthquake some encouragement.'

The song is the second single off the 26-year-old's long-awaited debut album, I Am Just What I Am. The album, which took a year to complete, is now available in shops.

Liu worked with talents across the Straits for her album, including Taiwanese newcomer Yoga Lin, boyband Fahrenheit's Aaron Yan and pop prince Jay Chou's long-time lyricist collaborator, Fang Wen Shan.

'I had a great time working with these outstanding artistes as they are all very professional and focused, and I think such cross-straits collaborations should be encouraged,' Liu said.

The child of a military officer father and a doctor mother, she shot to fame in 2006 when she came in third in the popular Super Girls television singing contest in China.

The lifelong music lover, who won over fans with her powerhouse vocals and androgynous appearance, has had to overcome quite a few obstacles to achieve her dreams of a music career.

Her parents were her biggest hurdle, objecting to her plan of becoming a singer.

'They have always wanted me to have a white-collar job but I decided to pursue my dream instead,' says the friendly and confident singer over the telephone from Beijing.

She stuck to her guns and put her heart and soul into her debut. She says: 'This first album contains songs which reflect the different sides of me. In total, they add up to form the title of my album - I Am Just What I Am.'

Her parents seem to have taken her album title to heart. She has played the CD for them and says that her parents liked it.

She says delightedly: 'My father even asked to keep the album. I am very happy that my parents have finally accepted what I am doing now.'

jocelee@sph.com.sg