VietNamNet Bridge – Young local musicians are racing ahead of their more experienced peers to release new albums for the upcoming holiday season.

Trendsetter: Pop singer Cao Thai Son hopes his album’s new style will start a trend.

Though the CD offers little innovation, it has left a strong impression on fans simply for its romantic flavour.

While Khue’s previous contemporary folk music albums were widely credited with making her career what it is today, 365.hanoi.nk changes pace with a pop vibe.

Many fans were delighted that their idol had finally returned to her original style after years of trying to differentiate herself from the pack by singing complex folk tunes.

Listening to 365.hanoi.nk, fans have said that Khue’s singing sounds natural and pure without the need for special sound effects.

Two of the album’s standout singles are Ha Noi Dem Mua Dong (Ha Noi in Winter Night) and Cam Giac Yeu (The Feel of Love) by veteran composer Hoang Phuc Thang and young musician Nguyen Vinh Tien.

Both works feature the beauty of Ha Noi and its people.

Khue’s voice on the recordings is powerful but velvety. “Fans think my voice is only for contemporary folk music so I wanted to change that idea,” Khue was quoted as saying in a recent interview with Movie and Theatre magazine.

Khue said she and her producer put every effort to release the album before the lucrative end-of-the-year period, when many fans purchase new albums.

Younger than Khue, singer Cao Thai Son has proven his versatility with his latest album Phut Cuoi (Last Minute).

Once known for his dance music, Son decided this year to extend his range to songs of the pre-war period of the 1930s and 40s.

His album features romantic tunes by veteran composers such as Y Van, Dang The Phong and Lam Phuong.

With his soft voice, Son invested a lot of time in perfecting his singing for immortal works like Dang The Phong’s Con Thuyen Khong Ben (Boat Without a Landing).

Son invited rising young singing star Tung Duong, famous for the quality of his voice, to perform on the album.

Critics have commended the choice, saying that although Son’s voice may not yet be ready for more serious fare, the album manages to show off his strengths.

While his peers may be obsessed with hip-hop music, Son and his staff believe they have started a classical trend. “We hope to offer something new to the music market,” he said.

Another pop prince, Nguyen Vu, says that his new album Password… Internet Love showcases a variety of styles.

On the album, the 29-year-old singer performs eight songs about the world of young internet users.

His CD features pop, dance and hip-hop by young composers like Nhat Dang. “It’s likely to be a popular Christmas choice for teenage fans,” he said.

Facing the final season, producers and young singers say they know they have to surprise their fans with something new or unusual to spur sales.

(Source: Viet Nam News)