Ngoc Lan vs. My Tam – Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do

Although Trinh Cong Son had written Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do a long time ago, I was only introduced to it by My Tam a couple of months back. I love the way My Tam performs the song but now Ngoc Lan gives me a whole new perspective when I listen to her version.

Have been listening to other songs by Trinh Cong Son, I suspect Ngoc Lan stays closer to Trinh Cong Son’s intension than My Tam. Ngoc Lan takes the simpler approach and her soft and elegant vocals conveyed the waterfall sounds (thac do). In contrast, My Tam takes full advantage of her strong and clear vocals to produced a brand new flavor. The result is quite interesting because the song now has that heavy Pop/R&B vibe to it, which is perfect for the younger audience. I was instantly hooked the first time I heard it from My Tam because of the way she has emotionally built up the words. But now, Ngoc Lan has smoothed it the song with the way she breathes out the words.

I get two totally different experiences from these two artists. Although, Ngoc Lan and My Tam are from two different generations, both are unique and creative. I like them both but I want to know what is your take on this. Now, if you’re either a fan of Ngoc Lan or My Tam or both, I need to step out of that for a minute and focus on this song only. Don’t let “the one you like” mentality interferes with the aesthetic experience. Listen to the song and pretend you never heard of My Tam or Ngoc Lan before. I know it’s hard to do but that’s the only way to truly separate the work of art by itself. With all that said, here is Ngoc Lan’s Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do and here is My Tam’s Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do. Enjoy!