Nguyễn Đình Thanh Tâm – Cánh Diều Lạc Phố

From his bizarre attire to his eccentric musical approach, Nguyễn Đình Thanh Tâm has some resemblances of Tùng Dương. (Speaking of Tùng Dương, what the fuck has he been up to?). The opening track, “Lời Ru Tôi” (Dương Thụ), in Cánh Diều Lạc Phố is definitely a Tùng Dương’s inspiration. From his phrasing to his wordless singing to the mid-tempo, electric arrangement, Thanh Tâm is obviously under the influence of Sao Mai – Điểm Hẹn‘s past winner.

Whereas Tùng Dương is uncompromising, Thanh Tâm is much more accessible. His cover of “Ngẫu Hứng Phố” (Trần Tiến) and “Hòn Đá Trong Vườn Tôi” (Quốc Trung & Dương Thụ) are smart and refreshing. He was able to transform these well-known tunes into his own colorful, electric approach. He also does well with other styles like the rock-up “Cánh Diều Lạc Phố” (Lê Huy Trực) and the jazzy “Tôi Đọc Báo Công Cộng” (Nguyễn Duy Hùng). With the challenging “Tu Hú Kêu Lạc Mùa” (Nguyễn Vĩnh Tiến), however, he has yet to conquer the dead-slow tempo.

The special appearance of Thanh Hoa and Ngọc Khuê give the album a huge boost. Ngọc Khuê is once again mesmerizing on Nguyễn Vĩnh Tiến’s “Lên Chùa” without overpowering her partner. Cánh Diều Lạc Phố is a promising debut for a young star. Keep growing and moving forward, kiddo.