Don Ho’s Top 10 Duets
Even though Don Ho has a distinctive voice (one and only), he never sounds awkward when performing with a partner. His greatest strength is that he never overshadows his partners but brings out the aesthetic qualities in them. I truly admired this eminence of his and there is no one can come close to him on it. Even Dam Vinh Hung can’t blend in seamlessly like Don Ho because Dam Vinh Hung always dominated his partner. On the other hand, Don Ho knows exactly when to lower his voice to let his partner shines and when to pick up where his partner leaves off. If Don Ho understands women in real life as he does in singing, he would be the perfect soul mate. By the way, I am talking about the Vietnamese Don Ho, not the Hawaiian Don Ho.
10. Mot Thuo Yeu Nguoi – Don Ho & Chau Ngoc
Here is an example where Don Ho brings out Chau Ngoc’s voice and not overshadowing her. When they both sing at the same time, he switches his vocals constantly to mesh with Chau Ngoc. He does it so smoothly that you don’t even notice the changes in his tone.
09. Mong Ao – Don Ho & Dalena
This is a beautiful piece of composition. Both Don Ho and Dalena do an exceptional humming tune to create a soothing illusion. These two are creative, talented and they are not afraid to experiment with their voices. Together with the dramatic musical score, they have brought a fantasy world to the song with their ingenious vocals.
08. Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van
This version of Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho is quite unique. I don’t think anyone had done a duet on this song before. Obviously Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho (strolling alone in town in an evening) has do be done alone. You can’t stroll alone with two people. But hey! Don Ho and Lam Thuy Van do an implausible performance and their voices are convincible.
07. Thuyen Tinh Tren Song – Don Ho & Ngoc Hue
Beautiful Chinese melody with delightful Vietnamese lyrics. Although there are tons of translated versions, Thuyen Tinh Tren Song is the most romantic one because of the exotic lyrics and the striking duet from Ngoc Hue and Don Ho. Ngoc Hue’s cracked-voiced mantra works so well with Don Ho’s smoky vocals. Pay close attention the adlib at the end; you’ll notice how they switch back and forth backing up (giong be) each other’s lines. It’s just tantalizing.
06. Together – Don Ho & Dalena
Just listen to the way Don Ho skillfully exhales the word “together…” in English and “em yeu…” in Vietnamese. It’s just breathtaking and I love the beautiful English translation by Dalena, “Every season must fades with a passing of time. Time can never fade love like yours and mine.” Both Dalena and Don Ho are artistically creative so when the two come together, they have created a beautiful harmony.
05. Trai Tim Khong Ngu Yen – Don Ho & Nhu Quynh
The upbeat makes this version of Trai Tim Khong Ngu Yen stands out from the rest. Even though the beat is a bit fast, Don Ho and Nhu Quynh are capable of maintaining the elegant elements of the lyrics. The duet breaks away from Nhu Quynh’s usual horrific style and gives her a new dimension. Thanks to the incredible Don Ho.
04. Bay Gio Con Yeu – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van
What a beautiful Chinese melody. The keyboard is compelling and the voices are mesmerizing. Lam Thuy Van does a wonderful job of supporting Don Ho in the background during the hooks. Every successful man has a great woman behind him. Lam Thuy Van is the great woman behind this successful performance.
03. Ban Tinh Cuoi – Don Ho & Diem Lien
Even the infamous Huong Lan and Thai Chau cannot bring out the aesthetic experience like Don Ho and Diem Lien can. Don Ho amazes me how he could pull off the high note, “tinh la dang…” then lets go, “cay…” with a long breath. The beat kicks in and Diem Lien skillfully backs him up so he could restore his breath. I would never thought Diem Lien and Don Ho could sound so well together if they never done this song.
02. Nhung Loi Me Hoac – Don Ho & Ngoc Lan
Actually Ngoc Lan doesn’t sing in this one but her dialogue is extremely seductive. Even though Don Ho gives a soulful performance, the song wouldn’t be complete without Ngoc Lan. It’s so creative how they go back and forth in a conversation between a man who lost trust in his girl and she keeps on trying to fool him. With Ngoc Lan’s sweet and sexy voice, it is hard not to be seduced and Don Ho does a great job of conveying the hurtful feelings that a man goes through when his girl lies to him.
01. Co Ua – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van
With Lam Thuy Van’s high pitch and Don Ho’s low timbre, they have created an opposite attraction. I am quite surprise how the mixture works so well. They do an excellent job of complimenting each other like a perfect couple. They take turn to be dominant and submissive. Combining both beautiful voices with Asia’s crystal clear musical arrangement, this version of Co Ua is unbeatable. I haven’t heard anything close to it.
There you have it. Don Ho’s top ten duets. The singer I would like Don Ho to duet with is My Tam. Her voice is so powerful and clear and she hasn’t been able to find a perfect match. Even Dam Vinh Hung clashes with My Tam because their voices competing with one another instead of integrating. Dam Vinh Hung does not have the back up singing skills that Don Ho has. Don Ho must have picked up these invaluable skills from singing in the choir when he was in high school. See! You never know when your skills set will pay off.
Those are great selection of Don Ho duets. And I absolutely agree about Don Ho voice seem to blend in with his partner voice and compliment their partner not overshadow.
Other Don Ho’s great duets that I think that are equally good are Don Ho & Nhu Quynh- Chuyen Lua Doi, Don Ho & Ngoc Hue- Hoai Niem Dau Yeu, Don Ho & Ngoc Hue- Neu Khong Co Em, and Don Ho & Thanh Ha- Thien Dang Khong Xa.
Donny, why didnt you have Don Ho duets songs link on your review like the other topic (5.17.2004, Ngoc Lan vs. My Tam Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do)? So the readers can listen to them and know what you are talking about. Now, I have to search them in music library. I dont know if I can have them all.
Sorry Trung, I don’t have enough webspace to upload all the songs since I already have around 100 songs of Ngoc Lan on my server. I thought you guys should have listened to all these songs by now :)
Go to Vietbel you might be able to hear some of the songs. Be aware, it is extremely slow. But hey, it’s better than nothing, right?
“I thought you guys should have listened to all these songs by now :)”
I’m personally not a faithful fan of Don Ho. :(
10. Mot Thuo Yeu Nguoi – Don Ho & Chau Ngoc (Chinese melody)
07. Thuyen Tinh Tren Song – Don Ho & Ngoc Hue (Chinese melody)
06. Together – Don Ho & Dalena (dont know its origin)
04. Bay Gio Con Yeu – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van (Chinese melody)
9. Mong Ao – Don Ho & Dalena (I cant find the song, Is it a translated song?)
02. Nhung Loi Me Hoac Don Ho & Ngoc Lan (translated from French)
Theyre translated songs (above). I am not interested very much in translated songs. Its just not really pure Vietnamese music for me to discuss. Although, dont get me wrong! I never mean to encourage or discourage people from translating other songs languages of making Vietnamese songs.
08. Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van
Chieu Mot Minh Qua Pho was created by the great musician: Trinh Cong Son. Duets in this song is just terrible. Just look the title itself: Chieu Mot Minh. If I am not mistaken, this song was produced by Asia Entertainment. I doubt very much that they never have Trinh Cong Sons permission to produce it. Who cares right? Since he was dead and he was in Vietnam and all. To all the Vietnamese music producers: Please give some respects to TCS and the Vietnamese music society. TCS was very careful to select and train the singers for performing his songs.
05. Trai Tim Khong Ngu Yen – Don Ho & Nhu Quynh
Trai Tim Khong Ngu Yen was created by musician Thanh Tu`ng. His lyric in this song is pretty tricky one. It hits right to the complicate minds of young loves. The drums and the guitar in the background playing quite fast ( I agree with Donny) for them or the other way around. I can imagine their singing in this song with the saxophone instead of guitar in the background, would properly enhance the song theme. But I guess the production mixers intention of this song did it differently; compared to the others, since most of the others (95%) had produced it with the saxophone or mimicry of horns in the music background of the same song. Overall, Don Hos singing in this song is acceptable.
03. Ban Tinh Cuoi – Don Ho & Diem Lien
In this partically song of Ngo^ Thu.y Mie^n was quite sad. :(
01. Co Ua – Don Ho & Lam Thuy Van
This song was created by Lam Phuong. This song was even more sad. Its horrible.:( :( :(
There! There! To me, Its not much to talk about Don Ho duets. ;(
I didn’t mentioned any songwriters name for a reason. I didn’t care if Don Ho and his partners follow the writers’ purpose. I didn’t care if the songs were translated. Good music is good music no matter where it comes from. If you read each critique, I focused mainly on the vocals and the techniques. How Don Ho creatively takes these songs to a different levels. I respect where you’re coming from but my taste of music doesn’t stop at pure Vietnamese. I appreciate creative work and these tens songs are about.
To each his own Trung. It’s obvious that you’re not a Don Ho fan but there are quite numerous people that are. Thus, I majority find myself disagreeing to what you said about Don Ho duets.
there are some songs that I have never heard before. are they new? or old?
Donny, Good music is good music no matter where it comes from; very true. I totally agree with you :). Again, I am just not interested talking about translated songs (Vietnamese) very much. And its just my unforgetable habit for most of the time, I always think or find out about the songwriter(s) after I listened or discovered a song; especiallly the good one. its definitely worth and important of mentioning their names (The composers, lyricists). just like Eminem, in your opion, you acknowledged him as a best lyricist in Hip Hop; even though you hate his singing(voice). In this case, youre obsessed by Don Ho, Ngoc Lan individually. And I totally respect your obsession.
Mikki, I am not a faithful fan of Don Ho, It didnt mean that I totally ditched him. Matter of facts, theres couple of songs I personally like his performace are: Ti`nh Nhu+ Ca^y Ca` Rem (Viet Dzung) and He^t Dde^m Nay Mai Se? Hay (Van Phu.ng). Please Mikki! May I ask what is it that you disagreed about what I said in Don Ho Duets? I would like to learn from your point of view. Thank you.
Isnt that a surprise, Illusion? Are they new or old? Never heard before? Thats is just a beginning, wait until you discover somethin else like; I thought this song is Vietnamese song (created by Vietnamese musician)! Nooo! It translated from other songs languages ( they just intentionally forgot to label it as translated?).(Damn it!) Hey! Linda Trang Dai & Trish is singing Trinh Cong Sons songs now (possibility)! Really??? Yeahhh, REALLY!!!(may happen) man! Thats a freaking shock to me! Well, you know what I mean, Illusion! Those filthy entrepreneurs in Vietnamese music industry are capable to do such strange things to surprising the listeners. Its disgraceful.
I got your point. therefore everytime I hear asong, I try to see if they are written by vietnamese songwriter or “loi viet” by somebody. sometimes they just put something like “nhac ngoai quoc” or “nhac hoa”…why don’t they give the songwriters some credits. it is just not fair at all.
Its not just only unfair for the songwriters. Its disgraceful for the Vietnamese music society. Those filthy, greedy productions entrepreneurs are cheating on Vietnamese listeners.
Illusion, you have mentioned a very good point; nhac ngoai quoc (foreign music). Thats even worse, more confused; we just never know its origin (except one has to search very hard for it by oneself). Weve seen nhac ngoai quoc a lot on the Vietnamese album in USA. And here is another disgustful thing of those filthy productions; claims themselves as free zone of communism, strongly opposed all the touring performing of Vietnamese singers (currently live in Vietnam) from the homeland, accusing them of propagating the Vietnamese art literature of communism. Call upon the local for strikes. It did happen to Lam Truong, and not long ago, they pulled that stunt again on Bang Kieu and Thu Phuong, but they did not achieve successfully. Because it just didnt make sense to the local people, people figured out that those filthy, greedy productions are afraid of losing pieces of their pie. Thats all. And another thing is those filthy, greedy, productions lie and cheat the overseas Vietnamese listeners. They use the Vietnamese musicians lyrics materials (currently from inside Vietnam) and produce to make as their own albums. Some they have mentioned the musician name, mostly they dont. For example, in this Donnys topic: Don Ho Top 10 duets on the fifth song;Trai Tim Khong Ngu Yen Don Ho & Nhu Quynh; which created by Thanh Tu`ng, who is currently living in Vietnam. The question is why they use the Vietnamese musicians materials, which are currently from inside Vietnam. In the other hand, they accuse the touring Vietnamese singers of propagating the Vietnamese art literature of communism. We have to keep in mind that all the lyrics materials, songs, singing of the singers are about loves; love itself, love of the country in nature, all of the goodness but communism propaganda.
After I said all above, I must address about Mr. Bang Kieus scandal in the past; which hes been accused of defiance of the overseas Vietnamese listeners. He finally claimed he was innocent in that matter (fault of the local newspaper in Vietnam). But we still have to be careful to taking this matter seriously and willingly to oppose any singers (inside Vietnam) who try to attempt any disgracefulness in Vietnamese music society.
Now, Bang Kieu, Thu Phuong sings freely and officially in Vietnamese community (overseas), and even more singers appear: Tra^`n Thu Ha`, Thu Ha` and many more to come in the future (USA) that I can sense it will. Now, we (fans, listeners) need to open arms and welcome them with the open minds, accept the good music, talents and performances that theyre and will be entertaining us.
I don’t understand the matter between communism and democracy. I mean, look, Lam Truong used to study abroad here in the U.S. for 2 months, when he came back, everyone welcomed him. but when he came to the U.S. for a tour, he was chased away. what is the point? I mean, Lam Truong, as well as other young singers who live in Vietnam, they were born after or at the end of the war. they couldn’t choose between to sides. and now they are being blamed. sometimes I feel sad for our community.
Trung! Come to http://www.vietfun.com , join in the political board forum.
ReturnTom123
It’s very good new for Quang Dungs fans. He will perform at San Jose Arena on June 19, 2004.
Ticket is only from $15 – $25
http://www.ddentertainment.net/pages/797779/index.htm
Don Ho is a very good singer! I got a chance to hear him live. I totally agree with Donny on these duet songs.
i agreed with thi on her comment….don ho is the greatest singer ever…..his voice is awesome and that no one can compare to him….not only he’s a good singer but very sweet and polite as well.
Once in awhile, I’ll come back to this post and any others as well to check up! So don’t you even try to drop any of senseless sentences came from your head, which support nothing to the subject. Understand?
Thi & Lynn are either old person or blindly obsessed to Don Ho. Too much of an obsession is leading you to nowhere. Don Ho needs to know his singing limitation, but did he care? NO! He went on singing hip-hop in those translated song in Vietnamese. It’s just too ridiculous for an old guy likes him.
Gi khng nn nết!
i love don ho, his voice is so entrancing – though i dont like trai tim nguc tu – very annoying.
uh, I agree with Thi and Lynn, cai thang Trung ddo’ ddien roi, su~a bay ba. ko.
I agreed with everything on the list.
Trung, I feel so sorry for you,like a cornered animal, helpless, and useless, barking uncontrollably.
Thank so much Donny for sharing your analysis on Don Ho’s duets. I totally agree with ya. But you miss ‘Vi Do La Em’, another great duet from Don Ho and Thanh Ha. Perhaps on purpose?
hey donny,
one duet i found beautiful (i heard it 10 yrs ago). was again don ho with dalena, it was “oh my sweet love” also done in vietnamese and english. would you know what cd it is on and where i could find it.
thanks,
rob s.
Hi, I was searching for Don Ho duets in hopes of finding the name of this one…
I don’t know what it’s called, maybe somebody on here can help me? But it’s kind of upbeat and goes like “Anh yeu em, whoa, whoa…”
I don’t know if that helps at all but yeah so if anybody figures that one out… Please post a comment! Thanks
Go Don
You’re the best
I LOVE DON HO VOICE. IT’S SPECIAL VOICE. WARM. HE IS GREAT ARTIST.I LOVE HIS VOICE. NO ONE GOT THE SAME. . MOST OVERSEA SINGER GOT THEIR OWN VOICE. WHEN THEY SING, WE CAN REGCONIZE THEM. BUT THE SINGERS IN VIETNAM. ALL OF THEM GOT THE SAME VOICE. IT’S CONFUSE ME.
TRUNG, SAD SONG IS NOT TERRIBLE. ONLY YOU IS.
TRUNG HE DOESN’T KNOW NOTHING ABOUT MUSIC. . DON HO IS SPECIAL VOICE. HE IS GREAT.
OH NO I REALLY LOVE THE SONG “TRAI TIM NGUC TU” SING BU DON HO. I LOVE IT.
Nhung Loi Me Hoac, duet with Ngoc Lan is originally a French song. The original version is very good. Ngoc Lan and Don Ho made an excellent Vietnamese version.
I think all of those duets are great, but you are missing a great Don Ho partner, Thanh Ha. They are amazing together. :) I am with you 100% that Don Ho is a great duet partner. :)
Hey if anyone can help me find this song I would really appreciate it. It’s a song by don ho feat a Chinese guy sung in mandarin and Vietnamese. My mom had the cd years ago and lost it. I don’t remember what album it was or track number and I’m searching for it like crazy,such a good song. Thanks