Dam Vinh Hung – Mr. Dam
Not sure why Dam Vinh Hung looks like a redneck on the cover of his latest album Mr. Dam, which obviously has nothing to do with country music. It just shows how off he is in the fashion world, but that’s another story. Although fashion and music go hand in hand, let’s just focus on his music world, and see if DVH is any good on his seventh’s studio solo.
Truth be told, I miss the good old DVH who struck me with his soulful performance of “Tinh Tho,” powerful presentation of “Goc Pho Reu Xanh,” and indelible rendition of “Tan Tro.” His singing used to be lighter but strong and captivating. Now he has developed an emphatic style. On “Ngoi Nghe Yeu Thuong Troi Xa,” his stressed phrasing gives Do Dinh Phuc’s music way more drama than it needs to be, and his heavy delivery comes across as if ton of bricks have pressed against his chest. Back in the early days, his breath control was perfect. But now, on the duet of Duc Huy’s “Nhu Da Dau Yeu,” both himself and Hong Ngoc sound like they are puffing a Cuban cigar together, and passing it to each other while recording. He breathes heavily not only on this particular track, but also on other performances.
DVH also loses his touch in revitalizing old tunes. Duc Huy’s “Nguoi Tinh Tram Nam” is another nightmare recovered, where his moaning and groaning add nothing but distraction to the work. Why does he love Duc Huy’s music so much? Duy Huy’s compositions – mellow, elegance, and simple – do not match his style at all, and he could not bring anything new to them. Furthermore, his version of Huynh Nhat Tan’s “Bac Tinh” is nowhere near Tuan Ngoc’s performance. As soon as Tuan Ngoc kicks off the first lines, “Voi vang lam chi trach nhau bac tinh,” he grabs listeners’ attention immediately, and continues to sway them with his flawless and effortless technique even after the song is over. On the other hand, DVH tries his hardest, but still could not take the song where Tuan Ngoc has taken it. Part of the flaw is also in the arrangement. Huynh Nhat Tan is behind the board on Tuan Ngoc’s version. Who could compose the music better than the composer himself? The result is hypnotizing. On DVH’s part, the producers (Bao Luu and Anh Khoa) could not bring any texture or color to the musical table. Not only for this track, but the over all production is also weak.
Is there anything good on the album? Of course, there has to be something. The best part is that he stops singing Marc Anthony’s songs. Remember “My Baby You” and “I Need to Know?” Thank gosh, right? Actually the decent track is Tran Ngoc’s “Tinh Em Xu Quang,” a sweet, rural ballad. It’s a Quang Linh’s style, but DVH sounds nice for a change. The new songs, including Thai Thinh’s “Dung Thuong Toi” and Hoai An’s “Noi Nho Tinh Toi,” are huge disappointments. They are just a bunch of syrupy ballads with bland productions and banal deliveries. Mr. Dam is done. It’s time to drop the mic and pick up the clipper.
his piture looks scary
ouch! so harsh :) –>”It’s time to drop the mic and pick up the clipper.” I liked it though. Yah.. he’s Viet! So weird to see him trying to be a redneck.
I agree.. Actually his voice is very similar to that of Hong Ngoc’s and seriously they bring nothng new to the music like Phuong Thanh did..
it’s funny that I just got this CD and listen to it, then I ran across your website and read your thoughts about it :) I agree with you that DVH should not sing Duc Huy’s music, it just doesn’t suit him well. By the way, what’s up with all the singers in VN these days? They all suddenly sing Trinh Cong Son and Duc Huy’s music. You cannot buy a new CD today that does not have 1 or 2 songs from TCS or Duc Huy’s music. I have great respect for TCS but his songs are just not suitable for some singers. About Duc Huy, somehow I felt his music is a bit “se^’n, bland and boring” to me :) Anyway, back to Mr. Dam CD, you forgot to mention 1 good song “Chuyen Thanh Co Loa” I really like it and it reminds me of Hon Vong Phu series by Le Thuong. I think DVH has tried and done quiet well with the song. Even though when it gets to the part where he tries to femalize his voice to become My Chau is a total turn-off and annoying. I think it would be better if he used a female background vocal. Better yet, I think this song will be perfect for Anh Tuyet, who have done a terrific job singing Hon Vong Phu 1-3.
DVH used to be my fav when 1st became popular with Vl 1-3 . Tinh oi xin ngu yen, Goc pho reu xanh, Tinh tho, Da Trang, Tinh Yeu khong loi, lac mat mua xuan, Nuoc mat .. have all been my favourite songs
I went to a recent show and was dissapointed especially when he fluctuate his voice every second word, while pounding every other 2nd word heavily .. he’s lost for a few reasons. firstly wrong choice of songs (nhac sen, nhac xua, nhac Duc Huy which is now boring, nhac TCS which is too deep to just shout out the words ). Secondly there are not many new good songs out because the composers are producing songs for commercial needs, they r forced to write any stuffs. Thirdly vocally DVH has damaged his voice and breathing technique, Too much shouting, too much DVH style. Fourthly too much body conscious, fashion conscious yet still look trashy..He even took his shirt off once and run around in 3 holes shirt ( ao 3 lo, excuse my translation ) and that was not a good sight … Anyway, His years of hits after hits is over ..Now we would be lucky to have a good song once in a while
Hey, very interesting review of DVH’s new CD. I agree with some of the comments you’ve made about DVH’s choice of fashion and some of his song selections were absolutely poor. While it was fun to read your comments, I have to disagree with you about Tuan Ngoc. Man, this guy puts me to sleep everytime I hear him sing. No offense to anyone, I have tried to listen to Tuan Ngoc, but ended up annoyed even more. On the other hand, DVH and Tuan Ngoc are two totally different types of artists. I think that Dvh did a great job with “Bac Tinh” and so did Tuan Ngoc I’m sure, but as for me, I’d prefer DVH. Imagine going to a concert with Tuan ngoc’s monotone version of “Bac Tinh” or any of his songs, I’d want my money back by the end of his first song!!!
Anyways, great job with your reviews. I enjoyed it immensely!
Damn Donny, you’ve roasted Mr. Dam. His fans won’t appreciate it too much. I agree on your observation about Bac Tinh. Tuan Ngoc is way way better DVH. His style is not for everyone, only for those who get it. :)
I think the picture of Dvh on Mr. Dam is so pathetic. I think he tried to look sexy? Sorry, but he has no sex appeal. Who wants to come over and do him on that pile of hay?
Chau, you’re hilarious :)
Oh My Gosh!
Have you really nothing better to do?
OK. It’s one thing if you go into a Forum to say nice things but to trash someone the way you guys are? It’s just ridiculous!
You guys are just really sad…
It’s really sad that DVH – who is Vietnamese, gets this kind of treatment from his fellow citizens.
Especially when Nguoi Nuoc Ngoai – like myself – sees it.
FYI…
There’s an old saying:
If you have nothing good to say – don’t open your mouth to speak…
& You know what…
It really is a shame though…
cause i stopped in here to comment on your talent.
to say how much dvh’s fans really enjoy your work.
…
To say “Mr. Dam is done. It’s time to drop the mic…” is a an individual statement of hatred towards DVH. Your reasoning above is wacky and I can’t believe you even spent time to write it. Are “fashion” and/or “song selections” the elements to really define a great singer or basis to “drop the mic” for a singer? WTF were you thinking? Though, like you and others, I do not like his choices of fashion. Not only he looks like a faggot, he even acts like one too in video/concerts…maybe he really is. Regardlessly, of all VNese singers in Generation X/Y I think he’s one of the greatest, if not the greatest, and part of the cause for the recent resurgence of VNese pop.
For V7, I only heard “thoi gian chua vui lap” song which I thought was good. I often don’t expect more than 2-3 good songs in a CD…so take a chill pill dude :p
It’s really sad that you only expect 2-3 good songs on an album. I hope musicians don’t expect the same when they’re creating an album.
Oh yeah, I have a lot time to waste so don’t mind me.
Hey guys, I have nothing against DVH personally. I don’t know him. I actually like his version of Tinh Tho. I think his Tinh Tho is one of the best I have heard. However, the cover to the CD should suggest what’s inside artistically. Mr. Dam isn’t about country orfolkmusic nor is it about “cai luong”.
people.no one put a gun to your head when you decided to listen .so lay-of go and do something productive.
my first time on this page. you guys do have alot to say. Best i:ve heard so far is from bang kieu.
Just heard a demo of his vol. 9 on his website. Was hoping he would do something for his breathing technique. I keep comparing his older songs to his new ones and the hard breathing is one that sets them apart. He’s one GREAT performer, so please please… change the breathing thing.
Katty DVH is a better singer than all the singer in Vn
Phuong Thanh was just a one hit wonder.
all of u people need 2 get a life. can any of u sing half as good as DVH.If u cant do better then don’t descrimante it.U chau get screw once in a while it really help ur anger.
“all of u people need 2 get a life. can any of u sing half as good as DVH.If u cant do better then don’t descrimante it.U chau get screw once in a while it really help ur anger”
Ah, finally someone who can write decent Engligh.
About DVH, I’ve always thought that he tries to over emphasizing everything, not just his vocal, but stage performance and style. The over-acting age had gone by since the late 50′s if DVH hasn’t noticed.
FYI, DVH COPIES THE SINGING STYLE/VOICE OF ROSS STEWARD, THAT’S ALL. TN ACTUALLY SANG NHAC TRE BEFORE 1975 (ENGLISH POP SONG I THINK)BUT SINCE CAME TO US IN 75, HE CHANGED TO VIET MUSIC (NHAC KHONG SEN)AND SUCCESS. WHY? IN VIETNAM, IF PEOPLE SING ENGLISH POP SONG TO THE AUDIENCE (VIETNAMESE OF COUSE) THEN EVEN WITH BAD PRONOUNTIATION, PEOPLE STILL CHEER…IN US DURING 75 LESS VIETNAMESE AND MORE AMERICAN MUSICIANS, CHOSE TO SING ENGLISH SONG IS SELF-SUICIDAL FOR A VIETNAMESE SINGER LIKE TN. AND WASTED HIS RICH VOICE TOO. AFTER 1985 MORE VIETNAMESES COME TO US PLUS A NEW GENERATION OF VIETNAMESE TEENAGERS BOOMER SO SOME VIETNAME SINGERS SUCCESSS…..LIKE LINDA TRANG DAI, LILIAN, HENRY CHUC, PHILIP HUY SINGING ENGLISH SONGS. SORRY ABOUT MY ENGLISH.
FYI, DVH just a copy-cat from Ross Steward. Both his voice & style. In the West, people level music in many category for different listeners.Such, country, folk, pop, rock,heavy metal, rap, soul, hip-hop, opera, classical etc…… I think, as the listeners/fans, we do have right to cheer or criticize any artist for good or bad. But as civilized and manner, we must use the clean words to express our view. OK B.Kieu
many less talent artists or singers but made lot of fans and money do not mean they are real good. It depend on the market and demand. One example, Julie Quang is a very good singer but how many people know or like her singing voice/style? That’s why Music Prod. like Thuy Nga, Asia or other business do not invite or sign her to perform in their video.
FYI,DVH is just a copycat of Ross Stewart. Music has many different categories like zazz, blue, rock, pop, rap, hip-hop, opera, classical etc….So depend on the artist or singer sing the type we like/love. T. Ngoc has a very rich Tenor voice.
Overall I truly think DVH has a great voice and does sings with all his soul. Though there is the one and only question in my mind about DVH is, the rumor about DVH being “GAY.” Is he? What does everyone think???? I’ve seen pict. and video of when he sing in the earlier year and he just didn’t look “GAY.” As time past DVH definitely looks feminine. Is it something that just happen gradually when men are single for a long period of time. (DVH is afraid to have relationship because he would loose his fans.)
You guys sound like you’re all musician – just because you own a karaoke or two:o.O
Am I right, or am I right? ROFL
I can’t even sing for peanuts, will scare the ugliest chick on the planet if I try.
So leave it to the pros. Music in Vietnam is going through evolution. It’s good to see them experimenting – trying and developing new styles.
LOLS
drop the mic and pick up the clipper
very funii. :D
but still….hes alright..
thats a lil mean to say but still very hilarious :)
lol.
DVH is the bomb!