The good or bad story of Ha Anh Tuan's singing

People say that Ha Anh Tuan's music is no longer what it used to be, that it has lost its subtlety and is left with only soulless grandeur. But is that really true?

*This article reflects the author's personal views.

Ha Anh Tuan during his live show on March 9th in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Archival material.

Whenever Ha Anh Tuan holds a concert or launches a new project, there are always negative reviews. Of course, personal opinions are unavoidable, but usually, articles only present the one-sided perspective of the writer. Therefore, I also want to share my own perspective.

What was it about Ha Anh Tuan that people loved? Was it his song choices, his musical vision, or his storytelling? Ha Anh Tuan, with songs like " De Danh," "Giac Mo La," and "Buoi Sang o Ciao Cafe ," is a part of many people's youth. But an artist cannot remain stagnant in one stage. Art is about movement, about growth, and it's about maturation alongside the artist and their audience.

We grow up, we change, so why would we expect Ha Anh Tuan's music to remain stuck in the past? If you still wish for Ha Anh Tuan's music to be "like it used to be," are you sure you're still the same person you were back then?

Ha Anh Tuan is no longer just a young man singing in a small space, nor is he a singer selling tickets for 90,000 VND at tiny tea rooms. Now, he creates large musical spaces where every detail, from lighting and stage design to harmony and staging, is meticulously crafted to enhance the audience's experience.

However, every change he made was scrutinized.

When he invested in elaborate stage setups and orchestras, people criticized him for being ostentatious and gaudy. When he performed with female guests, people said he had never performed with male guests before. When he invited male guests, they questioned why there weren't any female vocalists. When he invited international music legends or veteran domestic artists, he was accused of being "past his prime and trying to piggyback on their fame."

When he invited young musicians and singers, people said he lacked connections and money, only able to invite unknown faces. Even after releasing his 12th solo album, some still said he only knew how to sing cover songs because he mostly performed new songs at concerts.

Ha Anh Tuan and Lam Truong. Photo: Archival material.

This contradiction raises the question: Were those criticisms truly constructive feedback, or merely prejudice and unwarranted resentment towards an artist who dared to change?

Some say Ha Anh Tuan's music now is staged, flashy, lacking sincerity, and devoid of emotion, but emotion is very subjective. Some people no longer find themselves in his music, but that doesn't mean it has lost its value.

Ha Anh Tuan doesn't chase the masses but builds his own community of fans—people who understand and support him through every stage of his music career—and that's what's most important. Ha Anh Tuan once said: "You shape my career. I just need to place the 'roses' in my mind. And that's how our own musical world shines so beautifully."

These contradictions reveal one thing: for some people, the problem isn't the music itself, but their preconceived notions. They don't listen to feel the music, but rather look for something to criticize. And if it were truly just superficial, why would tens of thousands of people still eagerly await his concerts? Why would people still cry, laugh, and sing together in the rain, in the cold of Da Lat, or amidst the vast open spaces of Ninh Binh ?

Simplicity doesn't always equate to sincerity, and grandeur doesn't necessarily diminish subtlety.

Ha Anh Tuan is not just a singer, but an artist who creates musical spaces where emotions still flow and touch those who are willing to listen.

For me, Ha Anh Tuan's music is a companion. I once went through a period of depression, where everything around me seemed meaningless and I gradually lost connection with myself and those around me.

But then one day, that music helped me step out of the darkness. Not just because of the beautiful melodies or the meaningful lyrics, but because the stories Ha Anh Tuan told, the emotions he conveyed, helped me rediscover faith in simple yet meaningful things. And I'm not the only one.

I have friends I met through our shared love of Ha Anh Tuan's music. Concerts are not just places to listen to music, but also places where strangers find each other, sharing the same emotional rhythm. Isn't that the most beautiful thing music can offer?

Some people say they're no longer fans of Ha Anh Tuan because his music isn't what it used to be. That's okay! Becoming or ceasing to be a fan of an artist is a personal right. But music doesn't exist to please everyone. It evolves, changes, and sometimes it no longer belongs to you but to another generation, another soul that needs it.

Ha Anh Tuan doesn't sing to prove anything. He sings to tell stories, to paint dreams. And for those who still follow him, those dreams remain as beautiful as the first day. So, is Ha Anh Tuan a good or bad singer? For me, the answer has never been important. What matters is that his music still touches the hearts of those who are willing to listen. And that's enough!

The performance "Alone in the Early Morning":

Reader Nhu Y

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Does Ha Anh Tuan truly enjoy singing? "The more I listen to and watch Ha Anh Tuan sing, the more I feel intimidated. His voice is higher, richer, and stronger, but all I hear is him trying to sing louder, trying to lower his pitch to make it sound thicker."

Quang Hung MasterD and Ha Anh Tuan 'struggle' to sing 'First Love Overindulges'. On the evening of March 9th, Ha Anh Tuan held his live concert "Sketch a Rose" with the participation of Quang Hung MasterD and Lam Truong.