Singer Anh Thơ faces mixed reactions for attempting to modernize pop music.

Having previously caused a sensation with her million-view covers, Anh Thơ's return has divided public opinion. While her voice and familiar polished style remain, when applied to contemporary pop music, things no longer seem to "fit in" as before.

Recently, singer Anh Thơ posted a cover video of "Cơn gió lạ" (Strange Wind) – a hit song associated with singer Phương Linh. The video quickly attracted hundreds of thousands of views, but also received a number of negative comments. Many opinions suggested that this performance did not evoke the expected emotions, and even sounded "harsh" to the ear.

Notably, this isn't an impromptu cover but part of a long-term project called "Poetry Sings Love Songs" – where Anh Thơ tries her hand at many light and pop songs familiar to young audiences. The list includes songs like "If I Could Choose," "The Day Before the Storm," "Finding the Dream Again," "Wild Flowers," and "As If It Never Began." The fact that a singer known for revolutionary and folk songs is shifting to modern music has already piqued curiosity, but the way she performs it is the most debated aspect.

It's easy to see that Anh Thơ's vocal technique remains at a high standard. However, this solid foundation in folk and revolutionary music inadvertently becomes a "double-edged sword" when applied to pop music.

In the version of "Strange Wind," the climax is heightened with sustained high notes at a high volume. This makes the overall song heavier than the original, which was light and airy. Many listeners commented that this approach loses the original spirit of the song, instead creating a version with a completely different feel, which may not necessarily be suitable.

Furthermore, pop music often requires concise, restrained vocal techniques and minimal vibrato to maintain a natural feel. In contrast, Anh Thơ's covers tend to have a slower tempo, combined with familiar techniques from folk music, making the songs feel long and lacking in emphasis. The awkward pauses also make it difficult for listeners to focus on the overall emotion of the song.

However, not all of Anh Thơ's experiments with pop music have received negative feedback. Previously, her performance of "Em một mình quen rồi" (I'm Used to Being Alone) went viral, attracting millions of views and receiving much praise from young audiences. This shows that the issue is not whether the female singer is suitable for pop music, but rather her choice of song, arrangement, and approach.

The clear difference lies in the production context. In the "Crossroads of Time" program, Anh Thơ's performance was accompanied by Dương Cầm as music director. With his experience and market acumen, he helped adjust her singing style and create suitable arrangements, thereby maximizing the strengths of her powerful voice.

Therefore, many believe that what Anh Thơ needs in her cover projects is not only the selection of familiar songs but also a suitable production team, especially a music director capable of providing clear direction. Keeping up with trends, understanding the tastes of young audiences, and adjusting her style are crucial factors if she wants to conquer this genre.

Singer Anh Thơ, whose real name is Lê Thị Thơ, was born in 1976 in Thanh Hóa and is one of the leading voices in Vietnamese revolutionary music. Not only successful on stage, she is also a lecturer at the Vietnam National Academy of Music and completed her doctoral dissertation in musicology in 2022 after 17 years of study. This perseverance demonstrates the image of a serious artist who constantly strives for self-improvement.

Even while still a student, Anh Thơ quickly demonstrated her talent by consistently making her mark in professional music competitions. She won first prize in the Hanoi Television Singing Contest in 1998, third prize in the National Television Singing Contest in 1999, second prize in the National Chamber Music Contest in 2000, and notably, first prize in the Voice of Vietnam Radio's Voice of Vietnam competition in 2001.

After many years in the arts, Anh Thơ has gradually built a solid position for herself in the Vietnamese music scene, especially in folk and revolutionary music. She has also released four albums including *Gửi em ở cuối sông Hồng* (a duet with Việt Hoàn), *Tình em*, *Như ta có thể*, and *Một dòng nghiêng soi*.

In contrast to her prominent stage presence, Anh Thơ's personal life is quite private. The singer rarely shares details about her private life, only revealing that she was once married for many years to someone outside the arts industry. After these personal events, she chose to live a quieter life, avoiding unnecessary騒動 (commotion/controversy).

Currently, Anh Thơ lives with her two children in a small apartment in Hanoi. Her life revolves around teaching, performing, and taking care of her family. What has caught the attention of many viewers is the way the singer prioritizes her children's future. Instead of investing in material possessions like big houses, luxury cars, or designer goods, she dedicates the majority of her income to the education, experiences, and holistic development of her two daughters.

In a rare interview, Anh Thơ revealed that after her marriage ended, she devoted all her love to music and her children. For her, joy doesn't come from superficial things, but from seeing her children grow up, have opportunities to learn, and explore the world. This choice partly reveals a very different side of the singer – not only a powerful vocalist on stage, but also a devoted mother who always puts family first.

Public opinion suggests that if she finds the right direction, Anh Thơ can create cover versions with her own unique style, preserving her distinctive voice while catering to modern tastes. This would not only help her reach a new generation of audiences but also enrich the image of an artist who already has a solid position.

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