HCM CITY – Pop star Quang Dũng has released his new album featuring French ballads with Vietnamese lyrics.

Dũng recorded the album with music remixed by young composers Tâm Vĩnh and Tuấn Mario at Việt Tân Studio, one of HCM City’s leading recording studios.

Soprano Ngọc Tuyền and backup group Cadillac were involved in the project.

“My team and I have worked for two years to perfect the album,” the 41-year-old said.

Serenade – Dạ Khúc features 10 French songs with lyrics by Vietnamese composers Phạm Duy, Hùng Lân and Anh Bằng, among others.

The highlight of the album is El Choclo by Argentine musician Ángel Villoldo, one of the most popular tangos in Argentina.

In 1952, the song’s English version Kiss of Fire was performed by international singers such as Nat Cole King, Louis Armstrong and Julio Iglesias.

The Vietnamese version was named Tình Yêu Như Mũi Tên with lyrics by Anh Bằng.

The album also includes Lại Gần Hôn Em (Viens M’embrasser), a work by Julio Iglesias with Vietnamese lyrics by late composer Phạm Duy, and Tuyết Rơi (Tombe la Neige), a work by Salvatore Adamo with Vietnamese lyrics by Hùng Lân.

“I’ve listened to numerous French love songs and I have different feelings every time,” Dũng said. “Gentle melodies have a strong power which helps ease my mind.”

Born to a poor family in Bình Định Province’s Quy Nhơn City, Dũng began his singing career in 1998. Faced with many obstacles, he spent years singing in restaurants before hitting it big.

He won acclaim from audiences in HCM City and southern provinces, winning the most popular pop singer award, Blue Waves, in 2003, 2004 and 2005 from the Voice of HCM City.

He has won several top prizes presented by TV stations and newspapers, including Việt Nam Television and HCM City Television.

Dũng has hosted several live shows in Việt Nam and abroad. In February, he launched his show Giấc Mơ Mang Tên Mình (My Dream) in HCM City, Hà Nội and in California. — VNS