Spring soundtrack 2026: A season of color and experimentation
Vietnam’s Tet music season 2026 features diverse, large-scale releases that blend tradition with modern sounds, reflecting festive optimism and the rapid evolution of the digital music market.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam’s Tet music market has entered its peak season with a wave of high-profile music videos, singles and large-scale productions, creating a vibrant showcase that spans genres and generations.
Singer Noo Phuoc Thinh with his Tet 2026 MV.
From pop and rap to ballads and cross-genre experiments blending tradition and modernity, this year’s releases share a common thread: optimism, wishes for peace and the hope of a fresh start.
The diversity not only energizes the annual spring music race but also reflects a fast-shifting market as audiences gain more choices across digital platforms.
Bigger scale, wider reach
Singer Truc Nhan (center) and other singers in his MV Van Su Nhu Y joined by 68 artists.
Among the most talked-about releases is Van Su Nhu Y (May all your wishes come true) by Truc Nhan, which gathers 68 artists from different generations in a single MV.
Its upbeat melody, catchy choreography and positive message quickly turned it into a centerpiece of the season, drawing millions of views and spreading widely on social media.
After 14 years devoted to spring music, Noo Phuoc Thinh returned with “Tet An Nhien, Tet Binh Yen,” a soothing reminder to leave behind last year’s burdens and embrace the new year with family.
The blend of polished staging, contemporary sounds and a trend-driven rap segment has helped the track perform strongly online.
Meanwhile, veteran singer Phan Dinh Tung joined the race with “Happy New Year,” a self-composed song released in both Vietnamese and English versions.
Built on a simple, sing-along structure, the track features rapper G-Ducky, creating a dialogue between the 8X generation and Gen Z.
The MV opts for a fashion-forward aesthetic, placing traditional elements in a contemporary setting and framing Tet as a moment of personal reinvention.
Scale investment is also evident in Gala Nhac Viet Tet 2026 under the theme Nam Moi Khoi Sac (A Bright New Year Ahead). With nearly 70 performers and 10 exclusive commissioned songs, the program reinforces its role as a launchpad for Tet hits and signals that spring music is no longer merely seasonal but a high-energy opening act for the year ahead.
This year’s spring music landscape stands out for its unexpected collaborations. The pairing of People’s Artist Bach Tuyet with Gen Z singer Mono in Tet cong nu cuoi underscores a meaningful fusion of cai luong heritage and contemporary pop sensibilities.
Singer Isaac released his first Tet track, Hon Ngan Mua Xuan, reflecting on childhood memories and the value of reunion from the perspective of adulthood.
Rapper Den continued his family-centered storytelling with Viec Lon (Big task) - this time shifting focus to a father’s quiet responsibility. Through three emotional layers, the song traces a man’s journey into parenthood, with images of shared meals and three generations under one roof capturing the warmth of Tet.
Other artists add distinct colors, as Kay Tran brings a playful, uplifting spirit in “Tet Luon Mim Cuoi (Tet Always Smiles) while Nguyen Ha returns with “Tet Ben Gia Dinh (Tet with Family) evoking the comfort of coming home.
A familiar name in the spring repertoire, Bui Cong Nam continues his theme of “returning” with Bau Vat Troi Cho. Known for a string of Tet favorites over the years, he argued that each new year brings a different emotional lens, allowing familiar themes to feel renewed.
Hanoi-born singer Ha Tran and musician Giang Son.
Meanwhile, Ha Noi Nhung Sac Hoa Mua Xuan (Hanoi in the Colors of Spring) by Giang Son and Ha Tran offers a gentle counterpoint to the festive buzz. The understated MV, featuring the two artists performing in a traditional house, creates a lyrical pause within an otherwise exuberant season.
Younger audience, tougher competition
Part of this year’s momentum stems from a later-than-usual Tet, giving artists more time to invest in their projects. Yet the market has grown more competitive. Song lifecycles are shorter, audiences are younger and AI-generated covers add further pressure.
Producers note that a successful Tet song now requires more than a catchy melody, but demands originality and an ability to capture contemporary concerns. Tracks backed by strong storytelling and carefully crafted visuals still stand the best chance of breaking through.
Singer Quoc Thien in a show with Minh Tuyet.
At the same time, some veteran artists have faced mixed reactions despite polished production, highlighting the risks of relying on dated formulas. Audiences are increasingly selective, pushing performers to refresh their creative approach.
Tet music 2026 emerges as a layered portrait of celebration and reflection. It offers festival-ready anthems, intimate family narratives, modern experiments and lyrical interludes.
More than a contest for views or virality, this year’s “feast” reflects artists’ efforts to reinvent themselves for a discerning public and to let the new spring truly resonate through music.
Singer Phan Dinh Tung appears in his latest MV for Tet.
