5nTears - Hu 100 Zaug

1. Txhob Lam Dag
2. Hu 100 Zaug
3. Xav Nrog Koj Uake
4. Txhob Quaj Tag Kis
5. Hlub Koj Xwb
6. Vwm Rau Koj
7. Tseem Tos Koj
8. Sib Hawm No
9. Tshuav Koj Daim Duab
10. 18 Weeks

I stuck this album in, and pressed play.  The first thing I thought was, “Hey, it sounds like the band Voltage!”  Then it didn’t.  Well, I guess it was just the quick intro.  It was nothing close to what I assumed it to be from the album cover.  I guess that’s why you don’t judge anything by its cover.  Don’t get me wrong; that’s not a bad thing.  I was trying to listen to the lyrics, and then I accidently hit the “next” button.  I was going to backtrack, but then the second track sounded good, so I decide to listen to it.

The music sounded like a blend of the band Paradise.  The melodic singing added a pinch of the band Destiny.  By halfway, I just realized that it was the title track entitled “Hu 100 Zaug.”  It’s another break up song, but more detailed.  It focuses on someone trying to call his former love and doesn’t get an answer.  That is why the name of the song translates to “Call 100 Times.”  Basically, he’s saying that after one hundred calls, he still isn’t satisfied, because he cannot contact her to say he loves her and thinks only of her.  Is it just your typical love song?  Lyrically, perhaps, but the music has definitely matured.  However, the music is much better in the next track.

The following track is titled “Xav Nrog Koj Ua Ke,” which means, “Want To Be With You.”  Man, the intro is so awesome that I would almost say it wasn’t concocted from an ordinary Hmong artist.  However, it did sound similar to something that I’ve heard before, but I just can’t seem to pinpoint it.  The first vocals kind of threw me of though.  It was the infamous “T-Pain effect.”  Yeah, you know what I’m talking about.  That robot effect is what I’m referring to.  I think the song would have been the same if they would have used the singer’s natural voice, if not better.  Like 5ntears’ previous album, this one is quite diverse too.  It has a lot of rapping, which goes in well with the keyboard.  Actually, the rapping is so smooth, they should just be a rap group.  The lyrics aren’t very poetic, but they definitely are deep and get the point out.  Part of the second verse goes something like, “It doesn’t matter what happens.  The past is the past. Let’s start the future together.”  Overall, this song would have been a great rap song.  However, there was too much of “T-pain effect.”   How about something with a more natural voice?

Well, I guess we’re saved.  The next track is probably my favorite from this album.  It reminds me a lot of their second album’s “Ua Li Koj Hais,” which was my favorite from that album.  No, there is no favoritism involved here.  It’s just my opinion.  You are entitled to your own opinions.  Anyway, the intro starts with a guitar and keyboard.  Then, of course, the beat comes in, and he says, “Cev koj txhais tes los rau kuv.  Cia kuv puag koj rau hauv xub ntiag.  Txhob quaj tagkis tus kuv hlub,” and then something….something… and it continues  “Kuv yuav mus ob xyoo xwb mog.  Kuv yuav rov qab los ntsib koj.”  Now, I’m not going to tell you what all that means, because I want you to go listen to this song.  Besides, everyone should learn how to read and write his/her own language.  However, I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to make it out.  Hey!  They rap in this song too.  The tempo of the rap is somewhat slower than the previous one.  But hey, it’s still good.  Also, the chorus is sung by more than one person using their natural voices, which is a big plus!  Anyway, I am willing to tell you what the song is about if you still haven’t figured it out.  Wait.  Let’s rewind a little bit.  This song is called “Txhob Quaj Tag Kis” which translates to “Don’t Cry Tomorrow.”  This is not a breakup song.  It’s about him leaving his love for a couple of years, but he will come back for her and only her.

Well, 5ntears have definitely upped their game on this album.  These tracks I mentioned proved it.  Other worthy songs that I would recommend are “Tseem Tos Koj” and “18 weeks.”  I must also mention that the song “18 Weeks” has a girl singing in it.  Yes, you read that right!  The only girl’s name I could find on the insert is Pa Yang, but I can’t guarantee you that it’s her that sings in it.  I would go research, but I’m too busy listening to this song!

Ratings

Music:  8/10
Lyrics:  6/10
Vocals:  7/10

http://www.myspace.com/5ntearsgroup

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