Happy New Year! After some ups and downs, it's time to begin afresh. Way back in late December, I missed a few songs in my year-end roundup. So here they are, and despite their different genres all can boost our morale and optimism for the upcoming year.
Singto Numchok
Sawasdee Der Pee Mai (Happy New Year) is the new single from the singer and coach of The Voice Thailand. Produced in the genre of luk thung (child of the field), the song is studded with northeastern dialects. It conveys the homesickness of workers in Bangkok who are unable to return to their provincial home during the New Year for many reasons, including work, the coronavirus pandemic and travel expense.
"I am sorry, mom and dad, for being such a loser that you can't be proud of," croons Singto.
In the music video he meanders with his guitar around the city, including Hua Lamphong train station, the transport hub where migrants are constantly on the move. His encounter with those in search of opportunities draws attention to the downside of the cosmopolitan dream. From a street vendor to a taxi driver, they are torn apart from villages where families are waiting for their return.
Bordin Chalearnraj
Khong Kwan Pee Mai (New Year's Gift) is a special track from Bordin "Pae" Chalearnraj, the lead singer of the rock band Mild. The tradition of gift giving is a means by which people express fondness to one another. Instead of giving presents or cards, the singer, however, composes this song to show appreciation for his fans in a straightforward manner.
"I have only this song that comes to represent everything/ Just listen and you will find out/ Happy New Year, my dear," he sings.
Thongchai McIntyre
Pee Khong Rao (Our Year) is a new track from the age-defying superstar. Composed by Tilly Birds, the high-pitched, fast-tempo song encourages us to forget the past and look to the future with hope. Beginning languidly, the music video suddenly becomes enlivened when Thongchai, aka Bird, joins the chorus. It features a variety of musical instruments and many familiar faces from The Voice Thailand, such as Buntita "Natt" Prachamorn and Opkhwan "Ope" Kinglakmueang.
"May the new year bring an end to unpleasant things/ Begin afresh and let bygones be bygones/ It will be our year," he sings.
Listen on youtube.com.
