On June 7, 2025, the Vietnamese music scene witnessed a remarkable resurgence as Jack - J97's latest track, "Trạm dừng chân," soared to the top of YouTube Vietnam's trending music chart. Achieving the number one spot just over two days after its release, the song amassed more than 2.6 million views by midday, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that this was accomplished with a simple audio release rather than a full-fledged music video or elaborate promotional campaign.
The success of "Trạm dừng chân" marks a significant moment in Jack's career, signaling his powerful comeback after a period of relative quiet. Despite the saturated Vpop market, often dominated by formulaic productions, Jack’s new single stands out with its refreshing blend of youthful energy and emotional depth. The song's melody is bright and vibrant, layered with a strong rap section and the distinctive vocal inflections that fans have come to associate with the artist. Beneath this lively soundscape lies introspective lyrics that explore the lingering pain and reflections of a past love, capturing the complexities of human emotion with a poetic touch.
Interestingly, "Trạm dừng chân" was released somewhat unintentionally, following a leak of a music segment that forced its early debut. Despite the lack of a conventional marketing blitz, the track quickly gained traction, proving that genuine artistry can still resonate deeply with audiences. Jack himself composed, produced, and performed the song, with the addition of an uncredited female vocalist who contributes to the layered emotional texture of the piece.
However, the song's rise was not without controversy. Shortly after its release, "Trạm dừng chân" was embroiled in plagiarism allegations when a Chinese singer-songwriter claimed similarities with their work. Jack's representatives swiftly addressed these rumors, clarifying that the supposed counterpart was an AI-generated piece and that Jack was, in fact, a victim of misinformation circulating on social media. This swift response helped preserve the song’s integrity and allowed fans to focus on the music itself.
"Trạm dừng chân" is the third installment in Jack's recent series of musical releases, following "01 Ngoại Lệ" and "Dưới tán cây khô hoa nở." Notably, all three tracks have been presented through lyric videos or visualizers rather than traditional music videos. The earlier song, "Dưới tán cây khô hoa nở," enjoyed sustained popularity, holding the number one trending spot on YouTube for several consecutive days after its release in December 2024 and accumulating over 11 million views to date.
Jack’s approach with "Trạm dừng chân" diverges from the typical Vpop trend of chasing viral hits through flashy visuals or social media gimmicks. Instead, he offers a sincere narrative, inviting listeners into his personal journey. The song's message resonates with many: life inevitably presents moments where one must pause and reflect, yet it is essential to remember the reasons for starting and to be ready to continue moving forward. This thematic depth, combined with accessible melodies, creates a powerful emotional connection that lingers long after the music ends.
Meanwhile, the broader Vietnamese music market presents a contrasting picture. While Jack's "Trạm dừng chân" climbs rapidly, other recent releases have struggled to make a similar impact. For instance, Khắc Việt's comeback MV "Nguyện làm," released on June 5 after a five-year hiatus, garnered only 28,000 views within 21 hours, signaling a challenging environment for some artists.
Similarly, Tuấn Hưng's "Dỗi," launched in late April with a fresh pop and R&B style, has accumulated a modest 176,000 views after more than a month. Thiều Bảo Trâm’s "Không lời," released in early May, achieved a respectable 3.8 million views by early June but lacked significant viral momentum or distinctive musical hooks to propel it further.
Other artists like Hà Nhi with "Sau ngần ấy năm," Phùng Khánh Linh’s "Khóc Blóc," and Đàm Vĩnh Hưng’s album "Thanh xuân không phải để khóc" have also released new material, yet their commercial success remains limited compared to the explosive hits of previous years.
One notable exception in recent months was the viral success of "Bắc Bling," released around March 2025. This track continues to accumulate views steadily, aiming to become one of the fastest Vpop songs to reach 100 or 200 million views. The song's enduring popularity is evident in its frequent play in public spaces, schools, and social gatherings, underscoring its widespread appeal.
Additionally, the trend sparked by "Thap drill tu do," which previously topped the music trending charts and amassed nearly 4 million views in just four days, has energized the Vietnamese rap scene. This success inspired numerous rappers to release tracks aligned with this style, some achieving millions of views themselves. HIEUTHUHAI’s "Nước mắt cá sấu," with 21 million views after two months, stands out as a significant hit, though it has sparked debate regarding its musical quality and style.
In this competitive landscape, the music show "Em xinh 'say hi'" has emerged as a promising platform, producing new songs weekly that cater to young audiences. Its first episode’s track "AAA" dominated the trending charts until Jack's "Trạm dừng chân" surged ahead. Another track from the show, "Đã xinh lại còn thông minh," also secured a strong position in the top three.
Jack’s ability to challenge and surpass such competition highlights his enduring influence in Vpop. Despite the controversies and the absence of a flashy music video, "Trạm dừng chân" captivates listeners with its authentic storytelling, characteristic vocal stylings, and a melody that balances youthful exuberance with emotional resonance.
While it has yet to ignite the widespread viral discussions that accompanied some of Jack's previous hits like "Thiên lý ơi," "Sóng gió," or "Bạc phận," the current success of "Trạm dừng chân" confirms that Jack remains a significant force in Vietnamese music. His return is not merely a fleeting moment but a testament to his resilience, artistic growth, and the deep connection he maintains with his audience.
As the Vpop scene continues to evolve, "Trạm dừng chân" serves as a reminder that music’s true power lies in its ability to touch hearts and tell stories, beyond the chase for views and fleeting trends. Jack’s latest offering invites listeners to pause, reflect, and embrace the journey ahead—an artistic statement that resonates far beyond the charts.
