Htoo Ein Thin was one of the most popular and respected Burmesesinger-songwriters. He brought a new style of pop rock music to the Burmese music scene in mid-1980s, and was popular till his death in 2004. He released 14 solo albums in his 18-year career. His songs remain Burmese standards and his premature death is still mourned by millions of fans.
Htoo Ein Thin is widely remembered for his heart-felt songs with his own original music and lyrics. Being an "original" songwriter means a lot in Myanmar. When he released his first album Naryi Baw Mha Myet-Yay Zet Mya in 1986, the Burmese pop music scene was dominated by Burmese covers of Western pop and country music—known locally as "copies". To be sure, Htoo Ein Thin's musical style was heavily influenced by Western jazz, rock-and-roll and pop music. Some critics complained that his sound was still too "derivative" or "emulative", comparing his compositions and arrangements to those of the Bee Gees or the Beatles. But it was his ability to bring Burmese soulfulness to his lyrics and combine it with Western-fused arrangements that proved ever so popular with generations of Burmese—male and female alike. His style was unique, even compared to that of other contemporary singer-songwriters like Soe Lwin Lwin and Kaiser. Like most Burmese songs, many of his songs are about love and heart-ache, only areas that could safely pass through draconian Burmese media censors, which did not tolerate even a hint of social commentary. His 1991 ode Yazawin Mya Ye Thado-Thami raised a few eyebrows. Although the song ostensibly is about Myanmar's main artery Irrawaddy river, many took it to be as an implicit reference to Aung San Suu Kyi. He was banned from performing the song in his concerts. Within the confines of Burmese censors, one topic he wrote extensively about was the mother's love, the relationship between the mother and the son, and a son's regrets. He devoted an entire album A-May to this topic. The song A-May Ein continues to resonate deeply with many Burmese home and especially, abroad. His success with Naryi was followed by a string of successful albums, culminating in Atta Bon Saung Khe Mya, and Akyinna Einmet, both released in 1991. His songs from this early era are still very popular today. In particular, Mei-Lai-Taw, Min-Ma-Shi-De-Nauk and Hsway-De remain standards to this day. His success waned in later albums though he remained popular. He even resorted to covering a few Western songs—something that did not sit well with some of his purist fans. His last albums—in particular the posthumous Chit-Chin Ah-Phyint --saw a return to his musical roots that captivated generations of Burmese. Htoo Ein Thin also composed many commercially successful songs for other singers. A successful singer, Aung Yin has publicly acknowledged that he owes his success to his saya Htoo Ein Thin. Hayma Ne Win, a popular female singer, has covered many of Htoo Ein Thin's popular songs.
Premature death
Htoo Ein Thin died suddenly in 2004 of heart disease. He was survived by his wife, Thwè Thwè Htwe, and daughter, Mi Kun Htaw.
Album discography
Htoo Ein Thin released 14 solo albums. His last album remains unreleased.
Naryi Baw Mha Myet Yay Set Myar -Tear Drops On The Clock
