The best Zombie cover? The blind Vietnamese guitarist dividing opinion

The Zombie cover stirring passions: the blind Vietnamese guitarist rivalling the British

A blind musician from Vietnam has turned the small world of "Zombie" covers upside down, the anthem by The Cranberries. Thanh Điền, who has racked up millions of views on YouTube and even has his own Wikipedia entry, is hailed by some as the author of the best version ever recorded of the song. The debate is not an innocent one: it pits those who argue that quality knows no borders against those who see it as a symptom of British musical decline that an Asian, blind guitarist has taught them a lesson.

A musician who plays without seeing what's coming

Thanh Điền is a well-known figure in Vietnam, regarded as the country's finest guitarist despite his total blindness. His YouTube channel, with millions of views, antiestéticatures a long series of covers of international songs. His take on "Zombie" has sparked a debate that goes beyond music: some consider it technically flawless and full of emotion; others, while acknowledging his skill, regret that it took an outsider to outshine the countless British bands who play the song in any summer pub.

Musical nationalism or objective quality?

The fact is that the cover has become a minor phenomenon. The numbers speak for themselves: millions of views on YouTube and a Wikipedia page confirming its significance. The controversy, as almost always, says more about those judging than about the performer. While some celebrate the fact that music has no borders, others take it as an affront to British pride. Either way, Thanh Điền's version is now part of the debate over the best of all time.

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The lingering question

Whether it is the best cover or not is a matter of taste, but the hard numbers (millions of views, recognition on Wikipedia) don't lie: it has achieved what few covers manage — sparking a genuine debate about its quality. And all without ever seeing a single sheet of music. Draw your own conclusions.