Song 1
Introduction- Spomal by Peha is a soulful award winning song by the contemporary Slovakian band. The beautiful song presents a smooth flow of instrumentals and the deep soulful rendition is truly inviting.
The song represents modern pop culture of Central Europe, showing the departure from traditional music and contemporary orchestra and embracing modern pop music and dance. Its good reception is also reflective of the new generations’ taste that is influenced by other cultures like American pop. Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyfjLCajbCwSong 2
Introduction- This is the kind of song that gets you up on your feet to the dance floor to do that happy dance. Welcome to the disco with Uvek Mogu Bolije from Serbia.
Artists- Sevdah Baby & Djixx
This represents the modern disco Balkan music which embraces modern dance without losing the original Balkan style of music, through its instrumentals, dance moves and sound. It is a refreshing taste of the traditional. Link- https://youtu.be/mdtPihRBQSk
Song 3
Introduction- Another hit from Belgrade is Ako Te Sretnem, shrouded in mystery and touching deep into the soul while eliciting fear and excitement all in one go. Welcome to the Belgrade world of love.
The song shows the romanticism in music from Europe, with a twist. The song is unique, since unlike most love songs which are usually crowded with excitement and clearly expressed emotions, the song bring out sadness joy, and beauty without doing much rather than a careful choice of words, tempo and saying as little as possible. Link- https://youtu.be/CnsPZM-zvHM
Song 4
Introduction- For those who love cocktails; here it is. Am giving you the food in a mixture of hip-hop, Romanian traditional music, soul and R &B. Miss Platinum is a representation of the old, new and future all rolled out in one. The song, Give Me Food, has done fairly well in Europe and America, in the top 100 and top 20 respectively. Let’s celebrate size and food!
While many songs from Central and Southeastern Europe have maintained their traditional style and authenticity, many contemporary artists attempt to introduce different styles to accentuate the Balkan /European music. Miss Platinum has gone a notch higher and has created music which is aimed at appealing to the modern hippie Europeans but also Western fans. The song ‘Give Me the Food’ is one that tackles a modern theme of image especially for women. The song departs from the use of traditional Balkan languages, and embraces English to appeal to a wider audience. The song is more of a hip than particular thematic or stylistic leaning. Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trn1f-IDfro
Song 5
Introduction- If you are looking for old-school authentic dancehall sound, then Tijelo Bez Dus by Selma Bajrami is the real deal. The song is well structured and is hot- heat that will keep you on your toes and wanting more. Serbia has never done better than this in this mix of enduring tradition.
The song is nice departure from the common use of sensational soulful music in presenting love lyrics. It is almost celebratory while still expressing pain in its use of words. The song maintains Balkan style in dancehall music. Link- https://youtu.be/Ek9b1XbVaGg
Works Cited
Give Me The Food. YouTube: Miss Platinum, 2007. Video.
Igor Garnier & Minja. YouTube: Ako Te Sretnem, 2014. Video.
Peha. YouTube: Spomal, 2009. Video.
Selma Bajrami. YouTube: Tijelo Bez Dus, 2014. Video.
Sevdah Baby & Djixx. YouTube: Uvek Mogu Bolje, 2014. Video.
