Customer Reviews

Karma

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Tarkan's previous CD made a tremendous splash across the world, and many wondered how he might respond to his new superstardom. The opening moments of the first track, "Ask," suggest a more somber, less accessible sound than on Tarkan's previous CD. In fact, "Ask" creates a lush, glorious soundscape, and Tarkan's voice sounds denser and darker than on his previous pop singles "Sikidim" and "Simarik." The second track is the highly electronic "Ay," which blends Western pop and Middle Eastern elements beautifully. On "Kuzu Kuzu," the third track, Tarkan's swirling vocal seems to soar over layers of strings. "Gitti Gideli" follows, a tender, heartfelt ballad with gorgeous string and woodwind accompaniment. The fifth track is the dancey, electronically-frosted "Uzak." The vocals are layered and syncopated, as in the previous CD's "Bu Gece." This is one of the best songs on the CD. Next is "Yandim," which sounds langorous and Mediterranean, framed by beautiful mandolin playing. "O'na Sor," the seventh track, begins very gently and quietly, then adds a dark percussive element and a wall of string instruments as the vocal gets more powerful, more urgent. The hip "Hup" reminds us that Turkey is essentially a secular society, as the piece sounds very modern and cosmopolitan. The ninth track is "Sen Baskasin," with bongo-like percussion and a very loose, flowing vocal. Tarkan's flair for drama definately comes out in this track. "Tas" opens with distant voices, which seems to set it in a noisy public space. This is significant since, in the videos for both "Sikidim" and "Simarik," we see images of an artist who can't quite escape his legions of adoring fans. The eleventh track is the wonderful "Her Nerdeysen," which has a tango-like feel (the tango also sounds so dark, exotic, and with an element of the dangerous) and a sexy, growling vocal. The chorus in this track absolutely shimmers, and the voice is the distillation of seduction. The final track, "Verme," is long, dark, and meandering, like the opening track "Ask." Both the first and twelfth tracks are full of Eastern touches and swirling rhythms, and they typify the sound of this dark, expressive work. Tarkan has already proven to the world that he can be a pop star, but here he is all artist. Can't wait to see what he does next.

Definately westernized, modern, belly-rolling, hip-swiveling, sexy, musical rhythms worth recognition in the U.S! No quick flash in the pan pop-star, he's not compared to the "King" (Elvis) for nothing. If you like modern pop/rock music try it with a twist of belly-dancing beats, turkish-techno, and a sultry turkish accent. I played this album recently at a party. It wasn't until everyone stopped dancing to it that people began to realize it was in a forgein langauge. It's amazing to share something like this with people from across the globe in a forgein land. No matter if you can't understand a word, good music is a universal langauge.

Tarkan's latest album, "Karma", is his best yet, and frankly one of the best, if not THE best, pop CDs ever! Yet sadly people in the English speaking world probably will never have heard of him, unless they have been to Turkey or have a Turkish friend.

Virtually every single track on this CD is excellent. The music is also more refined and less cheesy in sound than "Ölürüm Sana" and "Aacayipsin", his two previous albums. Most of the tracks here tend to be slower and more thoughtful than his faster, more poppish songs; these ones have more new world background instrumentation (don't be alarmed---it sounds excellent) and a generally more epic feel. Even though I don't speak Turkish, I often find myself humming or trying to sing some of his songs as I stroll to work. This CD is a MUST buy---I just hope that English-speaking audiences are open-minded enough to try something different. If you are new to his music, then pick this album over the others.

I hear Tarkan is planning to release an English-language album. I have some fears about this, but wish him the best of luck.

I just bought Tarkan's new album "Karma" yesterday and I have already listened to it about 8 times! It is GREAT!! I discovered Tarkan on a spanish video show and fell in love with the song "Simarik." And then I heard it in a spanish dance club and I had to get the cd. I don't speak a word of Turkish but I believe that music is the international language. I love music with a "middle eastern" feel to it. Well Tarkan's new album did NOT dissapoint me! From slow powerful ballads like "Gitti Gideli" and "Yandum" to EXCELLENT dance songs like "Uzak" and "Hup" and "Sen Baskasm" Tarkan delivers a very unique sound!My favorites are definately "Uzak","Sen Baskasm","Kuzu Kuzu", "Ay", and "Ask."I recommend this cd to anyone with an open mind and an open sense of musical appreciation. Great work Tarkan!!

I just returned from Turkey and have been crazy about all things Turkish since. I wasn't really into Middle-Eastern type music initially, but in Turkey, you get somewhat immersed in the culture. I grew to like the music there and of course it's Tarkan's music that got me. At first it's the irresistible and wonderful Dudu, which I bought and love the album. I listened to it non-stop for weeks, considering there weren't that many tracks in that album. I then decided to buy Karma and boy, this is one amazing album. It has the oriental Turkish elements which I crave for, and electronica sounds that I have always dug. It's another addiction like Dudu, I will be listening to this album repeatedly a long time from now. Tarkan is simply amazing, like Turkey. Love Turkey!

Excellent album from one of my favorites singers: TARKAN!!
Perfect balance between fast music and slow ones. I love Kuzu Kuzu,hup, gitti gideli, tas,ay, I mean: I LOVE THE WHOLE ALBUM!
It worth every penny you pay!!!!!!

I having been tracking Tarkan for some time and waited with much anticipation for his new album "Karma." I wasn't disappointed. If you are looking for something different and fresh with a mixture of Turkish folk/orientale and Western techno you can find it here. Also, for those who understand his lyrics, they are quite meaningful, even the dance songs. My favorite songs are: Ask, Ay, Kuzu Kuzu and Uzak. I also appreciate Tas which is based on old school Turkish folk music but in a much more contemporary fashion. The thing that I most like about Tarkan and his music is that he embraces his Turkish roots and updates the music in a very tasteful and appropriate manner.

Wow...what can I say...the man has talent! I have the majority of his CDs (still missing the first two and anxiously awaiting the new CD single "Ayrilik Zor" - it is UNBELIEVABLE!!!). For a while I thought Bu Gece from "Tarkan" was my favorite song, but then...I heard Kuzu Kuzu. :::SIGH::: Now THAT is a good song (and if you can get your hands on the CD single..it has the acoustic version that is just as wonderful). I love what he does with his voice during that song. I love Ask (a beautiful love song)...and Hup (you can't help but dance when that is on). Tas is nice...although I must admit..I lean more towards Bir Oluruz Yolunda (another great beat...basically it is Tas reworded for the Turkish Soccer Team for the 2002 World Cup). Sen Baskasin is great...Gitti Gideli is a sad slow song. I could go on and on...basically, song for song...I think this CD is much better than Dudu (though that one has some great moments, I like this one MUCH better)...but that is just me.

As for the LONG awaited English album...well..all we can do is hope. I am hoping he stays a little closer to his own sound (singing in English of course!) and doesnt sell out to the American market. He is so unique...America has NOTHING like him now (and quite frankly...hasn't had for a VERY long time)...the man can sing and write beautiful music...he definitely can dance :::sigh:::...and he has an appeal like no other.

UPDATE!!!! As the writer above me stated...the LONG wait is over...the English CD is coming :D I heard it was only a single (a total of 4 songs..but I could be wrong)...but let me tell you, I heard 3 of the tracks..and they are INCREDIBLE (and that is putting it mildly!!!). He did not sell out in any way shape or form. They are very Tarkan-like...very sensual, a great beat, with a Middle Eastern influence. All I can say is...I AM SO EXCITED FOR HIM. He is on the verge of something that could potentially be HUGE.

I also read that there is a new Turkish CD coming out in the fall...could it outdo Karma (which is my favorite Tarkan CD to date)? Well...I guess we will have to wait and see...but if it is anything like the English songs...Tarkan fans are in for a real treat! :)

This is the best Tarkan CD ever. You can appreciate how much he has matured and how he is preparing himself to conquer the world. I am from Puerto Rico, land of great artists, but I got to hand it to this guy. He can really transmit what he is feeling with this songs and you don't need to understand turkish. That is the beauty of all of his productions. With those great looks, awesome voice and flawless productions, the sky's the limit. Hopefully, we will hear a lot from him. Best songs: Ask, Ay, Kuzu Kuzu, Hup, Sen Baskasin, Tas and Verme.

Tarkan is passionate when singing and that comes through and breaks the language barrier. The melodies are catchy and varied through the album. All in all the whole thing is an overwhelming success!! Bravo!!

I teach bellydancing to Introductory and Beginner students in Toronto, Canada and play a wide variety of music in my classes. Whenever I play this CD, EVERYONE loves it, wants to know who, where to get it etc... The fact that no one understands Turkish is irrelevant.