Tarkan

Tarkan | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 16, 2000)
• Original Release Date: May 16, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Universal Latino
• ASIN: B00004T9SQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (61 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,918 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #16 in Music > World Music > Middle East > Turkey

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Tarkan has enjoyed a Ricky Martin-style popularity in Turkey since the release of his second album, Aacayipsin, in 1994--it sold 2 million copies in Turkey and Europe and foreshadowed a string of outrageously successful albums. His 1997 release, Ölürüm Sana ("I Would Die for You"), sold 2 million copies in Turkey alone, 1.5 million being preorders. So it's no surprise that this 28-year-old star with hunky good looks opens his latest CD with the sound of a smoochy kiss on "Simarik" ("Spoilt"), one of Tarkan's most recognizable singles in Turkey. It's a killer tune, too, soaked with the heavy beats needed to keep bodies moving on the dance floor while the landsliding violins of rai build emotional tension. There are several magnetic dance tunes here, mostly collected from his earlier albums, with "Bu Gece" ("Break Free") and "Sikidim" ("Dirty Dancing") among the strongest and most popular. What's intriguing is that Tarkan is not just another pretty face; he was classically trained in Istanbul and penned most of the album's songs. Add the notion of challenging traditional Islamic values with such lyrics as "Don't dance so sexy / Oh, the way you move, you drive me crazy" or "Come on, let's make love / Close your eyes," and you've got the sort of national sensation that parents might hate but the kids will love. --Karen K. Hugg

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Turkish pop music -- what's not to like?, November 16, 2002

By 

Beeblebrox (United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tarkan (Audio CD)

Like about half of my music collection, I came across Tarkan quite by accident. One day I was looking for more traditional Turkish music online and stumbled upon a song called "Simarik" ... and the rest is history, I suppose.

Tarkan appeals to me, even though by all rights he shouldn't since I dislike most popular music. But, unlike most Western popular music, there is a consistent musical sensibility which imbues all the songs here. With the exception of the dance tracks, which are somewhat interchangeable, there's no question that this is _not_ an album of Western music. Turkish and Middle Eastern music enjoys a structure of scales and tones which is completely different from ours; this shows in many of Tarkan's songs, which is likely why I find the album so engaging.

"Simarik" soars with rai violins and pentatonic scales; "Basina Bela Olurum" evokes the music of Istanbul's Gypsy community heard in smoky cafes; "Ölürüm Sana" likewise wends its way into your ears with sinous scales and rapturous, breathless verses.

One further point bears reflection. The editorial review notes that the album "challeng[es] traditional Islamic values". Don't forget, however, that Turkey is a thoroughly secular society. However, while Turks enjoy a modern Western lifestyle (at least in the larger cities), they, unlike so many other countries, have not abandoned their roots ... and this album is a perfect illustration of the unique cultural balance which Turks have struck.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tarkan is going to take the US by storm, I can feel it., May 17, 2000

By 

Kevin Cann - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tarkan (Audio CD)

Tarkan, for those of you who don't know him, is a Turkish pop singer (don't worry, he writes his own songs). He's way popular in Europe, and he rocks. It's not just cliche pop, the music is really good, and since it's in Turkish, it sounds so beautiful. You guys should definately check this album out. Tarkan's new album comes out in Europe in a month or two, and I heard a rumor that Tarkan is planning on an upcoming English album, so even if you don't check out this album, you'll hear it next time. Hope I helped.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An effective showcase for a talented performer, October 21, 2001

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tarkan (Audio CD)

When I first heard of Tarkan, my impression was that of a sort of Turkish Ricky Martin. I have to admit I wasn't overly impressed with his self-titled CD, "Tarkan," when I first listened to it, but on repeated listenings, I've been converted. As far as I can tell, all the songs are sung in Turkish. The CD as a whole is a nice mix that effectively demonstrates Tarkan's range. The rhythms and beats are basically pop, with accents one might call exotic.

The first track, "Simarik," starts off with a kissing sound. This track has an exciting feel: an aggressive vocal performance is well complemented by strong percussion. The next selection, "Olurum Sana," has a funkier, more sensuous feel, and is followed up by the softer, almost ethereal "Bu Gece." On some selections (most notably "Salina Salina Sinsice" and "Inci Tanem") Tarkan gets to really stretch himself vocally in classic "male diva" style. Another noteworthy selection is "Beni Anlama" (#10), whose lush, romantic sound reminded me of the songs from Luis Miguel's "Romance" trilogy. Also, look for the spoken word interlude on the final track. "Tarkan" is definitely a CD worth listening to, especially for those with an interest in exploring international music.