Customer Reviews

Tarkan

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Tarkan is THE biggest singer/songwriter in the middle east, and he's got quite a following in Europe! Even though my cousins and I have no idea what he's singing (I'm from Saudi Arabia, not Turkiye) we all love his music. Even my aunt loved Simirak when he starts out smooching ^_^, and Sikidim is just the best song ever written. (You should see the music video, the man's conceited but he certainly has a reason to be, *sigh* ^_^) Maybe his lyrics are a little racy, but to be honest most people don't care in the Arab world. Honestly, just because we cover our hair doesn't mean we're prudes! I actually have the Arab copy which has fewer songs, because they'd promised they'd make an English language version but instead they had that annoying girl who doesn't even have HALF the voice of Tarkan sing one of the worst dubs I've heard. I'm sorry, but COME ON! Tarkan is a classically trained performer who can speak three langauges. Did they really think his internation fans would be happy with just a badly done rehash?

I read somewhere in here that people who have never been to Turkey or have a Turkish friend would ever like Tarkan. Well, I am here to prove that this is not true. I am Brazilian, recently moved to US. Never been to Turkey, don't have any turkish friends ( unfortunately ) and I LOVE TARKAN! They used to show the video for "Simarik" on MTV Brazil and also play this song on the Radio. The only thing I had to do was look more on the Internet and get the cds. Now, I don't understand one single word in Turkish. But I still love Tarkan's music because it's really original . So what if he only sings in Turkish, right?!! That's why there are plenty of web sites on the World Wild Web with translations!!!!
For those of You who will only listen to artists singing in English or whatever Your native Laguage is, one advice: Expand Your music interest!! There are many great artists out there!!
I listen to Turkish, Italian, Brazilian, Arabic and even Russian music!! And You know what? It's great!!! I even sing along even if I can't speak the language, you can always find out the translation and have fun!!!

I got this album for 'Simarik', and find I love the rest of the album Almost as well. It's a great party/driving cd, and was a real eye-opener for me in terms of popular turkish music. Very rock, and nice to include the lyrics as well.

im 20, from malaysia. I have never heard of this singer till i listen to stella soleil's kiss-kiss.I like the music.From stella's interview i knew that the song was originaly sung by tarkan.Thus with the help of my mutual friends.He bought 'Tarkan' at HMV singapore.So my musical interest to his music blossom.Since im a avid fans of modern uptempo music, tarkan easily become one of my favourite singer.I put on his Cd to my cd player without even looking at the album cover or the track list.It start with his famous simarik.All of it went well. The uptempo music and his vocal mesmerisez me.But when it come to track #7'inci tanem'.I started feelin kinda a lil bore but not yet ... since its a ballad track.Same goes to #8, #9 and #10 i was like.."gosh..where's the dance track??"luckily i started to jump to excitement again when #11 simarik long version is on and his final track #12'bu gece'.The album finished with a right track.Feelin relief i started to listen to it again.Dont get me wrong nothing wrong with his vocal, its just that i expect more uptempo song from this album.This album would be more brilliant if there are less slow ballad in the track selection.Its because i dont understand a word of what he sing about, all i can relate to is his music and the way he carry the song.Hope for more interesting uptempo release from tarkan in his US release english album with atlantic records.All the best

brennan

You don't have to understand Turkish to give this cd the 5 stars it deserves; the music, the compositions here are just wonderful (+ very emotive and not repetitive as the most dance songs are ). Buy this album in addition to KARMA, you won't be disappointed. Instead, you will enjoy a euphoric musical journey that perfectly blends Turkish music with modern elements and maintains a universal musical language, which really won't require you to speak Turkish at all.

I will also recommend an other Turkish artist, SERTAB ERENER (who won this year's Eurovision Award). Her voice is just mesmerizing, and her songs will sound far more lovelier to those who are not into the energetic dance tunes of Tarkan. Try to get any album she has recorded, I got TURUNCU (meaning "orange") from Amazon.com (very impressive!).

And always look for good original music...

Even if you don't understand a word of Turkish(I didn't) this man's songs will have you hooked. It doesn't get too heard in the states, but I heard Simarik frequently at discos in South America and adored the upbeat, incredibly dance-worthy rhythms. I found the CD by chance at a local store, and, not recognizing the name or the language, I went to the scanner to sample the sounds. I recognized the first song immediatly, and the samples of the rest of the tracks hooked me. Truly, this is a collection worth listening to. Reading the lyrics(written in english in the booklet) you can see just how much more interesting these songs would become had you the language skills to understand them. Even so, Tarkan is an artist worth listening to.

I must say that Tarkan is an amazing singer! I feel so annoyed by the limited music you find here in the US. It seems Europe just has all of the good stuff. And Tarkan is no exception. He is such a great singer and I really hope that maybe he will catch on here in the US. I doubt it though because so many Americans don't have any desire to experience something different. I LOVE Simarik and the Middle Eastern beats in all of his songs. He doesn't sell out to mainstream pop, which is commendable. He is proud of his heritage and it shows in his music. I LOVE TARKAN!!!!