 |
| The Stari Mostar is perhaps the most recognizable landmarks of Bosnia/Herzegovina. |
When looking back at my top five choices of Bosnian songs, one thing connects them all--compelling performances by their lead singer. Having had twelve years of musical training in choral groups, I have major respect for performers who have actual talent in being able to present a song effectively.
5. Maja Tatić "Na jastuku za dvoje" 2002
I have a confession to make. I love female singers from the Balkans with husky, powerful voices and Maja Tatić fits very much in that mold. The song may be subpar and her styling disappointing, but I could listen to her sing the phone book. Anybody know if there's a recording of Maja Tatić singing the phone book? I'll buy it from you.
4. Hari Mata Hari "Lejla" 2006
Hara Mata Hari took Bonsia to their best placement at Eurovision, a third place finish. It's an good example of the "Balkan Ballad". I only have one big problem, and that's because it is a Željko Joksimović song. Joksimović is and extremely successful Serbian singer--coming in second and third at Eurovision. Hari Varešanović, the lead singer of Hari Mata Hari, is a good singer, but he's no Joksimović
3. Davorin Popović "Dvadaset prvi vijek" 1995
This song was never going to win Eurovision. It feels weird and dated and probably felt that when it was performed on stage in Dublin. But even with that criticism, it's easy to see how Popović is considered a musical legend back in his home country. Popović's ability to interpret lyric is something that comes across even though he is singing in Serbo-Croatian. It wasn't going to win, especially since it followed the eventual winner of the 1995 contest. However, this song is a nice feather in the cap for Popović--a quality international moment to top off a very successful career.
2. Regina "Bistra Voda" 2009
Although this song came in a disappointing ninth in 2009, this is one of the Eurovision songs and performances that has aged quite well over time. It's a great example of song style, performance, and staging that comes out of the region and how amazing and effective they can be when everything works well together. I just wish that they had some better camera work--at times it's very static.
1. Dino Merlin "Love In Rewind" 2011
This song is an earworm and it's the rare earworm I don't mind having stuck in my head. It's been that way ever since I first heard it back in 2011. The sunny, upbeat feeling of the song isn't an obvious choice for a successful song at Eurovision, but came in sixth in Düsseldorf even from the dreaded place of second in the running order. Had it drawn a better place in the second half of the contest, this could have been a contender to win in a rather weak year. (And I would have been much happier.)
Finally, I'm through with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Next up, Bulgaria.
Finally, I'm through with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Next up, Bulgaria.
