Turkish pop music

Today's topic is going to be lighter than previous topics. Turkish pop music has really made an impression on me as far as what I listen to in Istanbul. I like Turkish pop music because I think that the flow of the language really compliments the music. Turkish has an amazing ability to be drawn out for emphasis or chopped up speed.

My favorite singer is Hande Yener. She's had a career going strong for 10 years and listening to her earlier music and comparing with with her recent songs, I understand how she can be so popular. Her first breakout hit was in 2000 with a song entitled "Yalanın Batsın." The song is reminiscent of early 1990s music, Ace of Base comes to mind when I listen to this song. Moving later, her song "Aşkın Ateşi" combines a traditional Turkish sounds with fast paced dance. Among the Turks I have spoken with, this song is well liked. My personal favorites are: Arsız, Romeo, Hipnoz, Pinokyo, Yasak Aşk, Unut, Kibir, Ok Yay. I recommend listening to them if you like a combination of dance/pop and traditional Turkish sounds.

Of course Tarkan is another favorite of mine. Simarik is a classic, but my favorite Tarkan song is Kuzu Kuzu. The video shows his talent of sheer performance as he dances and sings. Another good song is Her Neredeyse. Like Hande Yener, Tarkan has enjoyed a very long career that has morphed with the times. That's the secret of their success, they have careers that when looked at in their totality, demonstrate a range of sounds, techniques, and approaches to music. Of course it doesn't hurt that both Hande Yener and Tarkan are easy on the eyes as well.

Mustafa Sandal along with Sertab Erener are also good to listen to. Sertab Erener's Everyway that I can song was a hit and won the Eurovision Contest, a first for Turkey. Sertab's Shut Up and Dance demonstrates a easy listening sound that is just as good as any pop song she sings. Mustafa Sandal's Indir and Karizma are both addicting. He is particularly talented at singing lyrics very fast.

Other favorites include Manga's "We could be the same," and Badem's "Sen ağlama." Manga won second place in the Eurovision Contest this past year. Their song, in my opinion, was so much better than Lena's. I also love Pinar Aylın's Bekletme.