In my quest to discover artists from the vast region of Asia to enjoy and to write about, I’ve stopped by the music scene of Uzbekistan, the country, which is still not that well known in the West as it should be.
So it goes without saying I was quite interested at what can be found and what’s readily available, because one can quickly learn it’s not the same, haha.
And although day before writing this I’ve been listening to another Uzbek pop singer (and don’t worry, we will get to her), for today I’ve set to listen to the music output of the one of big stars of Uzbek music scene – Nilufar Usmonova.
If your mother is a famous Uzbek singer and actress – in this case Yulduz Usmonova -, it’s not surprising to inherit the artistic genes (and – without trying to be ironic – it doesn’t hurt one’s career either), and Nilufar shows that even on this album.
By the way, I wanted to start to discover her music career with her debut album “Taslim boʻldim” (2008), however, I am unable to find it online. Not the satisfactory outcome, but what can I do – at least for time being, right?
Anyway, the follow up album is this one from 2009 we’re gonna talk about, and luckily for me – and for you too, if you wish to sample some Uzbek pop-music – this album is available on Spotify. Interestingly, there is the year of release given as 2014. But, trust me, with artists and albums from faraway countries, this is the least of the problems.
According the information available, this album brings the offering to the listener’s ear in the form of 14 songs and without hesitation I have to say, I am more than impressed by these.
The album’s opener is “Armonli muhabbat” and it’s quite unexpected, as ballads are usuallly put in the middle or at the latter part of albums, but this is not the criticism, just my surprise. I have to admit with starter like that, I’ve assumed the whole album will go in this slow to mid-tempo, moody, romantic feel, but I was quickly proved wrong. Needless to say, I love the song.
There is quite a diversity of songs on the album – the next one, “Aylonaman”, is folkish pop tune, completely with the traditional instruments used, the song structure and the singing style conforming to this as well.
Obviously, for the Western ear, not accustomed to the folk music of Asia, this one would be indeed strange and it’s safe to say, this might be an early test whether a casual listener will continue to listen to the album or not. Luckily, in case someone dislikes the song, the “skip” function is always available, right?
Third track is the titular track, “Baxtingni kutgin”, and once again, we’re going lightly and slower. I have to commend on the fusion of the traditional instrument with the modern sound and effects, which – although nothing unexpected these days – back in the day (we’re talking 2009, mind you), was still not something people were accustomed to. For me, this track rocks, I like it a lot.
With the strings in the beginning, the song can go many ways, but “Bevafoyim” continues the R&B-ish nature of the songs, the romantic, light feel of the music, where the accoustic guitar is prominent. As mentioned before, Nilufar has a great voice and it really shows. Pair it with a catchy tune and you have a hit, and even without the ability of understanding anything (as you could have already guessed, it’s sung in Uzbek language), you would enjoy it in the afternoon radio playlist anytime.
With “Deyman” we’re back into the folk-pop and while I will readily admit, that all those songs sound the same to me, I like them anyway, they have that exotic vibe and that catchy music hook making you go with the head-nodding or tapping on the table to the rhythm. Yep, I can go with that.
“Hayot go’zal”, which follows next, is a strange song. First of all, it opens with a chorus, which has caught me unawares, the song itself is a dance track, which suits this sunny day perfectly, but still – after enjoying the previous songs, this was unexpected, really. Still, that sitar (I am pretty sure I am wrong with the name of the instrument) sound always gets me, and it’s really a part of the reason I like the song.
So far, I am really impressed.
“Mayli-mayli” is not only the next track, but also the first of the three collaborations on the album, this one with the Uzbek pop singer Otabek Mutalxo’jayev. And it beats me, the beats of the song seem to be so familiar, I just can’t place them within the songs in the similar genre. Nice duet in the mid-tempo, dance fashion, the only negative thing is – it’s not long enough. Only 3:39, but I could listen to it for a bit more.
“Mendan ortiq mendan” is again Nilufar’s foray into the folk-based dance music and it safe to say you should know by now whether you like what you’re getting or not. For my part, I do. Recall Tarkan’s “Simarik” and you’ll get the picture. Similar vibe, but the song is totally different, of course.
The second collab is here! This time it’s with a singer named Akbar who I have no idea who he is. The song “Oshiqligim bilmading” – that’s the title – is a very short one, just 2:48 and it’s a strangely catchy tune. The folk basis is still present, but it’s different from those I’ve mentioned previously. It has to be heard, really.
Remember what I’ve said about the ballads? Well, now it’s time for one! “Sen etim emassan” is its title. I guarantee you this – again, unless you’re speaking Uzbek, you won’t understand a word, but if you are on the dancefloor with a person of your interest in your arms, you won’t mind the language barrier for a second. I guess this is probably some kind of a patriotic song, but it’s a lovely song sung by a singer with a lovely and powerful voice. Totally fine by me.
Don’t fall asleep here, we’re not done yet! “Sevgi” is again strongly build on the ethnic music roots, with strings nicely arranged along, my pleasure was only destroyed by the evident trouble of the song being digitized for Spotify, and it was a terrible job done. So while I’ve had to skip the later half of the song, I still had enjoyed it for what I could.
Thankfuly, “Uchar qiz” plays without any problems, and I am enjoying the mid-tempo romantic mood to the full. The accoustic guitar is present again, and I am a total sucker for it, I have to admit.
One before the last is “Voy-dode” and this is a total summer vibe, which – if I play it somewhere near the water pool or reservoir – people would dance, no matter what. And not to mention, this is the last of the collaborations on the album, again with the singer named Akhbar. Ethnic drums rule, and nobody can change my mind on that.
And the end. “Yangi yil”. Again, I am surprised how the song has developed from the opening notes, because this is – yet again – a pure dance track. It might not be a proper comparison, but imagine Cher’s songs post 2000s (without autotune, and Nilufar has definitely a better voice), and you’ll have an idea about how the song can sound like. I was a bit curious how this album will finish, but I am relieved, this is a fitting end and a song which deserves to be played for some more times, that’s for sure. At least for me, that’s the case.
So, how’s my Uzbek pop music trip? I have to say, I am more than satisfied and I am certain this is not the last time I’m listening to Nilufar Usmonova, the Uzbek pop singer.
However, because – as the classic says – one listening is worth a thousand words, here’s the Spotify link for the album, so you can verify I am indeed not lying!!!!
Nilufar Usmonova – Baxtingni kutgin on Spotify.
