Just one look is all you're after

Tarkan is a Turkish singer who, though extremely popular in Turkey, is perhaps best known in Europe for being the original singer of the song that would become Holly Valance's "Kiss Kiss." I think I may be the only person who actually prefers his version, called "Simarik," to Holly's, even though his is in Turkish. However, "Simarik" and his other Turkish songs--though good--aren't the focus of today's post. Instead, we'll be looking at songs from his first ever English album, Come Closer, released this past spring. The Turkish influences so apparent in his Turkish language music have been toned down (though they are still clearly present) and combined with pop and some R&B to make some really fun dance songs that are unlike the music you're probably used to hearing in clubs. His songs have some really great hooks; however, I do know some people aren't fans of his voice and his style of music overall isn't for everyone--I, though, really enjoy it.

Start The Fire--the second single from Come Closer. I think I remember hearing someone say it had '80's influences and, though I wouldn't vouch for that, it is a really fun song with a sort of back and forth beat. One of the great things about Tarkan's music (and, I'm guessing, Turkish music in general) is that it seems to speak directly to the hips. Little electronic revving noises are a nice background effect, as well as some handclap-esque beats. The whole song is a fun little affair which, just when you think it's ended, comes back for a few extra seconds for no apparent reason.

Bounce--the album's debut single. It didn't do quite as well as was hoped, though it was popular enough to make it onto a German equivalent to the Now That's What I Call Music! albums. It's a little less "fun" but a little more clubbish (though still not traditional club fare).

Mine--compared to "Bounce," "Mine" is less dark. At this point, you probably already have an idea as to whether or not you like Tarkan's style--it is distinctive and doesn't appeal to everyone--and I'm running out of ways to describe his songs. Despite my loss for words, though, the entire Come Closer album manages to keep inside the Tarkan style without lacking for diversity at all--it's never a dull album and none of the songs sound the same or blend together. There are just enough ballads to offer a brief respite from the dance and fun of the rest of the album and there's only one track on it I skip.

Shikidim--doesn't the opening to this (just the first couple of seconds) remind you of the beginning of V's "Walk On?" Before you think Tarkan's stolen from V, though, this is an English remake of his 1994 hit "Sikidim," so the idea of the song itself is quite old, though more than just the language has been changed between the two versions. Though "Shikidim" is mainly in English, there are (as you might guess from the title) parts in Turkish. It's got less going on in it than songs like "Start The Fire" so, though I could see enjoying this song in the right sort of club (a club oriented towards this sort of music), and I enjoy the song on its own anyway, it's not as fun as some of his other songs.

Touch--this song is a departure from all the ones above. It's smoother and more electronic and, though it didn't immediately jump out on first listen, it's really grown on me. The lyrics "slide over here, skin against skin/melt into me, forget where you begin" probably reflect two of the most important aspects of this song--it definitely has a very smooth and melting feel to it. I wouldn't really call it a ballad, but it is more minimal and less aggressively danceish than today's other songs.

To buy Tarkan's first English album, Come Closer, go here (physical). If you live in a European country, there's a good chance you can also get it on iTunes.

Next up: if I manage to hear "Star Girl" on the radio, I'll probably write about that tomorrow and throw in a couple of other McFly tracks. Expect Tarkan to appear again here at some point, though he'll probably be combined with other artists because I know he's not to everyone's taste; I really was impressed with how many good songs are on Come Closer, though. I have a new favorite Anthony Callea song, but I'm trying to hold off on posting it until we have some official news about his new music that I can celebrate by writing about him.

tarkan