Serbian Pop Music: What You Need to Know

If you’re a fan of pop music, then you’ve probably heard of Serbian pop music. But what is it, and what makes it so special? Here’s everything you need to know about Serbian pop music.

The Beginnings of Serbian Pop Music

Serbian pop music has its origins in the 1960s with the rise of Yugoslav rock music. The first Serbian pop stars were Viki Miljkovic and Zdravko Colic. Serbian pop music became more popular in the 1970s and 1980s with the likes of Lepa Brena, Bora Drljaca, and Dragana Mirkovic. The 1990s saw the rise of turbo-folk, a mix of Serbian folk music and pop music.

Early Influences

Serbian pop music has its roots in the traditional music of the country, which includes a wide variety of folk traditions. In the 19th century, composers such as Jakov Gotovac began incorporating folk melodies into their classical compositions, laying the foundation for what would become Serbian pop music. In the early 20th century, a new generation of composers and musicians began to experiment with popular styles from other countries, particularly those from Central Europe. This resulted in the development of a unique hybrid genre known as “chanson serbe.”

During the 1950s and 1960s, Serbian pop music became increasingly influenced by rock and roll and jazz. The first Serbian rock band, Korni Grupa, was formed in 1965. In the 1970s and 1980s, a number of Serbian bands began to achieve international success, including Bijelo Dugme and Riblja Corba. The 1990s saw a renewed interest in traditional folk music, culminating in the formation of bands like Zabranjeno Pušenje and Amsterdam.

Today, Serbian pop music continues to be influenced by a variety of genres from around the world. While some musicians have remained faithful to traditional Serbian folk melodies, others have embraced more modern styles, resulting in a truly unique form of pop music that is sure to fill any dance floor.

The Rise of Serbian Pop Music

Pop music in Serbia has come a long way since the days of turbo-folk, and the past two decades have seen a rise in the popularity of pop music among young people in the country. turbo-folk, a form of Serbian folk music with pop music influences, rose to prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s. While it is still popular among some older fans, turbo-folk has largely been replaced by more modern pop music genres in the Serbian mainstream.

The past few years have seen a number of Serbian pop artists achieve international success. Among them are 2012 Eurovision Song Contest winner Željko Joksimović, folk-pop singer Lepa Brena, and pop-rock band Blockout. These artists and many others have helped to bring Serbian pop music to a wider audience, both at home and abroad.

Whether you’re a fan of turbofolk or prefer more modern sounds, there’s something for everyone in Serbian pop music. So get out there and start listening!

The Golden Age of Serbian Pop Music

The 1990s were a golden age for Serbian pop music. The country was in a state of transition, and the music reflected that. The top artists of the decade were able to cross genres and experiment with new sounds. This resulted in some of the most iconic Serbian pop songs of all time.

The 1960s and 1970s

The 1960s and 1970s were the Golden Age of Serbian pop music, when many different genres were flourishing. Folk music was still popular, but there was also a growing interest in rock, jazz, and other genres. Many Serbian musicians were influenced by Western styles, and they began to experiment with different sounds and fusion.

One of the most popular bands of the era was Bora Drljaca & YU Grupa, who blended rock with traditional Serbian folk music. Another popular band was Dzon Dzon & Co., who were known for their psychedelic sound. Some other well-known bands from this era include Smak, Laboratorija Zvuka, Elektricni orgazam, and Idoli.

The 1970s was a decade of great change in Serbia, and this is reflected in the pop music of the time. The country was going through a period of democratization, and there was a new spirit of openness and experimentation. This is reflected in the music of bands like Goblini, who combined new wave with punk; Partibrejkers, who mixed rock with reggae; and EKV, who combined punk with pop.

This was also a time when women began to make their mark on Serbian pop music. One of the most successful female singers of the era was Lepa Brena, who sold millions of records and became one of the most popular performers in Yugoslavia. Other successful female singers included Zoza Nenadovic and Dragana Mirkovic.

The 1980s

The 1980s was the golden age of Serbian pop music. Some of the most iconic and well-loved singers and bands emerged during this time, including Bajaga i Instruktori, Riblja Corba, Idoli, and Elektricni Orgazam. Serbia’s pop music scene was vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of styles being represented.

During the 1980s, Serbian pop music began to gain international recognition. Bajaga i Instruktori’s song “Svi smo mi tu” became a minor hit in the United States, and Idoli’s album “Visoki napon” was released internationally. Serbian pop music continued to evolve during the 1980s, with new subgenres emerging and old ones falling out of favor. However, the overall quality of the music remained high, making the 1980s a truly golden age for Serbian pop music.

The Contemporary Serbian Pop Music Scene

The 1990s and 2000s

In the 1990s, turbo-folk continued to develop, with artists such as Ceca and Lepa Brena becoming increasingly popular in Serbia and Yugoslavia. The break-up of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s saw the rise of nationalist sentiment in all of the former Yugoslavia republics, and this was reflected in the music of the time. In Serbia, artists such as Dragan Kojić “Keba” promoted Serbian nationalism through their music. The Kosovo War (1998-1999) also had a significant impact on Serbian music, with many songs being written about the war and about living as a Serb in Kosovo.

The 2000s saw a continued rise in popularity of turbo-folk, with artists such as Snežana Djuricic “Sneki”, Seka Aleksić and Jelena Karleusa becoming some of the most popular singers in Serbia. The early 2000s also saw the rise of Serbian hip hop, with groups such as Bad Copy and Beogradski Sindikat becoming popular with young people. The late 2000s and early 2010s saw a decline in popularity of turbo-folk and hip hop, with pop and rock becoming more popular among young people.

The 2010s

The 2010s were a big decade for Serbian pop music, with many artists breaking onto the international stage. Some of the most popular Serbian pop acts of the 2010s include:

-Zdravko Colic
– Lepa Brena
– Rade Lackovic
– Jelena Karleusa

These artists and many others helped to put Serbian pop music on the map and bring it to a wider audience. The 2010s were a big decade for growth and change in the Serbian pop music scene, and it looks like the trend is set to continue into the 2020s.