Marija Serifovic – Bez ljubavi

 

Number of tracks: 13

Duration: 45:32

Best song: Bol do ludila

Molitva & Marija was a magical and unique fusion of magnificent music and an awesome artist.

None of the songs on Marija´s second album from 2006 reach the same wuthering heights as Molitva. But that does not mean that Bez ljubavi is a bad album. Far from it!

The 13 tracks are middle-of-the-road Balkan pop of the kind that first and foremost Vanna has made hugely popular in the former Yugoslav countries. However, several of the songs lack the melodic hooks that have become one of the Croatian superstar´s trademarks.

Although it would be impossible – and perhaps not even something to wish for – to make an album made up entirely of power ballads like Molitva I would have preferred a little less R´n´B influences in the musical arrangements and a little more emotion and drama in songs that make use of and show Marija´s full vocal abilities.

Ironically the best songs on the album are the three bonus tracks. The ballad Bol do ludilo which won Marija the 1st prize at the Budva Festival 2004 can perhaps be seen as an indication of what was to come for Marija, but it does not play in the same league as the Eurovision winning song.

It seems highly unlikely that Marija will be able to conquer Europe with her most recent collection of songs. I think, however, that Marija grew several sizes as an artist on the stage in Helsinki and therefore I am looking very curious to see and hear what Marija will do next. She definately has the voice to make it big but she urgently needs a truly great album in English to make sure that she will not fall into the category of Eurovision winners who were never able to build a solid career after being triumphant in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Grade (0-5):

   

Marija´s website can be visited here 

Marija´s album can be bought at Yu4You.com