At wiwibloggs, we still consider Turkey a part of the Eurovision family. Despite some of their antics, and their recent withdrawal from the contest, we were delighted at the news of them re-joining the fold next year. We’re also delighted to review Sertab Erener’s new single “Ben Öyle Birini Sevdim Ki”.
“Ben Oyle Birini Sevdim”—I Loved The One—is dark and brooding, and captures the drama of love. Suicide, death and destruction all feature rather prominently in the lyrics. Sertab brings theatricality to the video, chanelling the toxicity of love. And she bares a lot of flesh in the process. As always her voice is on point! Even without understanding a word of Turkish, I feel her tugging on my heart strings. Welcome back, Sertab.
Sertab is responsible for Turkey’s only victory at the contest. In 2003, she won Eurovision with ‘Everyway That I Can’. This song went on to achieve platinum status in many parts of the continent, and sealed her status as one of Turkey’s biggest musical exports. And by export, I am being literal! She provides the voice to the Turkish Airways jingle!
You can watch the video by clicking here.
Score: 3.5/5
Deban Aderemi contributed this report from London. Follow him on Twitter @debanaderemi. Then follow Team Wiwi on Twitter @wiwibloggs and by liking our Facebook page.
Sertab is incredible. She is based both in the US and Turkey, and also has another musical project with her partner, Demir Demirkan called Painted on Water: http://paintedonwater.com
Sertab is one of my favorite Eurovision artists. As far as I know she moved to the US for the recent political issues that have been going on in Turkey.
Good luck Sertab!