Come Closer

Ever since 1999 Tarkan has been making soul food for the masses - and he has been hitting our heartstrings without many of us not knowing what he is singing about. The difficulty with not understanding the language is that the lyrics of a song are part and parcel of its magic - so when you imagine that Tarkan blasts through this barrier with only the internationally recognised modes of human passion and emotion ... you can guess what type of voice this male maestro has to offer our eardrums.

So imagine that...and the lyrics in English.

Now the songs are at their full power.

I just thought Tarkan couldn't outdo himself, but he has. Tarkan is on track to conquer the hearts and minds of everyone...and with such songs he is bound to succeed.

Here is my analysis of this outstanding album:

1. "Just Like That": The opening track is feeds you with seductive oud riffs and heatbeat bass, with Tarkan's voice loud and clear, as he croons how he wants ses and fidelity. 8/10

2. "In Your Eyes": Is more of the same, and you can feel the urban beat dressed in catchy rhythms, arranged to perfection. I love the way he sings "And I feel like I've been waiting/A thousand nights for you" in between husky breathless beats - Pure charisma 8/10

3. "Aman Aman": This feature Wyclef Jean from Fugees and I have to say I am amazed at Tarkan's vocal ability here. If you remember that English isn't even his second language but third (after German and Turkish) to be able to master these lyrics and sound sexy is amazing. I love Wyclef's rap too - Great tune. 7/10

4. "Mine": In my opinion the album really kick starts with this deliriously catchy tune - melded with darbuka drums and Tarkan's superior vocals. Every emphasis on "I'm gonna make you mine" just makes me go crazy! I listen to this constantly and yeah I shake my butt! 9/10

5. "Over": This is a soft sad ballad decorated with Spanish guitars and Turkish passion, a perfect fusion for Latin lovers everywhere. 8/10

6. "Start the Fire": Excellent summer song! Very upbeat and sexy. I just love the "chicki chicki" chorus - when I first heard this song it just wouldn't leave my head. I hum it all day long! 9/10

7. "Shhh": This song is a little too pop quaint for me - though I love Tarkan's sexy "Shhhhh" - and agree with the sentiment that there is a time for words and a time to shush and just let love speak. 7/10

8. "Bounce": I love this track - but what really endeared the song to be was the remixes from the single - some excellent tracks there. 8/10

9. "Come Closer": this track is very soulful and philosophical - filled with meaning for those that can hear it. This song is for those that see us as all one family, with one voice and one spirit. And perhaps Tarkan's sweet clear voice, caressing the words gives it a greater impact. He makes the cold lyrics on the page just become 3D thanks to a great voice and passionate interpretation. He really sings here like he means it. 9/10

10. "Don't Leave me Alone": I love the disco theme to this, remixed version of this could be spectacular. "Fire I want it back, Desire I want it back" Tarkan sings - and boy do we get it in abundance with this track. 8/10

11."Shikidim": Tarkan gave Europop two classic songs - Simarik was one (the kiss kiss song copied by Holly Valance) and this is the other. Get this remixed and out in the clubs - with a semi-naked Tarkan in a video (well if Holly can do it why not Tarkan?) this would be a sure-fire number one hit. 9/10

12. "I'm Gonna make You Feel Good": My favourite song - the lyrics are so sexy and amazing - this is a song for women (and men that way inclined) it just makes me......ooooh 10/10

13. "Mass confusion": I think this is really Tarkan's song - we get to feel how he sees the daily pressures of fame and how he searches for real love. "I'm overanalyzed, digitized, terrorized/Over merchandised, paralyzed" he sings with perfect clarity - now you try singing that in a language that's not your native language! 9/10

14. "Touch": I love, love, love this song. The lyrics hold so many truths: "Slide over here/Melt into me/Forget where you begin

Cause everyone needs a touch" with Tarkan's own brand of sexy singing stamps the words into heart with fire. Love needs a touch. This album touches you just like this. 10/10

15: "If Only I Knew": The grand finale...and what a way to end a perfect album. Not with a bang, but a whisper...a sad outro to an explosive start - mournful yet full of promise...This song has it all, Turkish vocals raising to passionate highs with powerful English lyrics tinged with eastern flavour: "If I could take the sun and take the moon/And make tomorrow wait/If only I knew the way..."

I wanted to do this in detail to show readers that there is something in here for everyone. It truly is a great harmony of different sounds, colours and images from all across the world.

Tarkan brought me into world music. He literally opened my eyes and ears and heart to a whole new body of sounds I had never heard of before.

Before Tarkan, I also thought the genre "world music" was erroneous because it isn't really world music - it is each country's own music.

But this album is world music in the truest sense - as Tarkan breaks down barriers he accepts none in his music, it is a ball of amazing energy fused with sounds from across the globe.

We bought this recently and were amazed at what a fantastic album it is. Everyone we have played it too has loved it, it is definatly not eurotrash and British people should put their aversions to Turkish music to one side and give it a go.

It goes without saying that the album is a masterpiece. If you feel unsure about the album's victorious not too distant future, try it yourself and you'll see what I mean!

In case you are familiar with Turkish pop culture and admire it, you will be pleasantly surprised. The album succeeds in combining different musical traditions to an outstanding unity. The West meets East and backwards! Tarkan and his team break down barriers.

If you are unfamiliar with Tarkan's music (or Turkish music in general), I am sure this album will capture your attention by the haunting oriental groove. You cannot escape once you're into it! And believe me you won't have a single impulse to skip a song while listening to the album.

Tastes differ of course... One can hardly enjoy each and every song of an album, but I am sure there is something for everybody on this one! Personally I liked 'Why Don't We (Aman Aman)' best.

'Music should have no borders and we should all try to come closer' (Tarkan).