released January 1, 1992

REVIEW OF Zorica Z

So, Zorica Z’s self-titled album from 1992. Yeah, it's one of those records that kinda sneaks up on you. Not flashy, not trying too hard. Just straight-up folk-pop with that Yugoslav soul. I wasn’t expecting much, to be honest. Found it in a dusty bin somewhere, cover’s simple, almost boring. But then I hit play. First thing — her voice. Warm, a bit raspy, like she’s lived every word. Not overproduced. You can hear the breath, the cracks. Track like “Robinja” hits different because of that. Feels real. Like she’s not singing at you, but with you. And the arrangements? S. Lokner and L. Ristovski did solid work. Strings, subtle guitar (shoutout to Tonko Živanović — that lead on “Ljubi Me I Laži” is lowkey fire), and the Zlaja Band holding it all together. It’s not experimental or anything, but it’s tight. Folk roots with a pop polish. Works. Some tracks drag a bit though. “Treba Mi Žestoko Piće” — fun, sure, but feels like filler. Same with “Devojčica.” Cute, but forgettable. And look, I get the whole traditional vibe, but after 16 songs, it starts to blur. A little editing would’ve helped. Also, production’s a bit flat. It’s AAD, so not full digital, but still — could’ve used more depth. Feels like it’s playing from a radio across the room. But then you get moments like “Moj Božure.” Damn. That one hurts in a good way. The violin (Perica Vasić, nice touch) cuts through, and Zorica just lets go. You don’t need to understand every lyric to feel it. And “Kolo Narodno” — yeah, it won an audience award at MESAM ’94, and you can hear why. It’s joyful, loud, proud. Folk as celebration. Lyrics are mostly about love, pain, longing — standard stuff. But D. Brajović and Ž. Subotić keep it grounded. No cringe metaphors or over-the-top drama. Just people, feelings, real life. Even the title “Živim život tebi iz inata” — “I live my life just to spite you” — oof. Who hasn’t been there? Oh, and the backing vocals? Radmila Misić and the choir from Narodno pozorište — they add weight without overpowering. Subtle, but important. You notice when they’re not there. Ends with “Kad Me Život Zaboli.” Fitting. Melancholy, but not hopeless. Like, yeah life hurts, but you keep going. Album kinda mirrors that — not perfect, but enduring. Funny thing? I played this for my mom. She’s from that region, same era. Didn’t say much at first. Then, halfway through “Mirno Spavaj Nano,” she just goes, “I forgot how much I missed this sound.” So maybe that’s it. This album isn’t trying to be timeless. It’s just… of its time. And that’s enough.

ALBUMS SIMILAR TO Zorica Z

1. Ederlezi by Goran Bregović – raw, loud, full of brass and heart. Feels like a wedding in the mountains at midnight.
2. Balkan Fever by Various Artists – wild mix, like Zorica but with more electric oud and less patience for silence.
3. Srećna žena by Lepa Brena – same era, same vibe, but with more eyeliner and attitude.
4. Tarpo by Šaban Bajramović – gypsy soul on fire. If Zorica is moonlight, this is a streetlamp in a thunderstorm.
5. Narodne pesme iz Srbije – old-school field recordings. No polish. Just voices that sound like soil and smoke.
6. Plavi orkestar by Plavi Orkestar – pop-folk with a soft rock twist. Imagine Zorica dancing in a denim jacket.
7. Kmetija by Ansambel Špet – Slovenian twist on folk. Different dialect, same heartbeat.
8. Aloa by Nihad Alibegović – melancholy with a steady beat. Good for rainy windows and old cigarettes.
9. Slatka mala by Toma Zdravković – crooner with a folk soul. Voice like worn leather.
10. Live at Buvljak by Aca Lukas – raw concert energy. Crowd sings every word. Feels illegal and warm. Funny how music from the '90s Balkans still knows your secrets. Like it’s been watching you all along.