Album Review: Budeme To Stále My by IMT Smile – A Pop Rock Gem Worth Your Time
Alright, let’s talk about Budeme To Stále My by IMT Smile. Released in 2018 under Universal Music Group, this Slovak-Czech album is a solid mix of rock, pop, and that sweet spot where they collide—pop rock. It’s not trying too hard to be edgy or overly experimental, but it nails the vibe of catchy, heartfelt tunes you can vibe to on repeat. Plus, with credits like Ivan Tásler composing almost every track (shoutout to Viktor Frešo for jumping in on track 10), you know there’s some serious talent behind this thing.
The album has a bunch of tracks, but two really stuck out for me: “Aj Keby…” and “Pod Vodou.”
First up, “Aj Keby…” hits different. You know those songs where the lyrics just kinda slap you in the feels? Yeah, that’s this one. Written by Peter Lipovský, it’s got this raw energy paired with lyrics that feel super relatable—like life throwing curveballs and you’re just standing there like, "Yeah, okay, I’ll deal." The melody builds up so nicely, starting off chill then hitting you with these big emotional waves. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’re either singing along at the top of your lungs or staring out a window thinking deep thoughts. Classic move.
Then there’s “Pod Vodou,” which is just… wow. This one feels cinematic, like you’re diving underwater and everything slows down. The production is tight, and the way the vocals glide over the instrumentation gives me chills every time. Vlado Krausz wrote the lyrics here, and dude clearly knows how to paint pictures with words. Like, I’m not even entirely sure what he’s saying sometimes (thanks, language barrier), but the mood? Spot on. It’s hauntingly beautiful without being overly dramatic, if that makes sense.
One cool thing about this album is how consistent it feels. Tracks like “Budeme To Stále My” bring home the theme of connection and resilience, while others like “Čo Všetko Sa Môže Stať” add variety without losing the overall vibe. And yeah, some tracks blend together after a few listens, but honestly? That’s part of its charm. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s just good music you can come back to when you need something familiar yet fresh.
Now, here’s the random thought I had while listening to this: Why don’t more bands from Slovakia and the Czech Republic get global attention? Like, seriously, this album could totally hold its own against Western pop-rock acts. Maybe it’s time we start paying more attention to artists outside the usual bubble.
So yeah, Budeme To Stále My might not change your life, but it’ll definitely make your playlist better. Give it a spin—you won’t regret it.
