Ať Žije Show Za Všechno Může Čas by Lenka Filipová: A Folk Gem That Still Shines (In Its Own Quirky Way)
Let’s get one thing straight—this isn’t your run-of-the-mill folk album. Released in 1987 under the iconic Czechoslovakian label Supraphon, Ať Žije Show Za Všechno Může Čas is a little slice of magic wrapped up in ballads and heartfelt melodies. With Lenka Filipová at the helm and her trusty backing band Domino keeping things tight, this record feels like a warm cup of tea on a chilly day. Except, you know, sometimes the tea has a few leaves floating around that make you go, “Huh?” But hey, that’s part of its charm.
The opening track, Ať Žije Show, kicks things off with an energy that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or overproduced—it doesn’t need to be. Instead, it’s got this raw honesty that grabs hold of your soul and gives it a gentle shake. Filipová’s voice? Pure gold. She sings as if she’s telling you a secret, leaning in close so only you can hear. The melody lingers long after the song ends, kind of like when someone says something profound and you’re stuck thinking about it for hours.
Then there’s Za Všechno Může Čas. Oh man, this one hits different. If the first track is a friendly chat, this one’s more like sitting alone on a park bench at dusk, pondering life’s big questions. The lyrics are poetic but grounded, almost like Filipová is whispering, “Yeah, time messes everything up, but isn’t that kinda beautiful?” The instrumentation here is subtle yet powerful, letting her voice take center stage. You can practically feel the weight of years passing while listening to it. It’s haunting, but in the best way possible.
What makes this album stand out is how unapologetically itself it is. There’s no attempt to chase trends or fit into some mold—it just exists, doing its own thing. And honestly? That’s refreshing. Sure, the production might sound a tad dated now, but that’s part of what makes it special. It’s like flipping through an old photo album; sure, the colors are faded, but the memories still shine through.
Here’s the kicker though—listening to this album in 2023 feels almost rebellious. In a world obsessed with TikTok hits and algorithm-friendly playlists, taking the time to sit with these songs feels like an act of defiance. Or maybe I’m just romanticizing it too much. Either way, Ať Žije Show Za Všechno Může Čas reminds us that music doesn’t always have to shout to be heard. Sometimes, all it needs to do is quietly exist—and let you find it when you’re ready.
So yeah, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start randomly quoting Czech lyrics to your confused friends.
