Devojački Spomenar by Meneka: A Folk Odyssey That’ll Make You Want to Dance in Your Socks
Let’s get one thing straight—folk music isn’t everyone’s cup of rakija. But if you’re willing to give Devojački Spomenar a spin, this 1990 Yugoslav gem might just surprise you. Released under Jugodisk and led by the powerhouse vocals of Meneka (backed by Radeta Jovanović’s orchestra), it’s like stepping into a time machine where every track feels like your grandma’s secret recipe for happiness: full of soul, spice, and an unshakable groove.
Now, I’m not gonna lie—this album is packed with so much Balkan zest that it could make even the stiffest accountant tap their feet. There are ten tracks here, but let me tell ya about two standouts that’ll stick to your brain like gum on a hot summer sidewalk.
First up, “Romske Vatre”—a firecracker of a tune that sounds like what happens when someone throws a party in a caravan and forgets to invite the neighbors. The arrangement (courtesy of D. Jovanović) has all the makings of pure chaos: violins sawing away like there’s no tomorrow, brass blaring like they’re announcing the end of the world, and Meneka belting out lyrics that feel both ancient and alive. It’s messy, raw, and utterly irresistible. If you don’t find yourself imagining a wild night around a campfire after hearing this, check your pulse—you might be dead inside.
Then there’s “Uskršnje Kolo,” which hits different. This one sneaks up on you like a mischievous cat at midnight. At first, it seems harmless enough—a gentle rhythm, some twinkling strings—but before you know it, you’re caught in its hypnotic sway. Arranged by G. Veljković, this track feels less like a song and more like a ritual passed down through generations. By the time the chorus kicks in, you'll swear you're part of some secret society dancing barefoot under the stars. Or maybe that’s just me? Either way, it’s hauntingly beautiful.
What makes Devojački Spomenar special isn’t just its technical brilliance or cultural depth—it’s how damn human it feels. These songs aren’t polished to perfection; instead, they wear their imperfections proudly, like a well-loved sweater with a few holes. And honestly? That’s exactly why they work. They remind us that music doesn’t need auto-tune or flashy gimmicks to move us—it just needs heart.
So yeah, while this record won’t win any awards for innovation (after all, it came out in 1990, back when people still thought shoulder pads were cool), it’s got something far better: authenticity. Listening to it feels like flipping through an old family photo album—familiar, nostalgic, and full of stories waiting to be told.
And now for my unexpected remark: If aliens ever invade Earth, we should blast them with Devojački Spomenar. Because honestly, who wouldn’t surrender to those killer beats?
Rating: 8/10 – Not perfect, but perfectly unforgettable.
