Review by Lisa
Jolla Jolly by Nysret Hyseni: A Folk Rumble That Hits Hard
Alright, let’s cut the crap—this album Jolla Jolly isn’t your run-of-the-mill folk record. It’s raw, unfiltered, and dripping with emotion straight outta Germany (yeah, you heard me right). With Nysret Hyseni pulling double duty on lyrics and music, backed by producer Fadil Shyti, this thing feels like a punch to the gut in all the best ways. And hey, props to guest Shkurte Feka for adding that extra layer of grit.
Now, I’m not gonna sit here and pretend every track blew my mind because, honestly, some tracks feel like warm-ups compared to others. But two songs? Oh man, they stuck in my head like gum under a boot.
First up is “Eja Moj Vajzë.” This one grabs you by the throat from the first note. The melody sways between haunting and hopeful, like it can’t decide whether to cry or dance. It’s got this earthy vibe—you know, the kind where you almost forget you’re listening to something made in 2023. The vocals hit hard too; there’s no sugarcoating here. You feel like Hyseni’s singing directly at YOU, spilling his guts without holding back. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’ll either wanna hug someone or break something. No lie.
Then there’s “Afrohu Nënë,” which hits different but still packs a wallop. There’s a hypnotic rhythm running through it, almost tribal, pulling you into its world before you even realize what’s happening. The way he layers instruments gives it depth—you hear new stuff each time you listen. Like, seriously, how does he make such simple sounds feel so damn heavy? Halfway through, I swear I forgot where I was. If this song doesn’t make you move, check your pulse—you might be dead.
But look, this ain’t perfect. Some tracks drag their feet more than they should, and yeah, a couple could use tighter production. Still, those moments don’t kill the vibe entirely. They just remind you this isn’t some polished pop nonsense—it’s real, messy, human music.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to Jolla Jolly feels less like hearing an album and more like overhearing someone’s private battle cry. It’s rough around the edges, sure, but maybe that’s the point. Maybe perfection would’ve ruined it. Weird thought, huh?
Anyway, if you dig folk mixed with soul-crushing honesty, give this a spin. Just don’t blame me if it messes with your mood.
