Discovering the Charm of Volgasånger 17 Ryska Folkvisor På Svenska by Ove Engström & Ulla Roxby
If you’re into folk music that feels like stepping into a cozy Swedish cottage with a crackling fire, then Volgasånger 17 Ryska Folkvisor På Svenska is worth your attention. Released in 1994 under the label MusiCant, this album brings together traditional Russian folk songs sung entirely in Swedish—yes, you read that right! Thanks to Ove Engström and Ulla Roxby’s heartfelt delivery, it’s basically a warm hug for your ears.
One track that really stuck with me was “Se Postiljonens Trojka.” It’s got this upbeat vibe that makes you wanna grab someone’s hand and twirl around the room (or at least tap your foot if no one’s watching). The melody feels so alive, almost like you can picture a horse-drawn sleigh racing through snowy fields. There’s something about how they capture movement in the tune—it’s simple but oh-so-effective. Honestly, I found myself humming it while doing dishes later. You know an album's good when it sneaks its way into your chores playlist!
Another standout is “Kalinka,” which is probably one of those tunes you didn’t realize you already kinda knew. This version has a playful energy to it, with Ulla Roxby’s voice bouncing off Ove Engström’s harmonies perfectly. It’s catchy without being too sugary sweet—you won’t feel guilty hitting repeat a few times. Plus, there’s just enough accordion action sprinkled throughout to give it that authentic folky charm.
What I love most about this record is how it bridges cultures. Listening to Russian classics translated into Swedish might sound niche—and okay, maybe it is—but it works beautifully. Tracks like “Gräla Inte På Mig Mamma” have a universal relatability that transcends language barriers. Who hasn’t wanted to tell their mom to chill out once in a while?
At first glance, Volgasånger might seem like just another world music project from the '90s, but trust me, it’s more than that. It’s quirky, genuine, and packed with soul. And here’s the unexpected part: after listening to this album, I started wondering why we don’t hear more cross-cultural collaborations like this today. Imagine Irish jigs sung in Japanese or Bollywood hits remade in German—it could be wild!
So go ahead, give Volgasånger 17 Ryska Folkvisor På Svenska a spin. Whether you’re a fan of folk music or just looking for something different, this little gem will surprise you. Just don’t blame me if you end up daydreaming about troikas and Swedish winters for days afterward.
