Album Review: Aşk İhanet Vs by Oya & Bora – A Wild Ride Through 90s Turkish Pop
Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re into Europop vibes mixed with some serious funk and soul energy, Aşk İhanet Vs is gonna hit different for you. Released in '97 under Şahin Özer Records, this album throws together pop, electronic beats, and even a splash of R&B like it’s no big deal. And honestly? It works.
First off, let me just say that Oya Küçümen and Bora Ebeoğlu have got chemistry on lock. Their voices blend so well it feels like they’ve been doing this forever—and maybe they had! Tracks are mostly arranged by Cenk Eroğlu (who also handled guitars and keys—busy guy!) but shoutout to Denep Pinjo for bringing his baglama game on track 2. Yeah, baglama meets house music. Don’t ask questions; just enjoy it.
Now, onto the songs themselves. I gotta talk about "Kendine Ağla" first because dang, it grabs you right away. The drum programming hits hard, and when Oya starts belting out those lyrics, you can’t help but feel all the feels. It’s one of those tracks where you think you’re vibing casually, then suddenly BAM—it punches you in the gut emotionally. The mix of acoustic guitar layered over electronic elements gives it a raw yet polished edge. You’ll probably find yourself humming it days later without realizing why.
Then there’s "Bugün Bir Yara Aldım," which flips the vibe completely. This one leans more into classic Turkish melodrama but adds a funky twist thanks to the violin work by Ferda Anıl Yarkın. The way the strings weave through the beat makes it sound kinda cinematic. Like, if someone told me this was playing during a dramatic scene in an old-school Turkish film, I wouldn’t doubt them for a second. Plus, the lyrics here pack a punch—you don’t need to speak Turkish fluently to catch the sadness dripping from every word.
One thing I really dig about this album is how collaborative it feels. Everyone involved—from the engineers to the lyricists—brings something unique to the table. It’s not just two vocalists dropping bangers; it’s a full team effort. Even the graphics by Ferdan Sayılı give it that late-90s aesthetic we all secretly love.
But here’s the kicker: while listening to Aşk İhanet Vs, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it doesn’t try too hard to be cool. Instead, it lets its weirdness shine through. Whether it’s the unexpected use of traditional instruments or the bold mix of genres, it’s clear these artists didn’t care much about fitting into any box. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
So yeah, if you’re looking for an album that’s equal parts nostalgic and refreshing, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if “Kendine Ağla” gets stuck in your head for weeks. Oh, and fun fact: apparently Nilüfer supervised the whole project. Ever heard of her? Me neither. But hey, whoever she is, props to her for letting this wild ride happen.
Final thought: Who knew Europop could make you cry AND dance at the same time? Guess Turkey did.
