Album Review: Szerenád Világslágerek by St Martin
Alright, let’s talk about Szerenád Világslágerek, the 2003 gem from Hungary’s own St Martin. If you’re into smooth jazz with a Latin twist and some pop vibes sprinkled on top, this album is worth your time. Released under BMG Hungary, it’s got that classy yet laid-back feel, like sipping coffee on a Budapest balcony at sunset. The arrangements are tight—big shoutout to Rakonczai Viktor for keeping things fresh—and the whole thing just oozes charm.
Now, I gotta say, there are a few tracks here that stick in my head long after the music stops. Take “Adagio,” for instance. It starts off slow and dreamy, almost like it’s tiptoeing around your emotions. But then BAM—it hits you with these lush harmonies and strings that make you wanna close your eyes and drift away. It’s one of those songs where you don’t even realize how hard it’s pulling at your heartstrings until it’s over. Honestly, it feels like a warm hug made of sound.
And then there’s “El Condor Pasa.” You’ve probably heard versions of this classic before, but St Martin puts their own stamp on it. With Lajos Kormos shredding on guitar (yeah, he only plays on three tracks, but man, does he leave an impression), it gets this jazzy, finger-snapping vibe that makes you wanna grab someone and dance awkwardly in your living room. It’s not trying too hard; it just flows naturally, like a lazy Sunday afternoon.
The rest of the album has its moments too. Tracks like “Ave Maria” and “Rómeó És Júlia” bring the ballad game strong, while “Hello” sneaks in with a catchy little groove that’ll have you humming along without even noticing. Oh, and props to Next Production for the cover art—it’s simple but sharp, kinda like the music inside.
But here’s the thing: listening to this album feels like flipping through an old photo album. Each track has its own memory attached, whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection or a burst of joy. Sure, it came out back in ‘03, but honestly? This stuff still holds up today. Maybe because good music doesn’t really age—or maybe because we all need more smooth jazz in our lives.
So yeah, if you ever stumble across Szerenád Világslágerek, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself randomly tearing up during “Adagio” or attempting salsa moves in your kitchen to “El Condor Pasa.” And hey, isn’t that what great albums do? They surprise you when you least expect it. Like finding cash in your jeans pocket—but way better.
