Toma Zdravković - Živorade Bez Ljubavi

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Review by Tom Smith

Album Review: Živorade Bez Ljubavi by Toma Zdravković If you’re into raw, heartfelt folk music that feels like a warm hug from the past, then Živorade Bez Ljubavi is an album worth diving into. Released back in 1972 under Yugoslavia's Jugoton label, this record has all the charm of its era—no flashy production tricks, just pure emotion and storytelling. Led by Toma Zdravković himself (who also wrote the tracks), it’s got that old-school Balkan soulfulness that sticks with you long after the needle lifts off the vinyl. The standout track for me? Hands down, “Bez Ljubavi.” It’s one of those songs where the title says it all—this is about love lost, or maybe love never found at all. The melody is simple but haunting, carried beautifully by Toma’s voice which cracks just enough to make it feel real. You don’t even need to understand every word he’s singing; the ache comes through loud and clear. Plus, Ansambl Žarka Josipovića adds layers of depth with their instrumentation—it’s not showy, just perfectly placed to let the song breathe. Then there’s “Živorade,” the titular track. This one feels like sitting around a fire on a chilly night, listening to someone tell stories about life’s ups and downs. There’s something comforting yet bittersweet about how the rhythm moves along, almost like a slow dance between joy and sorrow. I can picture people swaying gently to this at some village gathering decades ago, probably spilling rakija while they sang along. The whole thing was mastered by MK and VP, so props to them for keeping the sound clean without losing its earthy vibe. And shoutout to D. Timotijević for the cover photo—it’s got that retro aesthetic that screams ‘70s Yugoslavia. Honestly, holding the physical copy must’ve felt like owning a little piece of cultural history. What strikes me most about this album is how timeless it feels. Even though it came out over 50 years ago, the themes still hit home today. Haven’t we all had moments when we’ve felt “bez ljubavi”? Or wished we could go back to simpler times? Listening to this record reminds me of why folk music endures—it speaks to universal human experiences without needing fancy gimmicks. And here’s the kicker: as much as I love discovering new music, albums like Živorade Bez Ljubavi make me wonder if we’ve been chasing trends instead of sticking to what truly matters. Maybe more artists should take notes from Toma and his crew—they knew how to keep it real before “keeping it real” became a cliché. So grab yourself a drink, press play, and let this gem transport you somewhere far away. Trust me, your playlist will thank you later.

Download Toma Zdravković - Živorade Bez Ljubavi
Artist: Toma Zdravković
Album: Živorade Bez Ljubavi
Rating: 4.0

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: toma-zdravkovi-ivorade-bez-ljubavi.zip
  • MP3 size: 8 mb
  • FLAC size: 92 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Bez Ljubavi
Živorade

Images

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Catalog Numbers

SY-21954

Labels

Jugoton

Listen online

  • écouter en ligne
  • lyssna på nätet
  • ascolta in linea
  • online anhören
  • ouvir online
  • lytte på nettet
  • online luisteren
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • escuchar en línea

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 7"
  • 45 RPM
  • Single

Companies

RoleCompany
Printed ByInterprogres, Zagreb

Credits

RoleCredit
EnsembleAnsambl Žarka Josipovića
Mastered ByMK, VP
Photography ByD.Timotijević
Written-ByToma Zdravković

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Side A): SY-21954A 8272-9272 MK-VP
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B): SY-21954B 8272-9272 MK-VP
  • Rights Society: BIEM
  • Other: JUS. N. N4. 201

About Toma Zdravković

(1938-1991) Famous Serbian folk singer, bohemian and a poet.

Real Name

    • Toma Zdravković

Name Vars

  • D. Zdravković
  • T. Zdravković
  • T.Zdravković
  • Toma
  • Toma Zdravkovic
  • Tomislav Zdravković
  • Tomo Edravković
  • Zdrakovic Tomislav
  • Zdravković
  • Zdravković Toma
  • Тома Здравковић

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The 1972 Yugoslav folk album *Živorade Bez Ljubavi* by Toma Zdravković is a hidden gem from the era. It features only two tracks, *Bez Ljubavi* and *Živorade*, but each one carries so much emotion. The album cover photo was taken by D. Timotijević, adding a personal touch to its vibe. Backed by Ansambl Žarka Josipovića, this record feels like a time capsule of heartfelt Balkan storytelling. Sometimes less really is more.