Do you ever just have one of those random moments of — "holy shit, how did I not know about the existence of this until now?" -- Well, for the past week and a half I've been asking myself this same question. If you're at all familiar with the internet's extensive array of memes, chances are you've come across the infamous "Weird Russian singer" video that has been constantly reblogged for its absurd, catchy, yet contagiously happy tune. I remember watching it for the first time two years ago, but I, like the grand majority of the video's viewers, shrugged off the nonsensical song and its alien-like disco atmosphere (after having a good laugh) and moved on with my life.
These past few days, however, I got lost in the depths of YouTube and came across the iconic Chrum Drum Bedrum anthem again. I had forgotten how much I actually loved the song and how genuinely happy it made me feel — but this time around, I dared to delve a bit deeper into this world of early 2000's Russian synth-pop. I discovered the singer's name: Vitas. And much to my utter fascination and surprise, he's actually quite the global superstar, praised for his extremely versatile, alluring voice that ranges across five octaves. Yes, you read that right. FIVE. Little did I know that this man was so adamantly revered across the world, often regarded as Russia's equivalent to Michael Jackson — and after spending hours watching footage of his eccentric music videos and concerts, I can very well see why! His work is so diverse and irrefutably entertaining.
- Below, I've listed 5 of my top favorite tracks of his that I believe are more deserving of recognition and acknowledgement from the western world:
— Поцелуй длиною в вечность — A Kiss as Long as Eternity | By watching this song's corresponding video, you'd find it difficult to believe that this is the same guy from the 7th Element meme. Here, he ditches the alien turtleneck outfit for a sleek dark suit and a head full of hair. The gentle piano-playing, the intense eye contact — I was left dumbfounded. This song is slower and reserved, yes, but it gradually evolves into a powerful, fiery climax. The whole spectacle is gorgeous, undermining all you thought you knew about this man's singing capacity. He's far from average, and can make a falsetto note sound so masculine.
— Птица cчастья — The Bird of Happiness | This track sounds more folk/cultural, but it's so vibrant, upbeat, and fun! This video in particular showcases the fame of Vitas and how beloved he is by his fans. It's interesting to see how adamantly people flock to his concerts and the incessant craze that surrounds him. And as odd enough as it is for me to admit, he looks pretty cute in this video. His positive and optimistic stage presence is certainly contagious, it's no wonder his shows are sold out in a heartbeat.
— Птица cчастья — The Bird of Happiness | This track sounds more folk/cultural, but it's so vibrant, upbeat, and fun! This video in particular showcases the fame of Vitas and how beloved he is by his fans. It's interesting to see how adamantly people flock to his concerts and the incessant craze that surrounds him. And as odd enough as it is for me to admit, he looks pretty cute in this video. His positive and optimistic stage presence is certainly contagious, it's no wonder his shows are sold out in a heartbeat.
— Звезда — The Star This one is slower-paced, but I've included it on this list because of the metaphoric tragedy it eludes. This gorgeous song was released in 2003 in an album dedicated to his late mother who had died unexpectedly months before. Unfortunately, Vitas' approach to his music went through a defining transformation during this difficult time, and he has strayed away from his iconic, eccentric style ever since. As I was watching this music video, I couldn't help but interpret his slow walk across the bridge as a metaphor for him literally walking away from his original style of music. He peers over his shoulder every once in awhile, looking back yet still moving forward. It's so heartbreaking to see the pain and desolation in his eyes, and how his voice carries on so pure and melancholy. I can't properly put it into words. |
— Опера #2 — Opera #2 | Terrifying, but utter genius. And don't let the title deceive you; it is not a proper opera by any means. This is considered to be Vita's most popular track, as it became Russia's top best selling single for three consecutive years (2001-2003) and 3.5 million copies were sold in China alone. The song demonstrates the incredible falsetto screams he's able to sustain to inhuman lengths, and portrays the emotional turmoil of his love-stricken character. The fish gills, the shattering glass, the naked accordion-playing — I've never heard or witnessed anything quite as insane as this. Pure art.
— Улыбнись! — Smile! | If I am to choose an absolute favorite, this is it. I ADORE this song entirely and I've been listening to it on a loop for days now. It's quirky, of course (like much of Vitas' music) yet it also has this hilarious, unpredictable quality about it when you first listen to it. Then, that one part comes. You'll know it when you hear it, and boy, it is indescribable. Your first instinct is to laugh because it's completely ridiculous, but it's so playful, liberating, and satisfying. What I love most about Vitas is both his vocal variety and his aesthetic delivery. Here, he's completely bald, with his lanky, Slenderman-like figure sporting a black suit, a hat, and a lone black glove. Yet his facial expressions and smirks are oddly charismatic, funny, and . . . dare I say, a bit attractive? Hence the song's title, I can't help but smile.
As you can see, there's far more to him than just the "Weird Russian Singer" title we've subjected him to. I think that's a testament as to how ignorant western society can be, how small we consider the world to be outside of our own lives. I myself fell victim to this in Vitas' case, but I'm forever grateful I took the initiative to discover more of his work. The 7th Element song is but a mere fragment in the career of perhaps one of the most iconic and prolific singers on the planet, and yet we still base our initial presumptions on one source. Now, of course Vitas is a weird Russian singer, but he's a plethora of other adjectives: enigmatic, passionate, romantic, extraterrestrial, and innovative. Call him what you will, but you certainly can't deny he's exceptionally talented.