Sertab Erener
En Iyiler/The Best Of

"En Iyiler/The Best Of" is the first greatest hits album of what I consider to be one of the greatest performers of recent years.
Born in Istanbul 43 years ago, Sertab Erener graduated in music from the Istanbul Devlet Konservatuvar, the most prestigious conservatory in Turkey.
Given her extraordinary vocal abilities, with a voice both sweet and powerful at the same time, she quickly made her way in the music world. From 1992 to today, she has achieved one success after another, becoming the most important representative of Turkish music worldwide.
Her international success was sealed in 2003 with her victory at the Eurovision Song Contest held that year in Riga, Latvia.
In 2007, the artist's first greatest hits album was released, featuring songs in both Turkish and English, plus one in Spanish (hence the double title "En Iyiler/The Best Of").

The collection opens with a ballad, "Vur Yüregim", which immediately highlights the singer's clean and powerful voice.
Following that is a delightful "Zor Kadin", a delightful Turkish rendition of "????????" ("Nocturne") by Israeli singer Noa, made more lively by Erener with oriental-inspired music, more marked rhythms, and male choirs.
The collection also includes some "important" collaborations, such as with Ricky Martin ("Private Emotion") and pieces that made her famous worldwide, such as "Everyway That I Can", with which she won the ESC, and the cover of "Music" by Madonna, chosen by fellow countryman Ferzan Ozpetek for one of his latest films.
Sertab Erener proves herself to be a complete artist, capable of exploring any musical genre without overdoing it, never disappointing. Her voice, pleasant and melodious in sound, suits any piece, from the simplest to the technically most difficult ones.
But the gem of the collection (and in my opinion of Erener's entire career) is "Ask", unfortunately presented in this collection as a duet with Greek artist Mando, with the double title of "Ask/Φος" (Fos). Unfortunately not because Mando is not a capable performer, but because in this song the feeling and emotion are lost. The original version of this piece is a heartfelt ballad; a testament to Sertab Erener's technique, emotion, and abilities, where she effortlessly transitions from light singing to lyrical, showcasing a rare artistic completeness.
It is a real shame that this artist is so little known in Italy, as she truly deserves media attention and, most importantly, the public's.
The collection continues with pieces like the sensual "Dos Gardenias", a well-known Cuban song, "Ask Ölmez", another milestone of Erener's career, and another ballad "One More Cup Of Coffee".

This collection should not be missing from the collection of anyone who considers themselves a music enthusiast. A small, very small glimpse into the career and talent of an artist who could teach many singers decidedly more acclaimed than her but lacking even a third of her talent.