(Disclaimer: This post is not an affiliation post. It’s just me talking about an app I like.)
It’s the afternoon. You glance at the clock and groan: It’s only 2 pm. You have three more hours till you clock out from your daily 9-5 job. But, you are tired from that after-lunch fatigue. You ponder, should you eat sweets (the sugar can energize you) or make a cup of coffee? Although these choices sound like a nice idea, they might not be the best one.
I have recently been using an app called The Fabulous. I have been using it for two weeks already and enjoy it so far. Fabulous is designed for the user to do a variety of goals during the day. From the moment when you wake up to the second before you drift into dreamland, there is some sort of activity that you have to do. Doing these activities will help create a better you. Some of the tasks are drinking water and eating healthy yet meaningful meals. One of the actions is exercising throughout the day. This is something I think that I’m not good at. I cannot run (I hate running actually) and I don’t have room in my tiny apartment for big equipment.
I was in a pickle: What would be the right exercise for me?
Dancing with My Mornings
I came up with some sort of solution after pondering on the issue for a while. I could stretch for eight minutes, which isn’t a horrible idea. Yet, I wanted something that was more active, something I could enjoy music with. I just wanted to DANCE!
I am not a professional dancer. I only took a dance class for a summer between my sophomore and junior years of high school. The reason why I took that class was that I wanted to be a better musical actress during that phase of life. That was only for like eight weeks. I didn’t do anything too intense since it was a beginner’s course. But that didn’t stop me from getting my groove on. Ever since middle school, I would watch countless music videos, performances, and dance videos, trying to intimidate them to the best of my ability. I will never be a professional or start dance videos on Youtube, and I’m ok with that. I dance to have fun and get energy — the most essential things in life right now.
I have different musical moods in the morning. Sometimes I want an 80s’ song, sometimes I want a song in Japanese, and sometimes I want a slow jam. Because of this, I never have one exact playlist for morning exercise. Last week, I was jamming to Little Mix’s “Wings”. This week was Michael Jackson’s “Slave to the Rhythm”. Every day is a new adventure with a new morning exercise tune from the past and the present.
Starting Off the Day With…
One of my favorite songs to dance to and do stretches with is “Şımarık” by Turkish singer Tarkan. I was introduced to this song by Spotify. It appeared on one of my Daily Mix playlists one day. I fell in love with it instantly. Traditional Middle Eastern music and a modern pop sound are mixed flawlessly together to bring this sassy dance tune.
Although the song’s title is translated as “spoilt” in English, “Şımarık” is more commonly known as “Kiss Kiss”. And you can hear why in the chorus when it ends with two kiss sounds. I love this, and whenever I dance this song, I build a small routine around the chorus and the kiss sounds.
I didn’t understand what Tarkan was singing at first. But, I didn’t mind it. I loved the instrumentation and dance beat a lot. Tarkan’s vocals are really fine and smooth. His singing style showcases that he is a talented singer (and sooooooooo good looking 21 years ago). Songwriter Sezen Aksu knew how to make a well-crafted dance song that combined new beats with traditional ones. And her talent shows in “Şımarık”. I love how the sound of the Kamancheh perfectly blends with the deep bass beat. These two factors make the song catchy and enjoyable.
Check the music video below and tell me what you think of the song.
You can find the English translation for this song here.
“Şımarık” Around the World
In 2001, Greek-American singer Stella Soleil covered this song in English. It was a minor hit as it reached #27 on Billboard’s US Mainstream Top 40. Although the instrumental is the same as the original, the feeling is a bit off. Though Stella’s vocals are too rough for this cover.
Australian singer Holly Valance later covered Stella’s version for her debut single. The instrumental is more pop-ish than Tarkan’s release. But at least the vocals are much more suitable for this version.
I will end this post with one last cover. There have been countless versions of “Şımarık” sang by various artists in many languages around the world. This cover below is the Japanese version. I pick this one because a) it’s Japanese b) I am a fan of Kentaro Hayami (he sang a theme song for a Super Sentai series (think Power Rangers) in the 90s), and c) the vocals match well with the song. Kentaro’s vocals are not too overpowering and rough. Instead, they are smooth and ear-pleasing.
There are countless other versions of “Şımarık” (like the Kpop version by Mina). I would have to publish a magazine to talk about each version more in-depth. But, if you have heard of “Şımarık” and/or it’s many covers before, which version do you prefer? Tell me in the comments!
About the Artist
Turkish singer-songwriter Tarkan has been a prominent figure behind Turkish pop music since the early 90s. Born in West Germany in 1971, the singer-songwriter and his family moved to Turkey when he was a teenager. After the move, he went on to pursue his childhood dream of being involved in music by attending music lessons.
Tarkan released his first album, entitled Yine Sensiz, in 1992. But it wasn’t until five years later, with the release of the single “Şımarık” that the Turkish singer-songwriter became a global star. The album that the single came from, Ölürüm Sana, went onto sell over three and a half million copies. In 1998, he signed with the label Universal Music Group and released a self-titled compilation album a year later. It charted on several music charts in various European countries. Because of his music, he started a Turkish boom in such countries as Germany and Turkey.
Since the turn of the millennium, Tarkan still releases successful albums and is honored at various award ceremonies for his work. He is continuing to evolve as an artist and try out other genres. In 2016, Tarkan won the award for “Best Project” in Turkish Classical Music for his classical Turkish album Ahde Vefa.
Music is the soul’s own language. I love Pandora! I can listen to whatever my mood is that day.
We are still waiting for Pandora here in Japan. Streaming is still kind of a new idea here as music companies hated it at first but had to embrace it.
Thank you for the idea for app! I feel like that could help me be so much more productive!
You are welcome! Let me know how it works out!
The orginal is the best!
Thank you for sharing some great songs I would never have listened to on my own!
You are welcome!
I love starting my mornings with some music as well! It reminds you that you are alive and can move and enjoy the sounds of the world!
I agree!
I definitely think music is the key to a good day. I go through a variety of songs depending on my mood, but I especially love the beats of 80s songs…they really get you moving!
I haven’t heard of him until your post. How great that his song has been covered in loads of languages!
Great post!
Aimsy xoxo
I used to love that “kiss-kiss” song back in the day! Great list. I don’t know many of the songs but I’m curious to find them and perk up my music choices. Great read very well written.
Thanks!
Music is a huge part of my life and I always start my morning with a ‘zen’ playlist I have on spotify. Sets a great tone for the day and keeps me sane during our morning chaotic rush out the door!
It does! I get grumpy if I don’t have music on in the morning,
Great post! I love music! Also love learning new things! 😀💛🤗
You are welcome!
I am from where he is from and I have never knew so many things about him 🙂 his music is great and I recommend you listen to Mahmut Orhan too:)
I will! Thanks for the recommendation! <3
Well written and the app sounds interesting. Never heard of something like that. Even I dance to keep me active. It’s a good way to relax also.
I’ve never listened to any Turkish music before… thanks for the introduction!
I love your detailed posts! Will definitely check out this Turkish song!
Very nice! I love all kind of music, thank you very much for such useful information! I think I will try listen his music too
The fabulous. I think I’ve come across that app. I’m not really a music listener but this post just made me see music in a whole new complexion.
Great post. I love upbeat songs when I work out and also motivational sometimes. Thanks for sharing your ideas
Dancing is definitely my favorite workout routine too.. and while I am sure I have heard Turkish singers/songs before, I cannot pinpoint which ones.. But here, I think the original would be my favorite too..
I start my day with music, dance and a cup of coffee. I love dance and sometimes I find myself dancing even while doing my daily chores. Thanks for this great list of songs and the app suggestion.
Turkish music is awesome! I’ve heard this song before (the original “Simarik”) and I think it’s the best one out of all the covers 🙂
I’m not familiar with all the songs you mentioned but what inspires me to work is “The Happy Working Song” by Amy Adams.
Thank you for all the songs recommendations I never heard any of these. Fall in love with the Turkish song already.
I’ve been listening to a lot of country music – makes me so happy!
Thank you for sharing the songs. I am not that familiar with most of the songs, but you introduced them to me 🙂
Oh wow, Thank you for sharing your list. Some of the songs are really good but some are I’m not familiar with, but looking forward to listening to this 🙂
Love his music – thanks for introducing me to Tarkan!! What a great beat for a morning wake up dance!
Music is life. I particularly love rock!
I listen to music quite a bit in the day around work. I’ve heard the Holly Valance version of Kiss Kiss but not any others.
I don’t really work out, but C’est La Vie by Shania Twain helps uplift my mood every time.
Interesting to hear what music people like. Mine is a band called Interpol, with song Now You See Me At Work getting the most play.
I am 40 and my kids say that my music is not age appropriate for me. I love me some EDM…any kind of dance music with deep bass drops.
Music is a great source of inspiration so glad to find this collection!
I enjoyed listening to what gets your energized. I may have to add these to my collection. One song that gets me energized is Thunder by Imagine Dragons. Other things that get my energized are the pop bands from the later 90’s: NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and 98 Degrees, lol.
I really enjoy expanding my horizons with music and hearing some of these international sounds! Anything with a beat gets me going!
I always start my day listening to a good musics while taking my cup of coffee.
Walk it like I talk it…clean version. My son’s music sticks in my head.
I love Kanye’s new song Lift Yourself. I dance to it every morning lol
I agree! We all need to get out of the all or nothing mindset, and just exercise whenever we can! Even if it is only for a few minutes. I also love dancing around to music!! I thought I was the only one who did this 🙂
These songs are amazing.
These are some pretty cool songs to start off your day and get you moving in the right direction. I don’t know that I have a song. I do know I have a friend who used to Jam out to Prince 1999 every morning. Although if I was to pick a Prince song, I would go with Let’s Go Crazy. Not sure why.
I agree! Every workout counts… and working out with the music that pumps up your energy is a big help. Mine is JLo’s on the playlist 😊
I love to listen to different kind of music. To get energize would be jazz or dance music. I love Spanish songs as well it makes you wake up and dance to the groove.
You could definitely see your enthusiasm in the paintings you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. At all times go after your heart.Most impoprtant point is choosing words
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