The name of famous composer Đorđe Novković usually makes me cringe - guy was determined hit maker and his main focus was to sell tons of records, which means that he had talent to recognize what audience wanted. And if audience wanted mexican horns,strings and sentimental ballads, Novković was serving it in large doses and than top it off with some more cream on top. His signature usually stand behind biggest commercial hits and considering that he succeeded this feat during several decades perhaps this deserves some recognition but to my ears it ages badly, still have to hear something that stands out of usual "schlager" mediocrity,no matter how huge sales might have been.True, some of the biggest stars worked with him (and it could be said Novković was the one who tailored songs for them, therefore he was responsible for building their status and creating the sounds of Ex Yu pop music) but it all points at certain calculation that repels me.
So why Kemal Monteno? The famous nightingale from Sarajevo who could compose his own music without anybody's help? Quick research points these two knew each other already for some years prior to this recording (Novković had hand in a song Monteno performed on 1967 pop festival Vaš šlager sezone) so it was natural that they continued collaboration on this early single.
One listening and its clear this is recognizable Novković - mexican horns, strings and cheesy backing vocals (and something that sounds like castanets) - single is divided in two almost identical medium tempo ballads where Monteno sounds like heartbroken troubadour. His voice is beautiful but unfortunately the material is not. Curiously enough, considering Novković's talent to appeal to masses, Monteno would be much better served later with his own music.
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