Kalemegdan Disk - ROCK FROM EASTERN EUROPE

Tracklist

Side A

1. Željko Bebek: Žuta ruža 4:04
2. Gabi Novak: Nada 3:59
3. Zdravko Čolić: Južnjaci 3:45
4. Mia Dimšić: Stari Pjer 3:24
5. Neda Ukraden: Zora je 3:15

Side B

1. Vlado Kalember: Prva noć sa njom 3:59
2. Boris Novković: Takav je život 3:28
3. Severina: Virujen u te 4:23
4. Petar Grašo: Ako me ostaviš 4:41
5. Mišo Kovač: Ostala si uvijek ista 4:01

Full album at YouTube

Croatia Records Release Information

One of the most ambitious and lavish musical projects in the region, Đorđe Novković – Hitmaker, is now available. The album is released on 180-gram gold-colored vinyl and comes in a deluxe package with a rich 16-page booklet containing photos of the artists, their personal stories, and reflections on the songs.

The project celebrates the timeless melodies and the legacy of one of the most significant songwriters in Yugoslavian music scene, Đorđe Novković. The recording features musical legends who, along with Novković, have defined the pop music of this region: Neda Ukraden, Željko Bebek, Gabi Novak, Zdravko Čolić, Vlado Kalember, Severina, and Mišo Kovač, while new interpretations by Petar Graša, Boris Novković, and Mija Dimšić add special value.

The album features ten of Novković’s timeless hits, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studio in London and the Croatia Records Studio in Zagreb. The music is performed masterfully by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Steve Sidwell. The release’s graphic design is by iCC Kelčec, while the album was mixed, mastered, and produced by Goran Martinac.

95 members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 29 Croatian instrumentalists, 10 top soloists, and 9 arrangers participated in the project’s realization. Many other individuals ensured the entire project looked and sounded top-notch, with their knowledge and effort pushing the boundaries of discography in this region.

The mere announcement of the release sparked great public interest. In just under two months, the videos shot at Abbey Road Studio have garnered millions of views, while the album has been streamed nearly two hundred thousand times on digital platforms.

A special part of the project is the album “Guitar Sings”, which features instrumental versions of all ten songs performed by guitar virtuoso Vlatko Stefanovski, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Hitmaker project was also presented through a documentary-music film, which gave the audience a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the philharmonic tribute, including studio recordings, vocal sessions with the performers, as well as touching tributes from colleagues in the entertainment industry who spoke about Đorđe as a friend and a genius songwriter.

After the film’s premiere, Croatia Records director Želimir Babogredac stated: “This is an idea that has been in the works for years. Đorđe and I were great friends; we met about fifty years ago. It was a sincere friendship and a sincere professional and personal relationship, and ever since he passed away, I have been constantly thinking about how to celebrate that great career again. The project was well-planned, and when something is well-planned, all the pieces fall into place. Selecting 10 songs, selecting the top 10 performers, finding the right conductor in London to bring it all together, and the great Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.”

“Đorđe Novković – Hitmaker” is a project that, with respect, emotion, and top-notch production, completes the creative legacy of the great Đorđe Novković.