Songs about Russia that every American knows - remember the best ones

Russia was sung not only in USSRbut also abroad. A vivid example is the band's hit song "Genghis Khan" "Moskau"! And what's one song about Rasputina performed by the iconic disco band Boney M.? But today we will remember not only these loud compositions. We will also talk about other masterpieces, which, although not so popular nowadays, are still able to touch the heart of the domestic music lover.

Boney M. - "Rasputin."

Ageless disco hit 1978 The year widely celebrated the name of perhaps the most mysterious, mystery-shrouded man in the history of the Russian Empire… Grigory Rasputin to this day does not give rest to historians and biographers, despite the fact that he has been gone from this world for more than a hundred years. And, apparently, his person excites the minds of not only domestic, but also foreign. Otherwise, how else to explain that the incredibly popular in its time collective Boney M. dedicated an entire song to this man?

Not surprisingly, this composition has become hit. Firstly, almost all of Boney M.'s songs were instant successes upon release when the band was on the peak of his popularity. And secondly, how could a lyric about the man himself Rasputina to win the hearts of Soviet music lovers? The answer is obvious.

Dschinghis Khan - "Moskau"

This dynamic track is still going strong to this day, even though it was released back in the day. 1979 of the year. However, it became not only the most famous song about the Moscowbut also the biggest commercial achievement of the German disco band's career Dschinghis Khan.

https://youtu.be/i0xOSxgs6w8

Subsequently, there were jokes about Germans shuddering when they heard this battle hymn! But the Russian listener liked this song very much. Many music lovers 80-х know her very well by heart (well, at least the chorus). Perhaps, it is worth mentioning the single of the same name, named in honour of the famous Mongol Khan and conqueror of Russia:

https://youtu.be/pzmI3vAIhbE

The Beatles - "Back in the USSR"

"Back in the USSR." - that was the name given to a composition from the famous "The White Album." groups The Beatles. What's interesting is that it was released 1968 year, while none of the legendary Liverpool players visited the expanses of the Soviet Union. It wasn't until 2003 year Paul McCartney He visited Russia: he played a sold-out concert at a Red Square. But for some reason in the distant 60's he wrote a song about the USSR, and its recording was accompanied by a series of scandals... But eventually it was completed.

Billy Joel - "Leningrad"

A beautiful end track 80-х from the much-loved Russia the artiste. And indeed: Soviet people adored and still adore Billy Joel. And if you revisit his concerts in USSRthat took place at the beginning restructuringHe paid his domestic fans with absolute reciprocity. He provided support in such a difficult time as he could. And it became another important page in the history of music and Russia in particular....

Michael Jackson - "Stranger in Moscow"

If we compare this song with other masterpieces of the pop king in terms of popularity, it is definitely difficult to call it a hit. Nevertheless "Stranger in Moscow" has resonated with many listeners, and the music video for it has gained over 60 million views!

For the first time Michael visited Moscow in September 1993 of the year - it happened in a very rainy autumn: it didn't stop raining even during his concert! "Stranger in Moscow" Jackson composed directly in his hotel room, reflecting his feelings about the cold, dreary urban environment, KGB agents and the shadows of the dark Soviet past...

Sting - "Russians"

A classy lyric from the middle 80-х. That's the only kind of music that's characteristic of it. To Sting. In this profound song, the ex-leader The Police warns both the West and the Soviet Union against rash action, reminding them that the future of children is at stake....

In an interview with the notorious to Vladimir PoznerSting said he was inspired to write the song after illegally watching Soviet children's TV programmes on satellite and was struck by how kind and warm they were.

Scorpions - "Wind of Change"

One of the most famous songs by the German rock band Scorpionsreleased in the early '90s. "Winds of Change" - I guess from the title it is clear what exactly inspired this marvellous, magical lyric.... Perestroika.

"Wind of Change" instantly captured the hearts of an army of millions of listeners. Released just after the fall of the Berlin Wall and shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union, this song could literally be felt in the atmosphere of the entire Europe.

Dark Lunacy - "Heart Of Leningrad"

Italian rockers Dark Lunacyplaying in the style "dramatic death metal." (as they themselves state), also drew inspiration from Leningrad. However, this song is very different from Billy Joel's lyrics. "Heart Of Leningrad" - is an eulogising ode to Soviet culture and history that focuses on the saddest moments of the Revolution, the First and Second World Wars and the Siege of Leningrad.

Curious fact: in some of their tracks, the band uses samples of famous old songs such as "Dubinushka." - unofficial revolutionary anthem.

Matt Monroe - "From Russia With Love"

"From Russia with Love" - I'm sure everyone has heard this song. It was first performed in 1963 in the James Bond film of the same name, with the handsome James Bond. Sean Connery и Daniela Bianchi in the lead roles. The film was remembered by many not only for its sharp plot, but also for the gorgeous classical melody performed by the film's leads Matt Monroe.

Since then. Agent 007 more than once lured into the clutches of the beautiful. Russian women!