Crveni Koralji is a band that has made a significant impact on Yugoslav rock music. Formed back in 1962 in Zagreb, with a short hiatus, the band continues to function today, albeit with a changed line-up from its original formation.
The first EP by Crveni Koralji was released in 1964 under the PGP RTB label, titled “Najljepshi san“. However, it was the song “Rekla si: Volimo se” from this EP that stood out and topped the charts in Yugoslavia, as recognized by radio stations and music magazines at the time.
The lyrics of the song “Rekla si: Volimo se” are by Boris Babarovic, while the music and arrangement are by Dino Sarajlic. Crveni Koralji regularly performed this song at their shows, especially at the popular Zagreb venue “Ribnjak.” It became clear that they needed to create a contrast in their repertoire, and after performing “Rekla si: Volimo se,” they consistently received enthusiastic applause from the audience. This may have been the secret to their enduring success over the years.
“Rekla si: Volimo se” not only became a massive hit but also led to the production of their first EP, which sold an impressive 100,000 copies. This was a remarkable feat at the time, considering it was almost equivalent to the number of turntables in circulation throughout Yugoslavia.
In the early seventies, Crveni Koralji embarked on a tour of the Soviet Union, where their music, including the song “Rekla si: Volimo se,” was met with admiration by the audience.
The song possesses a unique charm due to its remarkable vocal performance by Boris Babarovic, often referred to as Barba. He was frequently recognized as the best vocalist at beat music competitions, where not only Yugoslav bands but also groups from Italy participated.
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