Unexpectedly Epic Romanian Music - Give Manelle a Try!

I'll be honest: i'm a Romanian speaker, and generally, i'm not a fan of the "manele" music genre (a style known for its distinct rhythm and blend of Balkan, Roma, and Turkish influences). However, i recently stumbled upon two songs by two different artists that honestly put me in a great mood. The instrumentals feel genuinely epic, and the lyrics, when you pay attention, are quite powerful.

I'm curious to see how people who aren't familiar with the Romanian language or this specific sound will react. Give them a listen and let me know your first impressions!

• Theo Rose - A venit poliția (The Police Arrived)

A massive, defiant party anthem with high energy. The instrumental beat is powerful and infectious...love it. Just try and listen

This song is all about not stopping the good times, no matter what. The chorus translates to: "The police arrived, we hold our position! Keep the volume high, let it loose!"😁 The singer women boasts about being the "master and ruler" of the place, prepared for anything.

In general it's a celebration of abundance, good company, and being ready to "stand up to the guard" while the grill is smoking. It captures a moment of pure, unapologetic fun.

• Johny Romano - E Mult, E Greu (It's a Lot, It's Hard)

A powerful track that sounds grand and cinematic, focusing on themes of talent, success, and humility. Ok this is a more reflective, but still boastful, song about inherent talent and how it trumps material wealth.

The core message is a rejection of pure materialism: When people ask what expensive "perfume" he wears to achieve success, he replies, "It's a lot, it's hard... but it's not perfume, this is myrrh (anointment oil)." He attributes his true talent to his parents and, ultimately, to God, suggesting his success is divinely inspired and earned through hard work.

My question for you: 💠Do the instrumental complexity and the emotional/defiant themes of the lyrics come across even if you don't understand Romanian? What do you think of the genre based on these two examples?