ETOLUBOV, AKA Liubov Fomenko, a young Ukrainian neo-pop sensation, rose to fame in Eastern European and Central Asian regions in 2021. Swiftly gaining attention from local media and industry editors, she signed with Warner Music Group and released six successful singles within her debut year. With over 150 million views on her YouTube channel, ETOLUBOV’s songs amassed 250 million streams and 2.5 million Shazams by January 2023. Her track “Prityazhenie” (Attraction) soared to the 33rd spot on the Shazam Global Chart and went viral on TikTok with over 3 billion views. Another hit, “Mango,” earned placement on Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist.
ETOLUBOV has released a new album, “VSELUBOV,” featuring 9 songs.
The dreamy “Thisislove” makes for a mesmerizing intro to the album. Ethereal synths and riffs with atmospheric beats pull you into a dreamlike state. The Arabic vibes of the song totally wowed me! There is an otherworldly quality to the instrumentation and production that transports the mind. The vocals totally steal the show. It is sassy and mystique.
The song “Mango” by Liubov Fomenko has a tropical, summery vibe that comes through in the instrumentation and vocals. A rhythmic bassline and crisp drums create an atmospheric soundscape while floating vocals paint a picture of laidback warmth. The use of dual languages in the lyrics makes for an unusual yet enjoyable listening experience. The very catchy chorus, with its imagery of “the sky like a mango” and “raining kisses all over you and me,” is sure to get stuck in your head. It’s the type of song that invites you to relax and drift along to the melodies. Fans of upbeat yet mellow world music will find a lot to appreciate in the infectious rhythms and feel-good atmosphere of “Mango.”
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“Ідеаліті” by Liubov Fomenko takes on a more slow-burning, mellow groove compared to the previous tracks. ETOLUBOV’s vocals continue to shine through with their signature smooth, easygoing style.
At first listen, the chorus reminded me a bit of the stripped-back feel of Luis Fonsi’s mega-hit “Despacito.” However, the song develops in an unexpected direction in the second half with the introduction of what sounds like a sitar element, giving the song a fresh texture.
The song “Таю” by ETOLUBOV takes the listening experience into more introspective territory while still retaining the Arabic-influenced sassiness established in previous tracks. What stands out most is the adept use of dynamics – the way the song ebbs and flows between fuller and more sparse moments. Liubov Fomenko shows mastery over subtle texture and timbre variations that keep you engaged throughout. There is a smooth, sensual quality to these utterances and modifications in sound.
“Attraction” draws you in with its seductive soundscape. Layered percussion and Arabic melodies weave together to set a sensual mood. She switches skillfully between two languages, transitioning smoothly like a gentle stream. It transports the imagination to faraway lands associated with Arab culture. The addition of the oud elevated the song to new heights. Especially the Oud solo halfway through the song.
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“Темные ночи” stands out with its creative synthesis of electronic and organic elements. Shimmering synths flutter above a steady, folky rhythm, giving the track an indie-inspired feel while still grounding it in Arab tones. A highlight is how the bassline brings an edgy dance music influence, its low frequencies bouncing alongside more traditional Arabic instrumentation. This fusion results in a hybrid sound that remains true to cultural roots yet pushes boundaries. What’s particularly striking is how the synthetic and live textures mesh cohesively rather than clashing. They enhance one another to craft a dynamic soundscape spanning genres.
“Божеволію” by ETOLUBOV is an instant dance party starter packed with immersive electronic textures. As soon as the track drops, pulsing beats and scintillating sound effects pull listeners straight onto the dancefloor. What makes this song especially addicting are the creative musical shifts it takes you on. Building layers of percussion and synths steadily pump up the energy, but breaks in the beat dynamically keep things interesting and unpredictable. Crisp, popping drums punctuate the explosiveness of it all.
“Куба” sucked me in from the first hypnotic beats. It pulls inspiration from electronic dance music but has a soulful depth to it, with hints of Arabic sounds woven throughout. It was a rap-like delivery by male vocals that caught me off guard in the best way. This track is genre-bending at its finest. It maintains an entrancing flow while surprising you with these lush elements popping in and out. After multiple listens, new details emerge each time on this musical journey. The blend of electronic and world music influences gives “Куба” serious vibes. It’s the kind of song you want to listen to lost in your own thoughts, but the rhythmic energy also makes you want to dance.
“Flowering” by ETOLUBOV is the kind of infectious tribal house track you’ll find yourself replaying over and over. The genre-bending instrumentation effortlessly merges traditional Middle Eastern sounds like the oud with electronic beasts and a deep, pulsing bassline. Layered atop are hypnotic synth textures that swell and fade alongside ETOLUBOV ‘s sensual vocals. Together, all the disparate elements blend into a seamless whole, transporting you to the dancefloor of a faraway place. The arrangement skillfully builds an enticing sonic landscape where you want to linger and get lost in the rhythm. ETOLUBOV ‘s intimate yet powerful delivery acts as the human conduit connecting the organic and electronic.
To be a part of ETOLUBOV’s musical journey, you can follow her on: Instagram
Enjoy listening to “VSELUBOV” by ETOLUBOV here.
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