Since there doesn't seem much to talk about Özlem on the forums for the time being, I thought maybe sharing and discussing the opinions of foreign people on Özlem would keep us busy until she releases a new album.
Alright then, I'll begin with the album reviews on amazon.com. As far as I am and my researches are concerned, they don't sell any of her albums on amazon.com except for Tek Başıma. So, here comes the first review from an American listener (I'll try to highlight the parts that I find noteworthy):
"Great voice - exciting approach, August 11, 2003
By John Bianchi (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
This is the first time I've ever heard Ozlem Tekin, and it's a good introduction. She's got a great voice with a lot of character. Tekin imbues her vocals with feeling and takes on different shadings from sly to openly passionate. That in itself would be exciting enough in an artist you've just been introduced to, but her sense of musical style and melody are strong as well.
This album I guess must be defined as "alternative rock", but its reminiscent of other favorites: There's a folk-rock approach to some cuts, but this is hybridized with what to my American ears sounds like a grounding in Turkish sounds - though nowhere near as strongly Turkish as Tarkan's current album. Tekin captures the isolated mood of some of Grace Jones's "Nightclubbing", but there's a lot more urgency to her wide-ranging vocals, and while she makes use of a slightly Manchester-tinged tech sound, its use is sparing and never intrudes too far into the pared down accompanyment.
Add to this synthesis some very strong vocal outings very grounded in rock, but reminiscent of cabaret pieces. The spoken section of Daglari Deldim is inspired, while selections like Hep Yek, Oof, Kirildim, Deli Gibi and Daa are also very memorable. Interesting and haunting melodies, strong vocals, a stylish and moody setting, and a unique blending of influences make for a great album. Tek Basima made me want to run out and get Tekin's other recordings, AND sample more of the explosive proliferation in Turkish rock. "
In the part in blue, the reviewer compares the musical styles of Tarkan's album (Kuzu Kuzu?) and Özlem's Tek Başıma, stating that even though Özlem's music has bits of Turkish influence to it, it is nowhere as explicit as Tarkan's, which shows us just how effective her music is, both to native and non-native ears.
In all the other parts, the reviewer is basically praising her (or more like stating the obvious facts about her!) The parts in red are especially worth noting.
I am going to type other comments made about her by foreigners. In the meantime, feel free to discuss her international fame.
