Vasilis Papakonstantinou - Vasilis Papakonstantinou (1978)

Vasilis Papakonstantinou - Vasilis Papakonstantinou (1978)

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Vasilis Papakonstantinou - Vasilis Papakonstantinou

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1. Με το Bob Dylan (Me ton Bob Dylan) 3:29

2. Τώρα τώρα (Tora tora) 3:53

3. Σακατεμένα τα τραγούδια (Sakatamena ta tragoudia) 2:12

4. Επαρχία 1978 (Eparhia 1978) 3:55

5. Βαρέθηκα τα χωρατά (Varethika ta horata) 2:37

6. Στο παζάρι του ληστή (Sto pazari tou listi) 3:13

7. Όλα τα 'χει ο μπαξές (Ola ta 'hei o mpakses) 3:00

8. Στο Διονύση (Sto Dionisi) 3:30

9. Θα 'ρθουν στιγμές (Tha 'rthoun stigmes) 2:39

10. Τα πουλιά της δυστυχίας (Ta poulia tis distihias) 3:33

11. Πάλι βρέχει (Pali vrehei) 3:12

12. Φεύγουν καράβια (Fevgoun ta karavia) 2:40

13. Αυτούς τους έχω βαρεθεί (Aftous tous eho varethei) 3:32

Album Credits

Record Company – Μίνως Μάτσας & Υιός Α.Ε.

Made By – Fabelsound

Phonographic Copyright (p) – Minos Matsas & Son Co. Ltd

Recorded At – Action Studio, Athens

Vasilis Papakonstantinou is the eponymous debut album from Vasilis Papakonstantinou. It was recorded after his return from touring abroad as a singer for Mikis Theodorakis's tour. Most of the songs for the album are originals written by singer-songwriter Antonis Vardis (who also contributed most of the guitar work in the album) with lyrics by Panos Falaras. The album also includes the first attempt as a songwriter by the popular singer Haris Alexiou. The remaining songs are covers: two by Catalan singer-songwriter Lluis Llach with Greek lyrics by Falaras, a song by singer-songwriter Dionysis Savvopoulos (originally from his 1966 debut album To fortigo), a Thanos Mikroutsikos song (originally from his 1975 Politika tragoudia debut album), and a Mikis Theodorakis song (from his Arcadia II song cycle written in 1969 during his house arrest and first recorded for his 1974 New songs album).

The arrangements for the songs were by Kostas Ganoselis, who also plays keyboards on this album. Ganoselis worked with Papakonstantinou on three more albums in the first half of the 1980s.

Vasilis Papakonstantinou – Vasilis Papakonstantinou (1978): The Birth of a Greek Rock Icon

Released in 1978, the self-titled album Vasilis Papakonstantinou marked a defining moment not only in the career of Vasilis Papakonstantinou, but also in the evolution of Greek rock and politically conscious popular music. At a time when Greece was still processing the aftermath of the military junta (1967–1974), this album captured the spirit of a generation searching for freedom, identity, and authenticity.

Blending rock instrumentation, Greek lyrical tradition, and intense emotional delivery, Papakonstantinou’s debut solo album announced the arrival of a singer who would become one of the most influential and enduring figures in modern Greek music.

Background and Historical Context

Born in 1950 in Vastas, Arcadia, Vasilis Papakonstantinou emerged during a turbulent period in Greek history. Before launching his solo career, he was already active in political and protest music, closely associated with the post-dictatorship cultural movement that sought to give voice to social injustice, youth frustration, and collective memory.

The late 1970s in Greece were marked by artistic experimentation and ideological awakening. Rock music—previously marginalized—began to merge with Greek poetry and socially charged lyrics. Vasilis Papakonstantinou arrived precisely at this crossroads.

Musical Style and Sound

The album represents a unique fusion of Greek songcraft and rock aesthetics. While rooted in melodic structures familiar to Greek audiences, it incorporates:

• Electric guitars and rock rhythms

• Folk-influenced melodies

• Dramatic vocal delivery

• Poetic, politically resonant lyrics

Papakonstantinou’s voice is raw, urgent, and emotionally charged. He does not sing merely to entertain; he declares, protests, and confesses. This approach would become his defining artistic trademark.

Unlike polished Western rock productions of the era, the album embraces an earthy, direct sound that enhances its sincerity and emotional impact.

Tracklist Overview

The album includes songs that would later become staples of Papakonstantinou’s live performances and anthems for multiple generations of Greek listeners. While specific track listings may vary between reissues, the album is unified by its thematic consistency and emotional intensity.

Each song functions as a statement—personal yet collective—addressing themes of resistance, memory, freedom, and inner conflict.

Lyrical Themes

The lyrical content of Vasilis Papakonstantinou reflects the post-dictatorship Greek psyche. Core themes include:

• Political awareness and resistance

• Social injustice and class struggle

• Youth identity and rebellion

• Emotional honesty and vulnerability

• The tension between hope and disillusionment

Unlike overt propaganda songs, the lyrics rely on metaphor, poetic imagery, and emotional subtext, allowing listeners to interpret them personally while still feeling their political weight.

Fun Facts & Trivia

• This album marked Papakonstantinou’s first major solo breakthrough.

• Many songs were initially embraced by student movements and youth collectives.

• The album helped legitimize Greek rock as a serious artistic movement.

• Papakonstantinou’s intense stage presence during this era quickly became legendary.

• The record gained popularity largely through word of mouth and live performances, rather than heavy radio promotion.

Did You Know?

• The album was released during a time when Greek society was redefining freedom of expression after years of censorship.

• Papakonstantinou became known as the “voice of resistance” for post-junta youth.

• Many tracks from this album are still performed live more than 40 years later.

• The singer has consistently refused to separate music from social responsibility.

• The album is often cited as a cornerstone of modern Greek rock history.

Commercial Impact and Best-Selling Albums

While exact sales figures from the late 1970s are difficult to verify, Vasilis Papakonstantinou is considered a commercial and cultural success, laying the foundation for one of the most successful careers in Greek music.

Among Papakonstantinou’s best-selling and most influential albums are:

• Vasilis Papakonstantinou (1978)

• Fovamai (1982)

• Horis Make-Up (1984)

• Hronia Polla (1986)

• Ta Agoria Tis Plateias (1990)

His albums have collectively sold hundreds of thousands of copies, with many achieving gold and platinum status in Greece.

Cultural Significance and Legacy

This debut album established Papakonstantinou as a bridge between protest music and mainstream rock. He proved that politically charged material could resonate deeply with mass audiences without losing artistic integrity.

Over the decades, Papakonstantinou became synonymous with:

• Socially conscious Greek rock

• Powerful live performances

• Collaboration with major Greek lyricists and composers

• Intergenerational appeal

Vasilis Papakonstantinou (1978) is now regarded as a foundational album, influencing countless Greek rock artists and singer-songwriters.

Most Famous Songs by Vasilis Papakonstantinou

Across his career, Papakonstantinou is best known for songs such as:

• Fovamai

• Kati Na Gyrizei

• Ta Karavia Mou Kaio

• Prin To Telos

• Hronia Polla

• Se Thelo

• Ta Agoria Tis Plateias

Many of these songs have become cultural touchstones, frequently sung at concerts, gatherings, and protests.

Full Discography (Selected Studio Albums)

• Vasilis Papakonstantinou (1978)

• Ta Tragoudia Tis Plateias (1981)

• Fovamai (1982)

• Horis Make-Up (1984)

• Hronia Polla (1986)

• Ta Agoria Tis Plateias (1990)

• Mousikes Taxeidia (1996)

• Ola Einai Politismos (2002)

• Ena Tsigaro Dromos (2014)

Artist Timeline

• Born: 1950

• Solo debut: 1978

• Years active: 1974–present

• Status: Active

Keywords

Vasilis Papakonstantinou 1978 album, Vasilis Papakonstantinou debut, Greek rock history, Greek political rock music, Vasilis Papakonstantinou review, post-junta Greek music, classic Greek rock albums, Vasilis Papakonstantinou discography