Poetess of Pop
Irina Rimes' latest album, Origini, is a masterful fusion of folk traditions and contemporary sounds. With this project, Rimes delves into her cultural roots, blending mystical and heartfelt melodies with modern pop sensibilities.
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Few artists manage to blend raw emotion with thoughtful artistry as effortlessly as Irina Rimes. Born in Moldova and now reigning as one of Romania's most beloved musical figures, Rimes has built a career on her ability to capture the fragility of human emotions, transforming them into melodies that invite her audience to find pieces of their own stories in her lyrics.
Her rise to fame is underpinned by years of dedication and a unique artistic vision. She first entered the spotlight in 2016 with her breakout hit “Visele,” and since then, her talent for storytelling has remained at the core of her music, turning each track into a personal narrative. Her albums, such as Despre El and Cosmos, showcase her versatility, moving seamlessly between pop, folk, and electronic influences. However, it’s her lyrics—often described as poetic and introspective—that truly set her apart by weaving intricate tales of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection, with her delicate yet powerful voice enhancing the vulnerability of her words. A deep appreciation for visual arts and literature helped Rimes convert her albums into immersive experiences, whether through beautifully crafted music videos or evocative live performances.
One of Rimes' most striking qualities is her ability to write lyrics that feel personal yet universally relatable. Tapping into timeless human experiences such as love, loss, and longing, she transforms them into something deeply intimate and melancholic—but never devoid of hope—with songs like “Bolnavi amândoi” and “Ce s-a întâmplat cu noi” becoming anthems for those navigating the complexities not only of relationships but of life itself. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her influence on Romanian and pop music is undeniable, with her role as a judge on Romania's The Voice further solidifying her status as a cultural icon.
Irina Rimes embodies a new generation of musicians who challenge the traditional boundaries of pop by infusing it with depth, nostalgia, and references to past folkloric traditions. All this is manifest in Rimes' latest EP, Origini, a deeply intimate exploration of identity and heritage steeped in cultural richness. Tracks like "Dorul călător," "Pădure," and "Dudădu" underline this research for authenticity. In Romanian culture, the concept of dor is a profound emotional state, merging longing, nostalgia, and sorrow for something or someone distant; and dor serves as a unifying thread for these songs, encapsulating the feeling of connection to one’s roots, nature, and love.
The song "Dorul călător" (Travelling Longing) is a mournful exploration of that yearning, painted with the delicate strokes of heartache. The lyrics convey the theme of a restless desire, personified as a "travelling longing" that wanders through time and space.
In "Pădure" (Forest), Irina Rimes personifies the forest, pleading with it to bring back her lost loved one. The song feels like a haunting dialogue with nature, where Rimes offers powerful sacrifices—the sun, the rain, her maiden tears, and even her soul—in exchange for the return of her beloved. This vivid imagery creates an intense atmosphere, combining love and nature into one plea for reunion. The forest becomes not just a backdrop but an active participant in her grief. This song stands out on the Origini album for echoing the tradition of beseeching nature’s forces in times of emotional need. Her poetic plea to the forest reflects a desperation, an exchange of elements from the natural world for something deeply personal, which gives the song its emotional weight.
“Dudădu"—the album’s lead single—is deeply rooted in tradition as well, as it draws inspiration from the rich heritage of Romanian folk music. The repetitive and rhythmic "Dudădu" mimics the way Romanian folk songs often use vocalizations or simple phrases to convey deep emotion, creating a connection to the land and its people. The lyrics evoke feelings of nostalgia with a focus on simple, heartfelt expressions of love and longing: “Take me, dear, there, by the spring / I long for you / To drink water, not to dry up with longing / And then, after I've had enough to drink / take me away / Forget about me like you didn't even know me.” Following this traditional folk-inspired foundation, DJs Steve Aoki and Tiësto separately remixed the song, combining its cultural depth with the vibrancy of electro house music and introducing it to a global audience.
Origini was celebrated during Rimes’ latest, triumphant concert, Descântatele, held on September 28th at Arenele Romane in Bucharest. The concept of Descântatele was entrenched in the ancient Romanian practice of descântece—traditional chants and incantations used for healing, protection, or invoking love. Irina Rimes brought these ancient spells to life in a contemporary format, using her music to create an experience that felt simultaneously otherworldly and firmly grounded in the cultural roots. It was a magical affair, a spellbinding mix of traditional Romanian music and contemporary performances. The event featured notable guests like Theo Rose, Magnat & Feoctist, Satoshi, and Surorile Osoianu, who contributed to the ethereal ambiance. For those fortunate enough to witness it, Descântatele was a ritual, a celebration, a spell that lingered long after the final note had faded into the night. And it served as a testament to Irina’s ability to honor the past and pave the way for the future, bringing centuries-old traditions to a contemporary audience and opening the door to a new era where music, tradition, and magic can coexist in perfect harmony.
