I was surprised to learn that the 'Song of the Year' festival was actually canceled in 1992?

Apparently, the organizers decided to put the festival on hold due to changing times, and instead, they launched a new project called 'Hit Parade of Ostankino'. But it only lasted a year: thanks to Angelina Vovk, 'Song of the Year' was revived in 1993 in its original format.

The concept, design, and other elements were all back to what we knew from the festival 'Song of the Year - 91'. Angelina Vovk and Yevgeny Menyshov were back as hosts.

The final concert of the festival was broadcast during the New Year's holidays, and it took place in a large hall with an orchestra. But it was without the festive decorations.

The show opened with the traditional parade of stars: all the participants came out on stage as the hosts announced them, posing for the cameras. On the one hand, it's interesting to see everyone together, but on the other hand, it's a bit predictable - who will show up among the participants?

The concert went on for almost 4 hours - 45 numbers in total! I genuinely watched the whole thing, but I won't review each performance - that would turn this review into the fifth volume of 'War and Peace'. So, let's focus on the highlights.

HIGHLIGHTS: quality songs and timeless hits

Andrey Derzhavin - 'Brother'

I've already forgotten how good-looking Derzhavin was in his youth - he was a real heartthrob! His appearance was more refined and aristocratic than other teen idols. And his songs, although fitting for the era, were actually more emotional and less superficial than others.

Alexander Malinin - 'Lady Hamilton'

I've always associated Alexander Malinin with romantic ballads that transport you to a fairytale world. So, when he performed 'Lady Hamilton' at the 1993 Song of the Year, it always threw me off. It looks like a nostalgic memory of first love, similar to the movie 'Malena,' but at the same time, it's somehow crude, especially when you look at the lyrics of the chorus. Here's the chorus - it's more recognizable:

Wherever I look, it's like I'm overboard

My childhood is drifting away.

Lady Hamilton, Lady Hamilton,

I'm your Admiral Nelson.

How she waited, how she called,

How she drank whiskey!

Lady Hamilton, Lady Hamilton,

You were in my life.

What really stands out in this performance is how Alexander Malinin, dressed in a tuxedo and a bow tie, executes this choreographed madness - it's a must-see.
Igor Nikolaev - 'Congratulations'

I think 'Congratulations' is Igor Nikolaev's most iconic and enduring song, not just from this 1993 festival, but from his entire career as a singer. You can love it or hate it, but it's hard to find someone born before 2000 who doesn't know it by heart.

Anzhelika Varum - 'La-la-la'

Anzhelika Varum is an underrated star from that time. While others were churning out hit after hit, she was singing quality pop music, doing it delicately and tenderly, intelligently and elegantly, but we just didn't appreciate it - who could compete with the raunchiness of Masha Rasputina or Lada Dance? But time has proven the quality, and 'La-la-la' still sounds relevant and stylish today, it's amazing that no one has dared to remake it yet, and thank goodness.

Tatyana Ovsyannikova - 'Captain'

Tatyana Ovsyannikova is a paradoxical singer for me. Given her relatively modest vocal abilities, she's been pretty lucky with her repertoire - it includes several killer hits that are still played on the radio today. And 'Captain' is one of them: a fun dance song with irony and a story, she gets full marks for that.

Sergey Chelobanov - 'Oh, God'

I have to admit, I find myself singing along to this song: I go low on my vocals and try to channel Chelobanov on the chorus. The song is good, legendary, strong, but the execution feels a bit too mannered. It's the singer's style, but he didn't quite push it to the limit, and it could have been more serious.

Valery Leontiev - 'Kazanov'

This song is Leontiev's calling card, almost his pseudonym, like 'primadonna' or 'king of pop music'. It's catchy, memorable, danceable, and after watching, I wanted to add it to my current playlist.

THE MOST STYLISH ON STAGE: artists I want to watch

The group 'Lyceum'

Honestly, I've never been a huge fan of this group, especially the fact that it still exists with Anastasia Makarevich and two girls as decorations on the sides, and their last viral release was 20 years ago. The best thing they gave us is Anna Pletnyova, who turned into 'Vintage', and the song 'Trace on Water'. But that's not what I'm talking about now. I'm talking about how cool this trio looks! They had a style that stood out from the crowd of one-hit wonders and girl groups. Big plus!

Linda

Linda, the one we didn't know: before the gothic makeup, afro curls, piercings, Eastern influences, and collaboration with Fadeev. She's completely different, but interesting. I'm not counting the song - I didn't remember a single lyric. But the visuals and performance are pretty good, I could put her alongside young Sviridova or Ponorovskaya from that time.

Soso Pavliashvili

Great! From the costume and hairstyle to the plasticity and choreography, he's so natural and organic on stage, performing a pretty good song, that without the flashy outfits, backing dancers, and the rest, he effortlessly holds the audience's attention.

Alena Sviridova

I've got to say, Alena Sviridova is our worthy answer to Enya, Madonna, and all those other style icons. She's incredibly beautiful and stylish, and I'm always blown away by how well she puts together her outfits - they're always on point and still totally relevant today.

But let's not forget, there were some fashion missteps in this concert.

FRIK-PARAD FESTIVAL: no negativity, just uniqueness, just hardcore

Masha Rasputina - 'Live, Russia'

Masha Rasputina is just in her element, she's a True folk artist, and it feels like she's ready to step off the stage and give you a big hug, slap you on the back, and get you pumped up. And the song is all about that.

Live, Russia - my vast and beautiful country!
Live, Russia, where I met the dawn with my mom.
Live, Russia, where I fell in love under the blue sky.
Live, Russia, and don't listen to those who say no.

One thing that did puzzle me was why a beautiful and young woman (even considering her stage persona) looked so sloppy with her makeup and outfits.

Alexander Buinov - 'I'm Walking Through the Field'

He performed the same song and number a year ago at the 'Hit Parade of Ostanino'. The same pilot jacket from the 'Elton John or Sergei Penkin' series. But judging by the outfits, it's definitely the first one. The song is simple, catchy, with a dash of humor, and it's accompanied by a witty dance from the 43-year-old singer. Just take a look for yourself.

Arkady Ucupnik - 'Petrushka'

Arkady Ucupnik has never really raised any questions for me, probably because his entire career has been built on being a bit of a joke, in a good way. The song about Petrushka is familiar to me since childhood and is on par with songs like 'Dunes', for example.

Kabaree-Duet 'Academy' - 'Oh-oh-oh'

I have to say, the concert moment that left me speechless was when Lolita and Tsikalov came out on stage dressed as cowboys on plush horses. It was totally unexpected and hilarious, like Ace Ventura crashing a boring bankers' reception. Unfortunately, the number completely overshadowed the song. The duet was amazing, by the way.

Bogdan Titomir - 'American Football'

Three minutes of posing: a rap about the Super Bowl and a touchdown at a festival that will be closely associated with Soviet-era entertainment for the next 30 years.

Touchdown! Touchdown! Super Bowl, super bowl, super bowl
Let's play American football

My impression of the 'Song of the Year - 1993' festival

In 1993, the festival looked like I remembered it from my childhood until the 2000s: a dark stage, huge LED letters and numbers in the background, a large hall. Everything was on a massive scale, but unlike earlier final concerts of the festival, there were no New Year's associations: no Christmas trees, fireworks, or congratulations. It was a bit gloomy and dull, lacking the festive atmosphere, with few great songs, but it dragged on for four hours.