Twenty-five years ago today, Russia woke up not only to a new century but also to a new leader. On January 1, 2000, Vladimir Putin assumed the presidency, setting the stage for an era that would inspire artists to both celebrate and curse him through song. These musical works offer a reflection of how one man has left his mark on a nation – and the world.
Powerwolf (AI, 2024)
Who could have thought back then – music composed by artificial intelligence. This one (by AI Music) is based on the music by the German band Powerwolf. Владимир Путин Молодец: Well done, Vladimir Putin / Vladimir Putin rules.
Sicktrigger & Rad Russia (AI, 2024)
This very recent video has little to no lyrics, but it does have great music (by Sicktrigger) and was produced by sister channel Rad Russia, so it just had to be included. Putin’s life and reign in 90+ amazing pics.
Polmateri (Полматери) (2020)
Powerwolf title, but sounding very different. Whether the lyrics are serious or cynical may just be an easy guess. From the 2-track EP Иван Марголдин президент России (Ivan Margoldin president of Russia). See 24СМИ or Жизнь звёзд for more on Полматери (Polmateri) from Moscow.
Pornofilmy (Порнофильмы) (2020)
This punk rock band with punk rock name (from Dubna, near Moscow) is known for their opposition to Putin’s regime. Their Дядя Володя (Uncle Volodya) critiques the cult of personality surrounding the president (see here for lyrics). The song Это пройдет (This Too Shall Pass) became an anthem for anti-Putin protests and was subsequently banned in Moscow. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the band relocated to Georgia. Alternate video (age restricted) here.
Hymn to Putin (Гимн Путину) (2019)
An artist is not mentioned in the Гимн Путину (Hymn to Putin) by Ingen (dedicated to anthems, hymns and patriotic songs). Shazam did not know either. Great singing though, by Lord Knows.
Vyacheslav Antonov (Вячеслав Антонов) (2017)
The patriotic Дядя Вова, мы с тобой (Uncle Vova, We Are with You) was written by Вячеслав Антонов (Vyacheslav Antonov, 1977), who was also the first performer of the song, together with son Nikolai. The song became known in November 2017, when State Duma deputy Анна Кувычко (Anna Kuvychko) performed it alongside cadets from Volgograd’s School No. 44 at the Мамаев курган (Mamayev Kurgan) memorial complex. Lyrics here.
Slava KPSS (Слава КПСС) (2017)
As befits a rapper, Слава КПСС (or Slava KPSS, 1990) rarely hesitates to voice his opinion. Explicit lyrics. Released as a standalone single in 2017, and track 2 on Ренессанс. Лучшее 2к17 (2018).
Criminal State (2014)
We turn to punk for statements that most rappers shy away from. Criminal State (from Nizhny Novgorod, or Нижний Новгород) turned Maggie by The Exploited into a vicious Путин. Very explicit lyrics (with translation).
Oleg Likhachev (Олег Лихачев) (2014)
This folk-pop anthem celebrates the Russian president with unabashed enthusiasm (see here for lyrics). Showman, actor and signer Олег Лихачев (Oleg Likhachev, 1974) earned more fame than money with his landmark song, while others seemed to do the opposite. Они зарабатывают, а я на «Ладе» (Gazeta, 2021): They make money, I drive a Lada. Also see Автор песни «Владимир Путин – молодец!» пожаловался на безденежье (MKRU, 2023).
Rabfak (РабФак) (2012)
Sharp satire in Наш Дурдом (Голосует за Путина) (Our Madhouse Votes for Putin) to describe a society seemingly entrapped by loyalty to its leader – see here for lyrics with translation. РабФак (or Rabfak), short for Рабочий факультет (Workers’ Faculty), is from Moscow, and has been around since 2009. Alternate videos by Сергей Ларкин (2017) and on OK.ru (2015).
Poyushchie vmeste (Поющие вместе) (2002)
For closure, sing together with Poyushchie vmeste or Поющие вместе (Singing Together) and describe the ideal man. Or the only kind you’d still consider, after letdowns of various kinds. Putin is of course the one, second best is Такого, как Путин (One like Putin). See here for lyrics with translation, see here for old video with poor sound, see here for English version. This enhanced edition (by Avak Yeramian) is from 2021.
More Putin in Music
Мой Путин ! Испытай свои нервы. Песня (2015)
Саша Чест feat. Тимати – Лучший друг (2015)
Masha Rasputina / Мария Распутина – Когда мы вместе (2015)
Tolibdjon Kurbanhanov – Песня таджика про Путина ВВП (2012)
Белый Орёл – в чистом поле (2007)
Смех – Дядя Володя (2005)
A selection of the songs covered here can also be found in this YouTube playlist, and in Music in Russian songs by Music in Russian on Spotify.
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