Melissa Naschenweng - Alpenbarbie

4.9

Rating

4.9/5

Flyctory.com Pros

Great range of songs
Very powerful, but also emotional tracks
13 songs and two "bonus tracks"

Melissa Naschenweng is an Austrian artist, who is mixing traditional folk, schlager, pop and rock elements in her music. Because of this unique mixture, she is growing more and more in her home country. On 10th January 2025, she released her new album Alpenbarbie (which translates to “Barbie of the Alps”).

As always in German dialect reviews, I use standard German for quoting the lyrics etc.

Melissa Naschenweng – About The Artist

Melissa Naschenweng was born in Villach on 11th July 1990. She started in traditional folk music, but then developed her style rather towards her nowadays music. She started studying law in Graz, but later stopped it in favor of her music career. Alpenbarbie is her seventh studio album overall. The last three ones, including the most recent, Glück (“Luck”) topped the Austrian charts. Her albums received two golden and two platinum records in her home country, but also reach very high placements in Switzerland.

Melissa Naschenweng – Alpenbarbie – Track by Track

The fifteen track album lasts 52 minutes.

1. Alpenbarbie

In the press kit, Naschenweng states that the title track of the album reflects her personality. The song is indeed reflecting some girlie and female stereotypes, interpreted with the typical Melissa Naschenweng style. Tradional music fans enjoy the schlager and traditional folk vibes, while the pop-ish elements make the other dance. Alpenbarbie is indeed Naschenweng’s music and success story condensed in 3:18 minute.

2. Anhänger

In German, Anhänger may mean “trailer” as well as “fan”. In the Alps region, farmer style musical style of Naschenweng, it is of course the first option. Ich nehm’ Dich auf meinem Anhänger mit, denn mein Traktor hat keinen Beifahrersitz – “I take you with my in my trailer, as my tractor does not have a passenger seat”. The song is rather leaning towards traditional music with a very present accordion. And its really fun.

3. Wenn I den Teufel brauch

In the third song, Naschenweng states “When I need the devil, I am calling you”. The song is rather a treat for schlager fans. It is fun to listen. Needless to say that it is about the typical subject – boys and relationships in Germany’s Southwest neighbor country.

4. Freund

After quite a lot of rhythmic, partially rocking songs, Freund (“Friend”) is showing the slow and emotional side of the artist. In the ballad-alike song, she is praising a good friend and friendship. “You are a friend, a real friend” is stated in the chorus. Really nice listen.

5. Lalelu

German acting and directing legend Heinz Rühmann had a successful single with the 1950’s lullaby Unser Lied (La-Le-Lu). However, when Naschenweng is recording a song with the same title, you rather want to jump out of the bed and have some rocking party with her. One of my favorites on this record.

6. Auf Zeit geliebt

Ich hab immer nur auf Zeit geliebt (“I have always just loved on time”) – the next song on Alpenbarbie is a schlager track with a rocking soul. It is fascinating how the Austrian artist is able to offer music, which somehow has something in stock for (almost) any listener.

7. Legenden

Melissa Naschenweng posted with a hard hat, sitting on a bull, for this music video. However, the song is straight in her style and there is no country music influence. It is rather about Austrian country life, and is a die-hard party track about enjoying a night in her home.

8. Schicki Micki

Schicki Micki surprises, as it is opening with Caribbean rhythm. The song feels darker, but also has a cool groove in the stanzas. The chorus is comparably “ordinary” in the context of the album. Nonetheless, the song is a great sing-a-long one. It might become a party song in Austria next summer.

9. I gib dir mei Wort

A rather rocking track is the ninth one, I gib Dir mei Wort. The song is about friendship and trust. It is an unconditional vow, that you are always there for a a friend or your partner. The song is even spreading some modern country music vibes.

10. Michl mit der Sichl

I featured this one in my Songs of the Week as of 23rd August 2024. The song is a nice mixture of traditional sounds with a touch of humor. Even though I would rather likely not enjoy the style this one that much, the special touch by Naschenweng and her team turns this one into one of the most enjoyable listens of the record. Somehow, this Austrian lady is magical.

11. Oh la la

The title already suggests that this song is rather heading into the party song direction. This also implies is that the lyrics are a bit of thin. But I guess the song is great towards the end of the concert – it is easy to grasp and everyone can sing with the artist.

12. Hänsel und Gretel

Oh, are we in fairy tale land now? The title refers to the famous Grimm Brothers’ story. However, there is no real bad witch in here, the song is another party track. The lyrics come with quite a lot fairy tale references.

13. Himmelvota

Himmelvota is an emotional song towards the end of Alpenbarbie. Naschenweng manages to do a fine ballad (“Heaven’s Father”) in here as well.

14. Legenden (Live)

The last two songs of the album feel a bit like bonus tracks. The first one is a live version of Legenden, which you find earlier on the album. Some sort of recorded proof that Naschenweng can attract the masses. The recording has been taken on the previous tour.

15. Traktorführerschein (Alpen Party Remix)

Traktorführerschein has been one of the most successful songs by Melissa Naschenweng. It has originally been released on the 2020 LederHosenRock album. In the “Alps Party Remix”, it is even better suited for an Austrian music party.

Melissa Naschenweng – Alpenbarbie – Spotify

Here is the album on Spotify:

Melissa Naschenweng – Alpenbarbie – My View

I really liked Melissa Naschenweng’s predecessor Glück, but Alpenbarbie lifts her discography to a higher level. The song offers songs for everyone. There are party tracks as well as deeper lyrics, slower and more rocking songs. Nonetheless, you don’t dare to go for the skip button. Great one!

Favorite Song: I gib dir mei Wort

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