TARKAN – BOUNCE

“Bounce” – Tarkan (2006): The Unleashed Vitality That Sets the Dance Floor Ablaze

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The Global Debut and Fusion of Styles

“Bounce” is the first single released from Come Closer, the highly anticipated English album by Tarkan, launched on the music market on October 25, 2005 (in Turkey). This track officially marks the Megastar’s entry into the international music scene, a project he worked on tirelessly for years.

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Right from the title, which in Turkish evokes concepts like “vibrancy, vitality, dance, play,” “Bounce” is heralded as an anthem to freedom and bodily expression. The track is a shining example of the fusion of styles Tarkan intended to bring to the world stage. In the original version, attention is immediately captured by the Arabic melodies and the vibrant sound of the darbuka, elements that infuse the piece with an exotic and profoundly rhythmic atmosphere.

Collaborations and Adaptability

The album Come Closer includes as many as five different remixed versions of “Bounce,” testifying to the track’s versatility and potential. The success and adaptability of “Bounce” are also thanks to a high-level songwriting and production team, including Tarkan himself, Devrim Karaoğlu, Pete ‘Boxta’ Martin, Elijah Wells, and Lionel Birmingham. For the international single edition, an extra splash of color was added by a duet with the talented Colombian reggae singer Adassa, with arrangements handled by world-renowned producer Don Candiani and DJ Armand van Helden, demonstrating Tarkan’s ability to create cultural bridges through music.

The Dynamic and Global Visual

The music video for “Bounce” is an equally dynamic visual work. Filmed on October 12, 2005, by the celebrated director Martin Weisz in a hotel under construction in Los Angeles, the clip involved a staff of 70 people and an energetic 8-member dance troupe. The choreography, curated by the famous Travis Payne, adds a level of professionalism and visual impact that enhances the track’s message of freedom and movement. The single’s release was also accompanied by three 12″ versions for promotional/DJ club use, solidifying its presence on dance floors worldwide.

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2. Deep Dive: The Liberating Message – Surrendering to the Rhythm

The Central Message: The Catharsis of Dance

“Bounce” is a powerful invitation to let go of inhibitions and fully enjoy the present moment through dance. The lyrics encourage the listener to embrace the music, feel the rhythm pervading the body, and express themselves without holding back. It is a celebration of a carefree and profoundly liberating experience, where movement becomes a form of self-affirmation.

Key Lyrics: The Call to Action

The lyrics are direct and encouraging, pushing for action:

“If you really know what’s good for you, make it easy. Come on baby tell me what you’re waiting for, step up. Free up all your senses and close your eyes. Just breathe to the rhythm of my body and mind.

Show me how you bounce… let’s go higher, feel the fire. Show me how you bounce… we’re going up tonight. Show me how you bounce… you don’t have to hide it, if you like it. You gotta (gotta, gotta) let go if you wanna. You’re about to lose your mind. Come on (come on, come on, come on) put your hands up. Take it all the way move it, move it.

If you really don’t wanna hold back let’s react, let the floor spin around, feel the rhythm taking over. Let’s pretend it never ends. Girl, I like how you move (or dance) on the floor. Show me how you bounce… show me how you bounce.”

Through these words, Tarkan invites a collective catharsis, a shared experience of vitality where music is the catalyst for authentic self-expression.

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3. Technical Details of the Single “Bounce”:

Version	Duration	Key Contributors
Radio Edit	3:43	Lyrics & Music: Tarkan T., Devrim Karaoğlu, Elijah Wells, L. Bermingham, P. Martin
Duet Edition	N/A (to be confirmed)	Additional Artist: Adassa ; Arrangements: Don Candiani, Armand van Helden

• Producers: Tarkan, Devrim Karaoğlu
• Key Instrumentation: Baglama (Çetin Akdeniz), Additional Keyboards/Programming (Pete “Boxsta” Martin), Background Vocals (Tarkan Tevetoğlu).
• Release Date (Turkey): October 25, 2005
• Genre: R&B
• Label: HITT Music

▶️ Embrace the freedom of the rhythm. Make Tarkan’s movement your own!