Sunčana strana ulice

Something was brewing when Azra released their first album in 1980. But what they decided to do next is a bold move by any standards and measures. Releasing a double album is no joke. Releasing a double album that's without its down moments is downright impossible.

Yet they delivered.

The entire album is filled with memorable, catchy tunes laced with rebellious, hedonistic lyrics with the occasional storytelling moment about the life of a slacker in the big city. While the first Azra album was good, it lacked the iron willed and gung-ho songwriting style Johhny Stulic would become known for, which is abundant here. Structurally, the songs range from being simple and pop commercial like, to intricate storytelling packed up in 3-4 minute songs. The album is packed on a double LP format, but it doesn't feel like it, because it just flows naturally, no filler whatsoever. The production is a few steps above their previous endeavour, being slick, and clear, with the right moments being accentuated to create a perfect atmosphere that fits the brand of pop, new wave, punk and reggae they were playing.

With Sunčana Strana Ulice, Johnny cemented himself as the voice of the 80s in Yugoslavia, and Azra as one of the greats of the Yugoslavian music scene.