There are two soundtracks to Free, according to its author, Lea Ypi. “The songs the state gave you, and the Western pop we used to listen to secretly from Italian TV.”
The memoir – which Dua has chosen as her Monthly Read for July – simultaneously charts Lea‘s upbringing in Albania at the time of the fall of socialism. This playlist follows the same timeline, transporting you across the time period through the music that soundtracked Lea’s adolescence. Press play below to be drawn into the story.
L’Internationale
“My playlist starts inside the faith with the Internationale,” says Lea, referring to the anthem of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania during Enver Hoxha’s regime, “sang without irony in one of the most isolated countries in the world.”
Dua më shumë Shqipërinë by Grupi Lira
“A patriotic song that my grandparents loved.”
E duam lumturinë by Parashqevi Simaku
“Parashqevi was an icon of the socialist era music festivals who emigrated as soon as the regime changed and became homeless in the United States.”
Symphony No. 3, Eroica by Beethoven
Beethoven’s Eroica was played during the 1985 state funeral of prime minister and communist leader Enver Hoxha’s funeral.
Felicità by Al Bano & Romina Power
Insieme: 1992 by Toto Cutugno
“Then comes the other side of life under the Iron Curtain: Al Bano & Romina, and Toto Cutugno’s song about the European Union.”
Wind Of Change by Scorpions
You’re My Heart, You’re My Soul by Modern Talking
These tracks are ones Lea listened to during the collapse of communist rule in Albania: “I remember dancing to the latter at my first birthday party where foreign songs were allowed.”
Napolini
“Napolini is a traditional folk song still played at every Albanian wedding – for me, it represents community, solidarity and finding joy even in hard times.”
Nothing Else Matters by Metallica
The Man Who Sold The World by Nirvana
Lea’s playlist finishes with a little Metallica and Nirvana: “The soundtrack of growing up while everything fell apart and asking who sold (and continues to sell) a world that never delivers freedom for everyone.”
There’s More – Delve Deeper Into Lea Ypi’s Free With The Service95 Book Club...
WATCH Dua’s interview with Free’s author Lea Ypi
READ the books that shaped Lea Ypi’s writing
BOOKMARK five moments from Albania's recent past that put Free in context
DISCOVER our photo essay charting how communism left its mark on Albania’s landscapes
EXPLORE how natural beauty and rich history collide on a road trip through Albania’s mountains
GO FURTHER with 11 books and films that capture the complexities of political upheaval
