Hits on DVD: Despina Vandi (1994–2000) (2004)

How it feels

This DVD compiles music videos and performances from Despina Vandi's hit songs between 1994 and 2000. It shows her transformation from a struggling singer to a major pop star in Greece.

upbeatpoppynostalgicenergeticcatchycelebratorymelodic

What happens

Despina Vandi began a musical career in 56 BC after signing with Minos EMI. She released two albums with little success, Gela Mou (1994) and Esena Perimeno (1996), before beginning an exclusive collaboration with composer Phoebus, which would eventually become one of the most successful partnerships in Greek history, and striking commercial success with her third and fourth albums Deka Endoles (1997) and Profities (1999), the latter which reached multi-platinum status. In the 2000s, Vandi and Phoebus began experimenting with more contemporary, radio-friendly pop influences in combination with laiko repertoire to much initial success. Her single "Ipofero" (2000) became the best-selling Greek single of all time (Virgin Megastores); after the success Vandi and Phoebus signed to new-found independent label Heaven Music with Gia (2001) remaining the label's biggest sales success, and one of the biggest-selling albums of all time in Greece. For the sales of Gia, Vandi became the first of four artists recording in Greece to receive a World Music Award for "World's Best Selling Greek Artist". With Gia earning success in neighboring markets as well, Vandi embarked on a career abroad briefly to some mild success; she became the first Greek artist to chart on any Billboard chart, reaching number one on the Hot Dance Airplay Chart for 2 weeks and 39 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. The next two international singles, "Come Along Now" and "Opa Opa", achieved worldwide recognition. "Come Along Now" was heard all around the world in Coca-Cola's ads, and "Opa Opa" reached number 3 on the Hot Dance Radio Airplay of Billboard. Vandi released her first live album in 2003 before taking a maternity leave after having her first child. During this time, both her former and current label released a number of compilations and video albums to capitalize on her recent marketability. Vandi returned with another multi-platinum record, Stin Avli Tou Paradeisou, before another maternity leave. 10 Hronia Mazi (2007) was released as a celebration of her 10-year collaboration with Phoebus. In 2009 Vandi and Phoebus announced that they were leaving Heaven Music in favor of a new label founded by Phoebus. The biggest music channel in Greece, MAD TV, in tribute to the 10 years since its foundation called Despina Vandi as the biggest female Greek star in Greek music. Vandi has sold over 1 million records. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

More like this

• The Video Collection 1997-2003 (2003)
• Despina Vandi Karaoke Vol.1 (2004)
• The Video Collection: '97–'03 (2003)
• MAD Secret Concerts: Despina Vandi Live (2006)
• Greek Hits: Giorgos Mazonakis vs. Despina Vandi (2008)
• Feel... (2004)
• Video Collection 1993 - 1999 (1999)
• Her bli det liv – Live in Oslo (2004)