Chanson is a genre of music that exists only in Russia. It did not appear by chance but rather as a result of our history, culture, and unique outlook on life. These songs about freedom, love, and life’s hardships are familiar to everyone. To put it simply and honestly, in most cases, it is music about prison romance. Outside of Russia, this genre simply does not exist. Why is that? Why has chanson become something unique to our country? Let’s find out.
Five Reasons for the Emergence of This Genre
Reinterpretation of the Term
In France, the word “chanson” simply means “song” and covers a wide range of folk and authorial music. In Russia, however, “chanson” is associated with criminal, street, and urban lyrics that emerged in the 20th century, incorporating elements of prison songs, romance, and Soviet pop music.
The Gulag and Prison Culture
In the USSR and post-Soviet Russia, people used to sing with a guitar in courtyards and kitchens, from Vysotsky to Krug. This culture of “personal” songs for ordinary people contributed to the popularity of chanson. It became the voice of those who did not see themselves in official pop music.
Criminal Romanticism of the 1990s
After the collapse of the USSR, Russia experienced a surge in crime, gangster romanticism, and nostalgia for “gangster” values. Chanson became the soundtrack of the ’90s, heard in taxis, markets, and bars. Artists like Mikhail Krug, Shufutinsky, and Willy Tokarev cemented this style.
Lack of Strict Genre Boundaries
Russian chanson combines criminal songs, urban romance, authorial songs, and even elements of pop music. In other countries, such a hybrid never emerged, as either criminal culture did not infiltrate mainstream music or genres remained strictly separated.
The Evolution of Russian Chanson
• 19th century – Prisoner songs, Gypsy romances, Dostoevsky’s “prison lyricism.”
• 1920–1950s – The Gulag and prison songs sung by inmates, some of which became popular among ordinary people.
• 1970–1980s – The “underground” popularity of courtyard songs. Vladimir Vysotsky and Arkady Severny did not fit into the official Soviet aesthetic but were known throughout the country.
• 1990s – The boom of criminal romanticism. Mikhail Krug, Willy Tokarev, Mikhail Shufutinsky, and Sergey Nagovitsyn solidified the image of the “chansonnier” as a singer for “real men.”
• 2000s – present – Commercialization of the genre. Radio “Shanson” appears, awards are introduced, and the genre fully transforms into a music industry.
The Characteristics of Russian Chanson
Russian chanson remains popular because it is tied to nostalgia for courtyard culture when simple songs about love, separation, prison, and the life of an “ordinary person” were sung in kitchens and stairwells. It is also important that chanson artists create the image of a “regular guy” – not a pop star in glittering outfits but someone who understands the people’s struggles and sings about relatable topics. Simple melodies and memorable lyrics make chanson easy to listen to, while its accessible language and emotional depth allow listeners to see their own feelings reflected in the songs.
Another reason for its popularity is its association with driving culture—long-haul truckers and taxi drivers traditionally listen to chanson, linking it to the road, freedom, and life stories that resonate with their lifestyle.
Russian chanson has little in common with French chanson, which originally meant simply “song” and included lyrical and poetic works performed by artists such as Charles Aznavour and Édith Piaf. In Russia, however, chanson evolved into a genre that absorbed criminal songs, urban romance, authorial lyricism, and even elements of folk music. The main difference lies in the themes: while French chanson tells stories of love, dreams, and social justice, Russian chanson speaks of fate, prison life, and “criminal honor,” depicting hardships, male camaraderie, betrayal, and harsh realities.
The Most Influential Artists and Groups in Russian Chanson
Mikhail Krug – The Icon of the Genre
The most legendary performer of the genre was Mikhail Krug, who, despite the prison themes of his songs, had never actually been imprisoned. Born into an intellectual family, he studied at a music college and was passionate about poetry. He drew inspiration for his lyrics not from personal experience but from conversations with people who had been through the prison system and from the broader romanticized image of criminal life that was popular in the ’90s. His song “Vladimirsky Central” became the anthem of the genre, and he himself became its face.
Willy Tokarev – The Emigrant Chansonnier
Another key figure is Willy Tokarev, who emigrated to the United States and created a unique form of Russian chanson with an immigrant flair. His song “Skyscrapers” became a symbol of nostalgia for the homeland.
Mikhail Shufutinsky – The Voice of Tradition
Mikhail Shufutinsky is known for his deep, raspy voice and songs that balance between criminal romanticism and traditional pop music. His song “The Third of September” has become a meme, yet remains one of the genre’s most defining compositions.
Other influential performers include
• Lesopoval – A group founded by Mikhail Tanich that captured the prison romance and courtyard lyrics, making hits like “I’ll Buy You a House” and “Sing, Guitar” classics.
• Sergey Nagovitsyn – Famous for his melodic and heartfelt compositions such as “My Dear Ones” and “It Smelled Like Spring,” which became cult favorites among listeners.
• Butyrka – A group that firmly established criminal themes in chanson, performing emotional songs about prison, separation, and tough destinies.
In Russia, prison culture has always been a part of society—many have either served time or know someone who has, which is why these songs resonate deeply. The prison experience has, in some ways, become part of the national identity, and chanson serves as a tribute to those who have endured incarceration. Most of these artists are no longer alive, but their work remains legendary, and their songs are known throughout Russia.
Now, we invite you to listen to a selection of Russian chanson that inspired me [the author] to write this article!
