Latin Music music reviews

Shakira conquered Spanish-speaking audiences with the intriguing "Pies Descalzos", but it is this album that remains the most pivotal moment of her career. "D�nde Est�n los Ladrones?" was Shakira's breakthrough, the album that established her internationally as a unique force in the music industry.
All the compositions here are careful work, the work of a craftsman. For the first time, Shakira sounds like a pro, her lyrics rich with dreamy imagery and poetic inspiration, as well as a surprisingly acute internal rythym. There is sudden, new-found maturity in all of these tracks revealing for the first time a depth and complexity that Shakira lacked in her first moves.
There isn't much variety here. Fun loving tracks and soulful power ballads take up most of this album, which is a good thing because Shakira onviously carries them out astonishingly well, but it is also mildly unsettling because there seem to be a million subjects her developed voice could also be tackling. It's all good but some of it is decidedly unremarkable.
Obviously, her favorite topic is love, the fuel behind many of these songs, like the moving "Tu". "Inevitable" the only song on this album which she hasn't written or co-written is particularly strong and catchy, as well. "Si Te Vas" boasts a performance worthy of the highest respect. In the hands of a lesser singer, a lot of the material here might have drowned in sap, but Shakira sings like a woman, not a teen queen.
Shakira's difference from her pop peers is evident more than ever in her breathtaking, Arabic tribute, the megahit "Ojos Asi". Shakira's version of desire and love is nothing like the usual bees and butterflies. Abandoning all that pretense, she goes for the raw emotion. She is a passionate, seductive and driven huntress. And if we listeners are her prey, she's a mighty good one as well.

Where do I begin? This has to be Shakira's absolute best CD and probably her greatest effort. I bought this after hearing "Octavo Dia" a while back and desired to get a taste. This was the first Shakira album I ever bought and I have never gone back since. I fell instantly in love, and it requires no skipping ahead. In fact, next to "Pies Descalzos", this is probably the only album by anyone that I can actually stand hearing without moving ahead to hear other songs. Of course, I could easily pick favorites, such as the rocking tunes of "Si Te Vas" and "Dónde Están los Ladrones?", and the slightly softer "Inevitable" - which was probably the first Shakira song I ever heard. Another one of the best ones found here is the Arabic-inspired "Ojos Asi" of her Lebanese side, which I actually never listened to until a bit after I got the album...but yet another amazement. If only there was some way to give this a 5.5/5 I would.

I recently started listening to more Shakira music after really enjoying "Hips Don't Lie" w/ Wyclef on the radio. After reading about her, I learned that many people preferred Shakira's older albums for their depth and meaning - and also because she put alot of effort herself into the lyrics and music. After listening to both Pies Descalzos and Donde Estan Los Ladrones, I have to agree. Unfortunately I'm not a fluent spanish speaker, but the translations I've come across for her songs are simply amazing. Since this is a review of the latter album, I'll describe some of the songs here:

1) Ciega, Sordomuda (Blind, Deaf and Dumb) - Very catchy song with a Mariachi sound. Seems to be about the effect that the person she loves has on her.

2) Si Te Vas (If You Go) - Great song that starts out slow and turns into a harder rock song. About what she'd do if her man betrayed her.

3) Moscas en la Casa (Flies in the House) - A slower sad song about lost love.

4) No Creo (I Don't Believe) - I have to say that I don't understand some of the criticisms I've read about this song. Maybe these people need to read the lyrics to realize how amazing this song is. I love the sound too, and her voice breaks a bit in it (which I'm sure she does on purpose for effect). This song is about her devotion to the person she loves, and literally translated she sings about how she doesn't believe in anything else but his smile and his kisses etc. This is a very poetic and beautiful song, and upbeat and happy too - I just love listening to it. This is my favorite song on the album.

5) Inevitable - rock ballad, sad song about how she'll inevitably keep loving a person after he leaves.

6) Octavo Dia (The Eighth Day) - very good song - starts out slower and speeds up. About how God created the world, went on vacation, and returns to find it a mess.

7) Que Vuelvas (I Want You Back) - As others have said, this song sounds more like Estoy Aqui from Pies Descalzos. Good song but I prefer Estoy Aqui.

8) Tu (You) - really nice love song, one of the slower songs on the album.

9) Donde Estan Los Ladrons (Where Are The Thieves?) - Good rock song where she uses the harmonica too. This song is about how there are "thieves" everywhere - in artists, in politicians, etc.

10) Sombra De Ti (Shadow of You) - I think someone compared the guitars in this song to the ones in Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game", and I agree. This is a hypnotic sounding love song.

11) Ojos Asi (Eyes Like Yours) - I've heard this song out alot in clubs etc. It's a really catchy Arabic sounding song; great dance music. There is an English version of this song on her Laundry Service album, but I'm not sure how accurate the translation is. I think in general Shakira just sounds better singing spanish songs though, with some exceptions like Hips Don't Lie.

12) Estoy Aqui (I'm Here) - Some versions of this album have this song from Pies Descalzos on it. This is one of her popular hits and it's great.

Overall, I'm blown away by this whole album. I strongly suggest people who are interested in Shakira to get both this album and Pies Descalzos. (I've also heard that the MTV Unplugged album is fantastic too.) Her live music that I've seen on the web is simply amazing. I can't wait to see her on her tour this year!

Wow I love this album. Its great! well of course is great, it's Ricky. This album as well as "Medio Vivir" met all my expectations!! Thanks for a great one Ricky!

Wow this is a great album! I feel bad that I don't own it, but now I will look out for it, Every single song on this album is great!

muy esta buenisimo. si eres fan de ricky martin tienes que comprar el cd "aprendiendo a querer" de jessica cristina, donde ricky grabo con jessica el tema "todo es vida". este tema es el primer duo de ricky en su carrera musical y fue grabado en 1992.

I loved Selena the first time I heard her music.I feel that Selena is still alive but she isn't.I feel the same way about my sister,my mom,and my brother.I feel that they are still here.Me and my sister were very huge fans of selena even though I didn't know her until I was about [...].I will be her biggest fan forever.

Selena was in fact on her way to being a huge star in the English market.I Could Fall In Love and Dreaming Of You still remain 2 of my favorite songs of all time.Other highlights to the album include Missing My Baby,Captive Heart,and I'm Getting Used To You.....Also with album being released a few months after her death....She was the first latin artist to have an album debut #1 on the American charts and also selling over 4 million copies....Her dream had finally come true....I Could Fall In Love was the first single and it made the Top 10.....Make sure you pick up a copy of this album

I did not become a Selena fan untill I saw the movie with Jennifer Lopez in it. I heard the song "Dreaming Of You" and IT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONG EVER MADE !!!
I won't say much but buy this album, or "Selena-Greatest Hits" or "Selena-The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack".
You will not be sorry. I also heard Jennifer Lopez sing "I Could Fall In Love" in her Puerto Rican concert and that song is also beautiful. There has never been songs like these before Selena, and nobody could or can do it better then Selena.
She truly was a beautiful and pure person, and listening to her beautiful songs will surely comfort you. She also does GREAT Cumbia Melodies. Anyone who picks up a Selena album will be glad they did, and I feel blessed I have been lucky enough to hear some of this late singers work. I know that once you hear these songs you will become a huge Selena fan, and Treasure her Music and carry it with you in your life ALWAYS. I know I certainly will.

I read all the glowing reviews of this album, and all I can say is that it must be the case that you have to speak Spanish to enjoy it. Judging by the merits of the music itself, there is not a single song on the entire CD that ventures outside of an elementary and predictable 3 chord progression - 1-4-5-1 (or for the minor songs, which almost all of them are, - 1-6-7-1). It's as if the composer had a single musical idea and used it to beat his listeners to death. Even the somewhat unusual instrumentation become maddening after hearing it for 16 songs in a row.

I can understand how someone might enjoy the overall style and rhythm, but that by itself doesn't make it high quality. In my opinion, if this weren't considered "World Music", it wouldn't have achieved anything near the apparent success it has.

It's albums like this that prove beyond a doubt that our world is getting smaller. Clandestino blends languages as if they were instruments, leaving me waaaayyyyy behind in the comprehension department; I know about three words in French, and I guess I should have paid more attention in Spanish class. Fact is, Chao relies mostly on Latin rhythms with either European or Caribbean flavors, which means that there are times that this sounds like a collaboration between the Gypsy Kings and the Clash.

The Latin rhythms used here are not particularly inventive, but the production utilized to modernize them certainly is. Tracks feature voices buzzing in and out, like bar callers standing in the doorway of a very seedy looking dive. If you don't speak Spanish you'll be lost, but the message somehow transcends language. The content is almost certainly political, but my lingual abilities are too limited to determine if it's leaning to the left or to the right. Rather, it's the attitude expressed by the music (as well as the artwork of the booklet) that speak plainly from the left.

The melodies and rhythms used by Chao seem predictable, almost transparent, on first listen, but they grow addictive. "Lagrimas De Oro" ("Tears of Gold", I think), "Mama Call" and "Malegria" all sink in with a rhythmic persistence, while his use of the riff from "Tequila" (on "Welcome to Tijuana") is plainly satirical, and therefore amusing. On "Bongo Bong," Chao plays the role of a jungle dweller who heads into the city for fortune and fame, but ends up ignored by the masses. Nevertheless, he states that he is the self-proclaimed " king of Bongo Bong," so who am I to argue? B+Tom Ryan

It's like looking at a Monet, enjoying a piece of your favorite fruit in the beach at night, or backpacking through Latin America. Sorry for this explanation, but you just can't put in words the feelings and places this CD can take you to. It's definitely an experience, a compilation of melodies and flavors from different countries. Enjoy!

I read all the glowing reviews of this album, and all I can say is that it must be the case that you have to speak Spanish to enjoy it. Judging by the merits of the music itself, there is not a single song on the entire CD that ventures outside of an elementary and predictable 3 chord progression - 1-4-5-1 (or for the minor songs, which almost all of them are, - 1-6-7-1). It's as if the composer had a single musical idea and used it to beat his listeners to death. Even the somewhat unusual instrumentation become maddening after hearing it for 16 songs in a row.

I can understand how someone might enjoy the overall style and rhythm, but that by itself doesn't make it high quality. In my opinion, if this weren't considered "World Music", it wouldn't have achieved anything near the apparent success it has.

It's albums like this that prove beyond a doubt that our world is getting smaller. Clandestino blends languages as if they were instruments, leaving me waaaayyyyy behind in the comprehension department; I know about three words in French, and I guess I should have paid more attention in Spanish class. Fact is, Chao relies mostly on Latin rhythms with either European or Caribbean flavors, which means that there are times that this sounds like a collaboration between the Gypsy Kings and the Clash.

The Latin rhythms used here are not particularly inventive, but the production utilized to modernize them certainly is. Tracks feature voices buzzing in and out, like bar callers standing in the doorway of a very seedy looking dive. If you don't speak Spanish you'll be lost, but the message somehow transcends language. The content is almost certainly political, but my lingual abilities are too limited to determine if it's leaning to the left or to the right. Rather, it's the attitude expressed by the music (as well as the artwork of the booklet) that speak plainly from the left.

The melodies and rhythms used by Chao seem predictable, almost transparent, on first listen, but they grow addictive. "Lagrimas De Oro" ("Tears of Gold", I think), "Mama Call" and "Malegria" all sink in with a rhythmic persistence, while his use of the riff from "Tequila" (on "Welcome to Tijuana") is plainly satirical, and therefore amusing. On "Bongo Bong," Chao plays the role of a jungle dweller who heads into the city for fortune and fame, but ends up ignored by the masses. Nevertheless, he states that he is the self-proclaimed " king of Bongo Bong," so who am I to argue? B+Tom Ryan

It's like looking at a Monet, enjoying a piece of your favorite fruit in the beach at night, or backpacking through Latin America. Sorry for this explanation, but you just can't put in words the feelings and places this CD can take you to. It's definitely an experience, a compilation of melodies and flavors from different countries. Enjoy!

This is truly a classic Stan Getz album. His rich, distinctive tenor sax sound melts into the bossa nova beat as if he had invented it. Getz's smooth collaboration with Joao Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto, and Antonio Carlos Jobim produce silky, sensuous melodics on every track. This is a must-have for the longtime Getz fan or anyone who has just discovered the legendary 60's bossa nova genre.

One of my favorite CD's. I can listen to it repeatedly without complaint as I love Astrud's voice and style.

With the temps so high, tunes like these (and Sergio Mendes) are a good way to feel a little cooler.

If you are of Hispanic heritage, you don't have to read this review because you already know the great Marc Anthony. For everyone else, if you are interested in hearing one of the most amazing voices in any musical genre, buy this CD. It is simply Marc Anthony's best. Please don't buy one of his English CDs -- they are terrible (the songs are weak, the productions are sappy and Marc's enthusiam is lacking). However, Contra la Corriente shines. All the tracks are first rate. Trust me. I don't speak Spanish, but I love Salsa! And this is one of my all-time favorites. The beats are infectious, the melodies are powerful and his voice is unmatched. I'm trying to recommend a few tracks, but I just can't -- I recommend all of them! Salsa purists will love the title cut, balad lovers will cry during No Me Conoses and Suceden. If you want to know what passion sounds like, La Luna Sobre Nuestro Amor will make you feel like you've never felt before. I only wish Marc Anthony would stop making English albums and Spanish pop, and make more Contra la Corrientes! BUY THIS CD. If for some impossible, crazy reason you don't like it, I'll buy it off you!

Marc Anthony's Spanish language albums are usually exceptional and unique but he really took his talent an extra mile here and this is a show case of one of best salsa albums produced in the nineties. Everything in Contra la Corriente is on point- the voice, the acoustics, the lyrics and the emotion. What can I say this is exceptional salsa by an exceptional artist. This is a great album for true and new salsa fans, all the songs are great for listening and dancing (yes, although it's not fast salsa). My ultimate favorites on this cd are: Y hubo alguien, Contra la corriente, and Me voy a regalar. This is a very special album, I don't think the artist himself can top this one. In a nutshell- beautiful salsa!

This album is Great.
Any Marc Anthony fan would agree.
The Arrangements sound good and Marc Anthonys voice is perfect.
A must have album in your Marc Anthony collection

If you are of Hispanic heritage, you don't have to read this review because you already know the great Marc Anthony. For everyone else, if you are interested in hearing one of the most amazing voices in any musical genre, buy this CD. It is simply Marc Anthony's best. Please don't buy one of his English CDs -- they are terrible (the songs are weak, the productions are sappy and Marc's enthusiam is lacking). However, Contra la Corriente shines. All the tracks are first rate. Trust me. I don't speak Spanish, but I love Salsa! And this is one of my all-time favorites. The beats are infectious, the melodies are powerful and his voice is unmatched. I'm trying to recommend a few tracks, but I just can't -- I recommend all of them! Salsa purists will love the title cut, balad lovers will cry during No Me Conoses and Suceden. If you want to know what passion sounds like, La Luna Sobre Nuestro Amor will make you feel like you've never felt before. I only wish Marc Anthony would stop making English albums and Spanish pop, and make more Contra la Corrientes! BUY THIS CD. If for some impossible, crazy reason you don't like it, I'll buy it off you!

Marc Anthony's Spanish language albums are usually exceptional and unique but he really took his talent an extra mile here and this is a show case of one of best salsa albums produced in the nineties. Everything in Contra la Corriente is on point- the voice, the acoustics, the lyrics and the emotion. What can I say this is exceptional salsa by an exceptional artist. This is a great album for true and new salsa fans, all the songs are great for listening and dancing (yes, although it's not fast salsa). My ultimate favorites on this cd are: Y hubo alguien, Contra la corriente, and Me voy a regalar. This is a very special album, I don't think the artist himself can top this one. In a nutshell- beautiful salsa!

This album is Great.
Any Marc Anthony fan would agree.
The Arrangements sound good and Marc Anthonys voice is perfect.
A must have album in your Marc Anthony collection

My friend from Cali introduced me to this band and I immedately loved them. From start to finish it is a great album, to the point where I bought all of their cds. Definately new and original.

This is one of the best Latino cd's I am proud to play in my rotation 6 years after the album was released. I first heard Ozomatli when they opened for Santana in Montreal and I was like woah! I was on my feet dancing throughout their opener. They were so pumped and hyped that no matter what mood you are in they just get you in this partying and dancing mood that you cannot resist. If you are the kind of person who loves those smooth Latino beats blended with a bit of everything for an ultimate summer driving cd be sure to pick this up!!!

As a fan of J-5, the release of this album made sense, in that Jurassic 5 make a point of putting their music first and image last. Ten piece band 'Ozomatli' seem to work perfectly in tandem with Chali 2na an Cut Chemist, blending all of their styles so well that it sounds as if this is how hiphop should be- a fusion of a wide variety of styles. When this album came out, i would listen to it over and over again, and because of the albums' diversity, it never felt tiresome. It is very difficult to put into words how successful this collaboration is, buy it and you will understand. For those who dont want to buy it, download track such as:
cut chemist suite, o le le and cumbia de los muertos

A friend introduced me to this CD and I think I might wear it out. Three of the songs are his own compositions, while the rest of the songs are Cuban favorites. Ruben approaches these these pieces with a unique light and and lively style. The music is infectious and makes you want to get up and dance.

There is a nice variety. Unlike with some folk music where after you've heard a few songs it starts to sound the same--each song here is a gem of its own. This is one of those CDs where you will like every song.

On Monday, December 8, 2003, Ruben Gonzalez died at the unregretful age of 84. Farewell to an unbelievably charismatic and talented musician! His death is the sad realistic reminder that as great musicians like him grow old and die, so does a priceless era of music that will never be emulated.

Ruben Gonzalez no longer is with us. He passed away yesterday. At least he lived a life worth living! He was one of the best Latin pianists ever, one of those (like a friend said) that you just don't find any more. He combined technique and charm in a way that few have been able to. Fortunately for the rest of the world, Ry Cooder discovered him, along with Ibrahim Ferrer and a host of other Cuban geniuses of Latin music with his Buena Vista Social Club initiative. After that album, this "Introductory" recording presented Ruben Gonzalez's work to the world in a more focused way. You are bound to respect this gentleman once you take a listen to this album. Ruben Gonzalez: descansa en paz!