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'Juanes' is fresh,
fun
Adam Mayo
Special to the Collegian
I know, you're probably wondering why a Latin
CD is being reviewed in the Collegian. After all, the mention
of Latin at Hillsdale generally conjures thoughts of grammar
and Livy rather than a vibrant style of music.
Rest assured, Latin music is much more fun
than memorizing declensions. The name refers to the Latin-American
style of music, mostly in the Spanish language. But before you
say adios and go back to listening to Clay Aiken, hear me out.
If your music collection is all in English,
then you're missing out of a good deal of music from around
the world. It's often been said that music is an international
language. If this is true, and if the artist is skilled, then
we should be able to appreciate the moods and technical intricacies
of the music, regardless of the language.
For the inexperienced listener of Latin music,
Un Dia Normal by Juanes is a good place to start. Even if you
don't understand Spanish, it is fun to listen to. The Columbian
singer/songwriter Juanes truly puts his soul into his music,
as revealed by the sincerity of his sound and the autobiographical
songs detailing subjects such as his childhood ("La Historia
de Juan") and his love for his daughter ("Luna").
Juanes is proficient in a variety of Latin
styles, including folk, ballad, rock and fusion, and he incorporates
pieces of each within this album. Last year he swept the Latin
Grammy Awards, taking home five. Un Dia Normal won a Latin Grammy
for Album of the Year. Included in this album is the award winning
Best Rock Solo, Vocal Album, Song of the Year ("Es Por
Ti"), and Best Rock Song ("Mala Gente"). While
this is impressive in its own right, it is even more so considering
it is only his second album. The first, Fijate Bien, was released
in 2000.
Un Dia Normal contains twelve songs, all of
which are equally quality songs worthy of a listen. The title
track of the album, "Un Dia Normal," is a good representation
of Juanes' music with subtle guitar chords and drums accompanied
by the suave voice of Juanes. The ballad is also typical of
his music, as it seeks to emphasize an alternative view on life,
one that sees the positive in each everyday act. Following in
the sound of "Un Dia Normal" is the 2003 Latin Grammy
Song of the Year, "Es Por Ti." Here Juanes demonstrates
the flexibility of his vocal range. Another popular song often
heard on Latin radio is his duet with the mellow voiced Nelly
Furtado in "Fotografia." The dialogue relates the
story between two lovers who never seem to find each other,
except in their shared photographs. This song has a tender intimacy
to the rhythm that is complimented well by the acoustic guitar.
Included in the album is a discography with
lyrics in Spanish. If you know some Spanish, it is easier to
understand the lyrics after reading them there, though if you
listen over time, your comprehension will increase too. For
those who don't know Spanish and really want to find the words,
they are translated at numerous lyrics sites on the Internet.
Regardless if you habla español this is still a relaxing
and enjoyable Latin album.
For those who like what they hear and want
to explore more Latin music, there is literally a whole other
world to explore. For a singer with a similar feel, try Marc
Anthony (he sounds better in Spanish). If you want a more upbeat
and lively sound, check out the legacy of the Mexican rock band
Maná or the fun and danceable style of Jarabe de Palo
in "Bonito." Or, if you prefer instrumental music
regional sounds like mambo, meringue, mariachi or salsa, there
are many talented performers such as Afro-Cuban trumpeter Arturo
Sandoval, the Cuban Buena Vista Social Club and the late Queen
of Salsa, Celia Cruz.
So, this summer give your normal music
a siesta and try something new with Juanes, and more broadly,
Latin music. Perhaps you too will find yourself singing a new
song, though this time in Spanish.
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