No Es lo Mismo

From the album title (No Es lo Mismo means "it's not the same"), Alejandro Sanz is showing what this effort is all about. At first, something that was already known: he is not the same as any other Latin heartthrob like Chayanne, Emmanuel, or even Ricky Martin. He composes and produces his own material and, although not a great singer, he's a superb guitar player. Second, this album is not the same as any other Latin one. Sanz affords various topics (like social issues and commitment) not only related to love, dancing, and having a good time (probably the most common Latin stereotype). Third, this work (his first studio album since 2000's El Alma al Aire) is quite different from all the previous ones. For example in "Try to Save Your S'ong" he tries to rap, and gets some help from GQ in it. To his classic sound (Latin ballads plus flamenco), he adds hip-hop, bolero, and son flavors. The problem is that not all the things melt together smoothly. Things are more familiar in songs like "He Sido Tan Feliz Contigo" or "Eso," in which he seems to be more comfortable. Although it's not a masterpiece, it's a pretty good album by Latin pop standards. ~ Ivan Adaime

2001年にはラテン・グラミー賞を総ナメにしたスペインの人気シンガー・ソングライター、アレハンドロ・サンスの3年ぶりとなる新作。今回はボレロ、ソンなどのキューバン・リズムを散りばめたルンバ・フラメンコ系ポップスをメインに、サルサやラップにも挑戦。実に多彩な内容だが、彼の持ち味といえるロマンティックな甘いバラードもバッチリ収め、骨の髄までトロけさせてくれる。パコ・デ・ルシアもゲストで参加。
bounce (C)長屋 美保