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Post by josuem1415 on Nov 23, 2010 23:31:45 GMT -5
Just picked up my copy. Superb album. I smell more Grammys for them. Review in a bit. |
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Post by onefrayedrepublic on Nov 27, 2010 19:10:50 GMT -5
Fucking epic album. Latinoamérica is their best song to date. So sad, so beautiful! La Vuelta Al Mundo is amazing as well, and I also love Calma Pueblo and La Bala. Glad to see the lyrics have gone more serious and less crude ... La Bala has amazing lyrics for example -- although the Sony-diss intro is great as well on the funny side. I am enchanted with this album!
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Post by josuem1415 on Nov 30, 2010 2:29:27 GMT -5
Agreed. FOR ME, it's looking like the best album of the year. The only one that has matched it in my eyes is Kanye's MBDTF, but I still think Calle 13 come out on top.
It a shame people who don't speak Spanish will never appreciate this album.
Here is my review. I added my favorite lyric from each song. Of course they might sound off in English, but in Spanish, it's musical art, and probably the best Spanish rapper alive.
Album over all score: 9.5/10
1.Intro
Well, this is just an intro, so I won't give it a rating. But it's genius, charming and witty. The whole gameshow/Disney style of the song is simply outstanding. It really sets up the album.
2.Calma Pueblo 7.5/10
To me, the weak link of the album, and the only one as well. The lyrics are there, but what I have a problem with is the music. It's way too dark. Whenever he does serious tracks, he has way of twisting them and making them enjoyable and campy. This song just doesn't have that. Again, smart lyrics, but the song as a whole doesn't work.
Favorite lyrics:
"Don't tell me about Cartels, or the sopranos, the biggest mafia mob is in the Vatican.
With the trick of faith, the f**k with everyone, they f**k anyone who thinks differently"
3.Baile De Los Pobres (The Poor Mans Dance) 9.5/10
This is what he's all about!!! LOVE the instrumental. The usual story of boy from the ghetto in love with a rich girl. But from Rene's perspective of course. The song stars with a shooting violin instrumental, this representing the "girls" rich and high life. Then it quickly changes to the urban sounds of latin music, representing the poor and unsophisticated "boy".
The boy talks about wanting to bring his rich love interest down to his social level. He wants her to go lose her manners and dance like the poor do.
Favorite lyrics:
"Our similarities are microscopic, but for you I melt like a white boy in the tropic"
4.La Vuelta Al Mundo (Around The World) 10/10
Now we go to the story about a guy wanting to change everything about himself, leaving everything behind, and go around the world with his love.
He can make a love song like no one else can. The chorus is beautiful and very catchy. It can become a classic for them. It could also work amazingly in English. It's very Calle 13, but in a weird way, also something that could work in U.S. radio.
Favorite lyric:
"I don't have everything planned, or my life all figured out, but what I do have is a smile, and I hope for another one in return"
5.La Bala (The Bullet) 10/10
Lyrics that have the power of a bullet, literally. A criticism about gun control, but also a social commentary on the connection between gun violence and poverty.
This, and another two songs push the album to Album Of The Year level.
Favorite lyric:
"It would be inaccessible to kill another, if one bullet cost what a yacht does, you would have to save all of your salary to become a mercenary"
6.Vamo' A Portarnos Mal (Lets Behave Badly) 8.5/10
The mood quickly changes, and we go to what Calle 13 is loved for. This song has his comical, crude and enchanting character. An anthem for the new generation, one who doesn't seem to fit the rules around them. A call for rebellion against the norm. The song has a heavy Latin influence, but he mixes it perfectly with urban sound, creating a sound uniquely to Calle 13.
Favorite lyric
"The misunderstood of the new testament, have our own rules, our own commandments"
7.Latinoamerica (Latinamerica) 10/10
Can a song be perfect? Yes, yes it can. This song hits the spot for it's listeners.
I can't describe it, as it would only really hit home for the Spanish speaking community. But it's essence can be appreciated by all. With this, he is officially one of the best Spanish lyricist today.
Favorite lyrics:
"I am what my father thought me, one who doesn't love his homeland, doesn't love his mother"
8.En Annunakilandia (In Annunakiland)
An interlude, but oh so gorgeous.
9.Digo Lo Que Pienso (I Say What I Think) 9/10
Usually when rappers do track about themselves, they come off as pompous, or simply to add fuel to a feud with another rapper. This however, works to bring the whole album into perspective. When the song ends, the album is THAT much better.
It has a very old school feel, and gives me some Eminem vibes, but all this being good.
Favorite lyrics:
"Conforming and stopping to insist is just like watching someone drowning and letting them sink"
10.Muerte En Hawaii (Death In Hawaii) 9.5/10
A totally new sound for Calle 13, but its refreshing and it feels real.
I just wish it were longer.
Favorite lyric:
"For you, I can blow away the grey clouds so you can have a good day. For you, I would cross the border with out visa and make get the Monalisa to give me a good smile"
11.Todo Se Mueve (Everything Movies) 9.5/10
Simple song about the power of joyous music, and what it does for the soul. Which is a perfect summary of this album.
Favorite lyric:
"When the percussion flows, the body builds and destroys. Everything that has rhythm breathes, everything has a rhythm everything moves"
12. El Hormigero (The Ant Hill) 10/10
The "Ant Hill" and it's ants are an analogy for the illegal and non-illegal immigrant community in the US. Rapped to the tune of a Colmombian "Cumbia" mixed with rock instrumentals, this is for me, my favorite track.
Both a dance song with infectious beats, and a serious track with strong commentaries. I smile whenever I listen to this.
Favorite lyric:
"In big numbers we can solve any problems, when we sting, we sting all at once, in our unity there should be no doubt, when in the face of danger the ants die together"
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Post by onefrayedrepublic on Dec 4, 2010 18:31:20 GMT -5
Love your review, and I agree with it, except that I think Calma Pueblo is a highlight, rather than a weak link. I love the guitar work on the song. I agree it is a definite contender for album of the year.
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