Artist Glimpse and Album Review: Juanes

We don’t seem to mind the fact that we don’t understand the lyrics of a song because they’re in a language foreign to us when the person singing those lyrics is very attractive. Especially when that person singing is Juan Esteban Aristizabal Vasquez, or, better known as Juanes.

Juanes, originally from Columbia, has been entertaining Central and South America for many years with his Latin rock and pop style and clear vocals. His most recent album, La Vida Es Un Ratico, was released on Tuesday and commands the attention of anyone who appreciates rock, elements of Latin flare, and an over all, good feeling song.

This crooner didn’t always sing heartfelt songs with catchy beats.

He first experienced with music in metal band Ekhymosis.

Juanes garnered much of his success and kick started his career by collaborating with producer Gustavo Santaolalla who is famous for composing award-winning scores for “Amores Perros,” “Babel” and “Brokeback Mountain.” Santaolalla’s talent must of rubbed off on Juanes, because his first album, Fijate Bien (Take a Good Look), won three Latin Grammy Awards.

Juanes’s new album, La Vida Es Un Ratico, is slightly more down-tempo than his previous album, Mi Sangre and portrays less attitude.

“Gotas de Agua Dulce” is a swanky, medium-tempo beat track with non-stop lyrics that propel the song forward.

“Hoy me Voy” is simpler in its instrumental aspect, and features a guitar lead in the chorus that flows through the song in waves.

“La Vida Es Un Ratico,” the album’s title track, reflect’s Juanes’s meaningful and emotional vocals over piano layered with distinct drum beats.

Song “Me Enamora” is catchy in chorus and an upbeat, positive track with harmonizing vocals.

Check out Juanes’s music video for “Me Enamora” provided by YouTube user todoxaqui1.






Previous album, Mi Sangre might have been a better album overall, however.

“Lo Que Me Gusta a Mi” kicks off with a bevy of guitar licks that are dripping with attitude and sass.

“Rosario Tijeras” is a sexy, slow-beat crooner’s song to a woman.

Check out Juanes’s website to hear all tracks from Mi Sangre, or watch this live performance of La Camisa Negra provided by YouTube user MustangLoverMex.





The new album may not be as good, but we sure like his new short haircut.