Search - Juan Luis Guerra, 440 :: Areito

Absolutely Brilliant Songwriting

Jose R. Perez | Yonkers, NY USA | 11/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Dominican Republic's genius musician, Juan Luis Guerra combines the passionate poetry of Pablo Neruda and the stylistic vocal qualities of Sinatra. Singer extraordinairre and interpreter without comparison in either Spanish OR English, Guerra glides through these songs as if on angel's wings. His songwriting skills form an arc of wit, tragedy and love that can leave the listener dumbfounded, while his percolating rythms are beyond comparison in their clarity and emotion. "Arieto" shows why Guerra has been both muse and celebrity, a subtle mix of pure talent, gut-wrenching lyricism, and raw talent. These songs are among his brightest work ever - from the lilting "Frio Frio" to the string-filled, symphony-inspired "Cuando Te Beso" the artist is in top form throughout. Several classics also emerge. Among them, "Rompiendo Fuentes" - an underheard hoot that pays homage to a pregnant wife about to give birth - and, "El Costo De La Vida" a stunning indictiment of poverty and the abuse of power. Whether political or romantic, simplistic or majestic, Guerra manages to reach deep within his heart, delivering impassioned messages that transcend music as an art form, and bring it to life. Few english-dominant listeners can ever fully experience the range and depth of Juan Luis Guerra's multi-layered song cycles. For those who want to try - and experience a magical, universal language in the process, "Arieto" is strongly recommended. For bilingual and/or spanish-dominant enthusiasts, however, this is a landmark album that deserves to be in your collection. Guerra's other albums also offer delights, and I'd encourage whomever falls in love with "Arieto" to experience "Batacha Rosa," "Ni Es Lo Mismo, Ni Es Igual" and "Grandes Exitos." If a Nobel Prize for songwriting were ever awarded, my vote for its first recipient would be Juan Luis Guerra, Dominican-everyman. "Arieto" will show you why."

SUPERIOR!!

K. R Sadler | Philadelphia, PA United States | 07/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this cd in 1993. I would say that this release is one of the most underrated works of the early 1990's. The songs are beautiful and thought provoking. The beginning of the song "Ayer" was on my voice mail for years! If you can't buy this new, buy it used, it's worth it!!"