Search - Jd Natasha :: Imperfecta

Viva Natasha!

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 09/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Leave it to the local rag to print a story on a Latin musician whose CD I merely noticed at my workplace. But it was after I read about Floridian Natasha Duenas, aka JD Natasha, that I thought she merited checking out, this being the first Latin artist I did this to since Las Ketchup. (Remember them?). Anyway, Imperfecta-Imperfect, which is Natasha's first stab at making the bilingual market, has three English-language tracks, the rest being Spanish. The first three songs make it abundantly clear that JD Natasha stands out amid the American music sausage factory cranking out similar-sounding boy/girl pop, rap-metal, and black metal. But Imperfecta sports several styles, be it punk-pop, ballad-type pop, slow-rockers, and even a superior cover of a rap song. Eclectic or what?



"Plastico," the opening track, starts with that sound of a phone off the hook followed by some hard guitar riffs and a pulsing drum beat giving it a "Kids In America" sound. She proves she has a strong rock voice. A great way to start off the album, with a roar.



The modernized 80's guitar pop of "Lagrimas" shows not only her diverse influence but a high note and tone akin to Christina Aguilera, but with a better sound than the latter. There's an acoustic version of the song included, also not bad. But then there's her sensitive side in the ballad "Tanto." A live version from her AOL sessions is included and it's just as heartfelt.



"Ingredientes" is a summery piece of Voice of the Beehive-type pop mixed with Third Eye Blind-type rhythms that's better way than anything on Paulina Rubio's English-language misfire. Winning ingredients for sure.



"What if I were perfect?" she asks ironically on "Imperfect" a churning guitar piece--think guitars from Weezer's first album. This is probably the most thoughtful song here, with the prices/brand names consciousness people have that make them mask their perceived imperfections.



"Dime," (pron. Deemeh and not like the ten cent coin) is a nice swathe of Mel C-type alternative pop with a winning rhythm. "Not Healthy" is a slow churning Lita Ford-style guitar ballad with her own brand of teen angst: "all I ever do each night is to cry myself to sleep" while parts of the song distorts her voice. However, the keynote is when the guitars roar to a crescendo in the refrain, "All I ever wanted to be was to be your only one" similar to the pace picking up in Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain." One of the better songs here, especially when followed by the calm guitar and piano ballad "Piscis."



But it's that final track that's quite the surprise is an acoustic guitar cover of Outkast's "Hey Ya." But it's a wow when her angst-ridden voice cries out "I thank God for Mom and Dad sticking together cause we don't know how." The title is then sung at a reserved voice, the lower and calmer backwash following the emotional waves. Given my musical preferences, it's no surprise as to whose version I prefer. Hint: she's Latin.



The enhanced part of the CD takes one to her site, where one can watch videos, download pics, and generally read up on her. Imperfect? No way. Her sound and voice is strong and vital without the brattiness of Kelly Osbourne or the Donnas, nor the faux-punk of Avril Lavigne. She also writes her own songs, too. She comes off as a tough girl given the large eyes, long hair swept over the left side of her face (a reverse Veronica Lake), and pensive expression, but the purple flowers and background shows her gentler side. One of 2004's more interesting albums it's been my pleasure to hear, and a much-needed rescue from the mundane. Viva Natasha!

"

Just Great - Another Face Of Latin Rock

Cristian Arce | Costa Rica | 11/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a musician, composer, and recording studio tech, I can say this album is one of the best albums of latin rock/pop on this year, good production, great voice, good attitude etc.Too much better than Belinda or plastic music with a cute face. Drums are great, guitars are full of felling (hear "lagrimas" jazzy bluesy solo), bass y great, voice is so emotional etc. This little girl has everything to be one of the most importat artists in US an Latin America. I recomend this album, its one o those albums everyone must have.



Como musico, compositor y tecnico de estudio de grabacion, puedo decir que esta es una de las mejores producciones que ha salido al mercado en el ultimo año en cuanto a rock pop latino, a la altura de albums como Mi Sangre de Juanes y muchìsimo mejor que las "propuestas" que han salido o tomado fuerza asì como belinda, que no es mas que un producto plastico con una cara bonita con una voz aceptable, voces muy buenas (expresivas, con feeling, en fin, impecables), las guitarras son llenas de feeling, en especial el solo de "lagrimas" con su feeling blues-jazz, el bajo esta muy acorde con todas las canciones, y la bateria tiene beats muy buenos e inclusive metricas poco comunes y breaks interesantes. Esta pequeña sin duda tiene un muy buen futuro, de hecho con su estilo propio se ha ganado a muy buena parte de latinoamerica y gringolandia, yo en lo personal le deseo un muy buen futuro. La madurez musical que tiene es muy buena, y es una de las promesas que latinoamerica debe apoyar. Cualquier comentario lo pueden hacer a menphis67@hotmail.com



Cristian Arce

Gracias"

This isn't in my normal span of music...but....

Chris Ochman | Stafford, VA | 03/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, Latin Pop! See how eclectic I've become?



I have to say, she has a great voice, and the songs on this album are really good. Some of them are in English, granted I can't understand most of them, but I go for the music more of the time, rather than singing along ability.



The first song "Plastico" is great. I love it! Has a great chorus and doubled with a great voice...makes for a great song! Granted I can't understand what they're saying, but oh well.



What else...I don't know what else to say, but if you're not averse to Latin Pop, and want something new, check her out."