Search - Jose Alfredo Jimenez :: 15 Exitos Inolvidables

Swept away...

Susan E. Neill | Alexandria, VA USA | 08/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's hard to describe my ever-expanding fascination with and adoration of mariachi music, especially the rancheras of Jose Alfredo Jimenez. This is such a great disc for new fans (I'm sure old ones know it, or something similar, quite well). It contains many of Jimenez's best romantic, cry-in-your-tequila songs and other laugh-youself-silly ones, all of which you have to sing along with, no matter how bad your voice is (I can't carry a tune in a sack). Most were originally recorded in the 50s and remain some of the most popular rancheras ever written: "El Rey," "Ella," "Pa' Todo el Ano," "La Mano de Dios," "Cuando Vivas Conmigo"...all of them.



Jimenez's roots may not have been as working-class as his song "Hijo del Pueblo" ("Son of the People," which begins with the lyrics "I'm proud to have been born in the most humble barrio...") implies since his upbringing was firmly middle-class - his father was a pharmacist. But he certainly connected with working-class Mexicans. Many of his heroes lose out in love because they're poor. His somewhat gruff, but rich and passionate baritone fits the music, and the culture of the music, much better, IMHO, than the refined voices of Jorge Negrete, Pedro Infante and others who recorded many of Jimenez's songs but couldn't reproduce his spirit.



Listen and weep - from joy or from a broken heart..."

Fantastic

Teresa R. Greiner | Buckholts, TX USA | 02/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just love this CD. I never get tired of listening to it. Jose Alfredo Jimenez is Mexico's great composer. I first heard him when I was a kid. My dad loved his music. After many years of listening to rock music, I decided to go back and listen to Mexican music. This is one of the first CDs I bought. It brought back memories of days gone by. All people of Mexican descent should become familiar with the music of this great man. I am grateful that my dad introduced me to this music."