Search - Jowell & Randy :: El Momento

Los Mas Sueltos haven't disappointed

J. Blanton | FL USA | 05/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had first discovered Jowell y Randy through their collaborations with other major artists and a couple of the notable singles from their first CD. While listening to them, I found their styles (Jowell's rapping and Randy's singing) to be a far better match than Wisin y Yandel (and while I like Yandel and his style, I think Randy brings much more energy and fun to the genre). After catching two of their popular songs "Shorty" and "Ponte Ahi", I decided to check out their work with Casa de Leones. While there were some points that could be nitpicked, I felt that their work was so full of potential that it made the songs overcome quite a bit of the little issues. Finally, after all this time and many delays, Jowell y Randy have delivered El Momento. While it may seem hasty or ignorant of Reggaeton history to say it, I think this album is one of the best I've heard overall. I know that there are the "greats", such as Daddy Yankee, Wisin y Yandel, and Don Omar, but none of them have released so many fantastic songs in one album (disclaimer: I like much of their work, but I always expect most songs in any album to be just as good as "that one single" that always gets played on the radio...and by that metric, they've fallen short in my opinion).



The album kicks off with a great energy, a track utilizing choral elements to build up to the singing with great effect. As soon as the duo start singing, you know El Momento is going to be something spectacular.



The second track pulls back some of the intensity, and I think it would have been better later in the album. Suave y Lento follows up next, and we are treated to Wisin, Franco el Gorila, and Tico singing with Jowell y Randy. This track is another phenomenal example of the genre. From there all the way through the tenth track, the music is excellent. The variety of beats and styles used is pleasing, as 15 straight tracks of hardcore perreo might have become tiresome (although I will never doubt the duo's ability to pull it off!). There is literally something here for every differing taste in under the "Reggaeton" umbrella. There's the intense, fast-paced music like "Suave y Lento" and "Amanecer", and then there's music that's slightly restrained, such as "Solo Por Ti" (a fantastic reggae-style song that was executed perfectly) or "Un Booty Nuevo" that work well as "chill-out" music. Another thing I enjoyed was the presence of longer tracks, as most are over four minutes and one is even as high as six minutes. It makes the great songs go on for those extra enjoyable seconds, and there aren't any "bad" songs anywhere to be found on this album.



My only complaint with this album is the order of songs. The second song seems to slow down the excitement a bit and interrupts the flow between two fun and intense songs, and while the final song "We from the Bled" is a great song in itself, it feels like a strange way to end an album (a better idea might have been a piece where the arrangement finally returns back to the choral track that was present in the introduction: always bring it back home)



Finally, I cannot wait to see what else Los Mas Sueltos have planned for their next CD, as I know that they will not disappoint. I strongly recommend this album, and if you are an avid follower of Reggaeton, then this is one of those albums that is essentially required listening."

One of the Hottest Reggaeton Albums

Compay | New Orleans, LA | 05/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the past, I've only been a part-time fan of Jowell y Randy. Aside from their singles like "Fuera de Planeta" or "Juegues Mas", I've mostly liked them as guest features on songs by other artists. Quitarte To (Tego Calderon), Ponmela (Voltio), Te Siento (Wisin y Yandel), Perversa (Trebol Clan), Salgo Pa La Calle (Daddy Yankee).



I wasn't impressed by their first group album, or the Casa de Leones CD, but the duo is terrific with this album. The beats make El Momento a step above most recent reggaeton albums, the production is hot. Most of the beats are upbeat electronic tracks perfect for radio, like "Mi Dama de Colombia" and their single "Loco." They even throw in a laid-back reggae beat with their Cultura Profetica collabo "Solo Por Ti."



While I like a bit of Romantikeo, I have to have my hardcore dembow and perreo music. And that's exactly what you get with "Hacerlo Asi" con Guelo Starr, "Dile a El", and "Un Booty Nuevo." My favorite track on the album is "No Fue Una Noche Normal", which really shows how much the duo have improved their flow over the years.



There are 15 tracks on the album, guest spots include De La Ghetto, Cosculluela, Franco El Gorila, Tico El Imigrante, Wisin & Yandel, Javiah, Gadiel, Cultura Profetica, and Guelo Star. If I had any complaints about the album, it's only that I thought they could have used the auto-tune effects less for the singing.



I'm really surprised that El Momento was this hot. Jowell y Randy have improved their flow, and have some of the hottest beats I've heard in years. They keep it mixed with Romantikeo pa las mujeres, y Underground pa los fellas to bump in their ride. This is a fresh reggaeton album, treat yourself to this CD today."

Time to shine

C. O. Fernando | USA | 05/13/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This time their making it big, the album feels good, the complete package. as they say "This is the moment" to make a great album. five stars on them. Great Job Jowel y Randy."