Search - Miguel Bose :: Cardio

Disappoints Both Heart and Feet

S. Ortiz | Chicago, IL | 03/10/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not going to lie. "Cardio" is a disappointing album. After waiting for this latest set from the undeniably talented Miguel Bose for months, listening to it only brings to mind an "Is that all there is?" reaction.



Sure, I had high expectations. But that's only because the man has put out some damn good material over the years for fans of contemporary Spanish pop. "Amante Bandido," "Como Un Lobo," "Si Tu No Vuelves," "Este Mundo Va," "Bambu" - all classics featuring his charm, energy, heartfelt lyrics, style and great vocal delivery in different but effective combinations. He knows how to make a proper album too, not just churn out great singles. Check out "Bajo El Signo de Cain" for proof.



"Cardio," with its ingeniously simple but meaning-laden title, would suggest a wall-to-wall set of upbeat, modern dance music or a collection of earnest ballads. Or better yet, a brilliant melding of both.



It's neither A, B, nor C. Rather, Bose seems to be taking a stab at rock music, of all things, with recurring guitars and percussion that suggest he'd rather be heard than paid attention to this time around. The results are often stiff, unmelodic and not playing to Bose's strengths. Rock is best when it's raw and open; here, it's entirely deliberate and meticulous.



The title track "Cardio" as well as "Ayurvedico" are standouts. Danceable tracks, both of these, and I appreciate them not just because I enjoy dance music, but because they confidently know what they are. There's a charming "retro" feel to both, a vibrant energy and attitude missing from much of the other material here.



Ballads? I can't find one as being memorable, whether for melody or lyrics (remember that line about "el merito esta en no quedarme en el intento" from so long ago?).



It's great that Bose can re-invent himself with each release and try out a new sound (new to him, at least), but this alone does not mean success. The music has to speak for itself in the end - make the listener want to hear it, feel it, again and again.



So after the huge commercial and artistic success of his "Papito" compilation, my heart is yet to be satisfied by new Bose, my feet yet to find more compelling reasons to hit the floor.



"

Bose doesn't disappoint!

Koalaroo | Maryland | 03/18/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Miguel didn't disappoint. As a hardcore Bose fan for 30 years, if I've learned one thing, it's that this man keeps reinventing himself. If you're expecting to hear an album like "Bajo El Signo De Cain" or "Sereno", you're bound to be disappointed. Bose doesn't do the same thing twice; he's always growing, exploring new sounds.



I've been waiting for years for a new album of his, not remakes of old songs. Bose purists want to hear HIS beautiful voice; not Juanes' or Ricky Martin's, as fine as theirs might be, too.



This album is a mixture of everything, and that's what makes it so great. It has upbeat tracks to get you moving, 'Estuve a Punto De','Cardio','Ayurvedico', and slower tracks that have you marvelling at his silky voice and smart lyrics such as: 'Jurame', 'Por Ti' and even a Queen-esque song, 'La Verdad', which is just beautiful and fascinating all at once. There is a definite rock edge to some of these new songs, which I really enjoyed for a change.'Dame Argumentos' is a song that sounds particularly great when played loudly, as is,'Hay?'.



Even though I immediately enjoyed this album upon hearing it for the first time, you can't appreciate it to its fullest from just one listen. True Bose fans will love this album!"

Excellent!

M. Rico | Bay Area, CA USA | 04/15/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have followed Miguel Bose since the early 80's. I would say he surprised me with the eclectic style of his music and lyrics, but the truth is, I already knew it would be phenomenal. Great beat, great songs, and his voice in the songs in this cd remind me of the voice of a much younger Bose. Definitely recommend buying this product."