Search - Azucar Moreno :: Desde El Principio

Sangre española - ¡keep it coming Toñi & Encarna!

Søren Karlskov Jensen | Sweden | 06/12/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ever since I became an Azúcar fan 14 years ago (Can you believe it's been such a long time!) when the sisters sang "Bandido" for Spain in Eurovision 1990, each of their albums has been an event! Therefore I was so much more surprised to discover that this release has been such a low-key affair 'cause the music is surely HOT! This is their 12th album in 20 years, yet they manage to keep true to that special Azúcar-blend of flamenco, rumba, disco & pop without wearing it out, it still sounds fresh as ever. From the opening bars of "Mi ritmo" with a catchy chorus, "Se me va" is a melancolic ballad, still kept at an upbeat pace. One of the highlights is the sarcastic "Mírame y no me toques" (Look at me but don't touch) about female vanity at its worst, wonderful song. "Piti mini" a "get-out-that-door" Latin track while "Nadie me comprende como tú" is a remake in Spanish of that classic Santa Esmeralda track "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" - there's nothing especially wrong with the Salazar sisters' version but it lacks the grit that made Santa Esmeralda's version so fabulous! "Tu marcha" y "Sangre española" are typical Azúcar Moreno album tracks while their surprising cover version of "I Will Survive" - "Sobreviviré" - adds a new touch to the song with its flamenco arrangement, this one does work well. "Un poco de" is another favourite track along "Mírame ...", what a joyous party salsa song this is. Love it! "Me quedo contigo" in memory of the sisters' late brother Enrique is a poignant ballad, quite a strong contrast to "Un poco de" and the following track "¡Oh sole mío!" Their dance version will get your feet tapping but it doesn't turn into the kind of slamming dance tracks we're used to, like "Ni contigo ni sin ti" from "Únicas" or "Viva la vida" from "Amén". "Vamos a dejarlo así" is a nice simple track to close the album. While "Desde el principio" may not scale the same fabulous heights like "Olé" (1998) which is their best album ever, and the covers of "Misunderstood" and "¡Oh sole mío", as another reviewer said, are a little disappointing, "Desde el principio" is still a hell of a good album which should get a lot more attention than is the case (Hellooo Sony!) Discography:
"Azúcar Moreno" (1984)
"Estimúlame" (1986) - first two albums re-released on one CD
"Con la miel en los labios"
"Carne de melocotón (1988)
"Bandido" (1990)
"Mambo" (1991)
"Ojos negros" (1992)
"El amor" (1994)
"Esclava de tu piel" (1996)
"Mucho azúcar" (1997) Compilation with new track "Muévete salvaje"
"Olé" (1998)
"Amén" (2000)
"Únicas" (2002)
"Desde el principio" (2004)"

MUY BUENO PARA LAS HERMANAS

FERNANDO TROTZ | Buenos Aires, Capital Federal Argentina | 04/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Una mezcla exelente de diferentes ritmos muy al estilo de las Azucar Moreno que pese al paso del tiempo han mantenido su estilo, inclusive cierto tono ironico en canciones como MIRAME Y NO ME TOQUES.
Un exelente duo que demostraron una vez mas con este nuevo cd que son algo mas que dos chicas lindas."

Excellent music

Azucar Moreno Fan | 04/21/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although this CD is very good, their new CD titled "Bailando con Lola" is the best the've released thus far. Their newest work recently came out at the beginning of April of this year and features a reggaeton beat blended with rumba/flamenco. I was extremely surprised at their powerful comeback and hope that their new work is promoted more that "Desde el Principio," which relied on too many cover songs. They have definitely taken flamenco to a completely different level. I hope they continue creating incredible music for years to come."