Search - Gipsy Kings :: Somos Gitanos

If it is not broke don't fix it

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 08/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Reyes gitano family, minus Canut Reyes, released yet another disc last year amidst their greatest hits packages using the same successful formula of pop flamenco. This time around don't look for a new direction, more pure instrumentals (there are two), or pure flamenco, it is pretty much the same as all their other releases. That said, it is a very good disc. "Mi Fandango" rings more true than most of their pop inflected tunes with the soulful mouring of Nicolas Reyes. Nicolas Reyes takes the lead vocals on all but one track and gives the group it's continuity. Coupled with the lead guitar work of original Gipsy King Tomino Baliardo, much of their appealing sound and longevity can be attributed to these two factors. On the one track where the lead is relinquished, entitled "Poquito a Poquito," the familiar sound changes just barely and seems to rely on backup vocals to fill the void without Nicolas Reyes. "Felices Dias" is a pure instrumental song that could fill in nicely on an Ottmar Liebert disc and no one would probably be the wiser. "Flamencos En El Aire" is a lush beautiful song with the a soothing quality that breaks up the fiery tempo of some of the other songs. "Quiero Libertad" is a lamenting song with nice keyboards and harp that adds a worldly texture to the song. The Middle Eastern influences are throughout the disc and help give the pop flamenco some authenticity. The accompanying booklet is odd, it lists the musicians on all the tracks in big print for every song but has no lyrics included. By now we know who they are and the booklet would have been best utilized with words to the songs. Basically if you like the Gipsy Kings you will like this disc, more of the same type of music that has made them world wide favorites. They continue to please their fans with more of the same."

One great song, five excellant ones, six good enough ones

Neal C. Reynolds | Indianapolis, Indiana | 06/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well, that above is my not always humble opinion, but if you're a Gipsy Kings fan, you'll soon enough have your own favorites.The one which I consider the great one of the group is the ninth cut, "Quiero Libertad". This one has a different quality than anything by them I've heard before. Admittedly, I'm not good at understanding the Spanish language, but the whole tone and sound to this song speaks for itself as a strong heart felt statement for freedom.The title cut, "Somos Gitanos", gets the album off to a great start, and the second one, a ballad, has a great instrumental break which keeps it going. And of course, "Mi Fandango" is representative of the groups best of the upbeat songs. I was quite impressed with the instrumental, "Felices Dias", and felt it blended well as a lead in to "Poquito a Poco". This album does not present the group at their very best, but it still is outstanding."

Magic songs

Diamind | Seattle, WA USA | 05/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was sitting in the library and reading a book. There was a song from the album in the background. I thought to myself "Hmm, this is a pretty good song." Then I heard other songs and was impressed more and more. After I heard "Quiero Libertad" I knew I had to have this album. Their songs touched that hidden string in my soul. "Quiero Libertad" is a magic song for me, it so passionate. Other songs are also great. I could feel heart of the singer and musicians in every song from the album. This album is a MUST-HAVE for sensitive and passionate guys."