Search - Ricardo Arjona :: Galeria Caribe

Interesting Arjona

08/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ricardo Arjona's latest masterpiece, "Galeria Caribe" ("Caribbean Gallery") show how mystic and warm the Caribbean is. It also shows his reluctance to abandon his unique style of music. The songs can be divided in two parts, the first being what the title promises and the second, a return to "Sin daños a terceros" with some occasional tropical rhythms or tunes. From Track 1 up until track 6, songs are very "tropical". They assimilate salsa and conga. From track 7 to 18, Arjona returns to his songs in which his voice plays the main part, while the piano and guitar follow behind. The latter part of Arjona's opus includes an occasional trumpet, or drum.In "Galeria Caribe", Arjona's themes remain constant as in his previous works. Such themes include his love songs, the search for women, the Latino community in the United States ("Un Caribe en Nueva York"). He also tries to make a statement in singing about this warm and gregarious culture that lives in the many islands of the Caribbean. A new feature that we find in "Galeria Caribe" is the different versions of the same song that Arjona recorded. There are 5 songs that have two alternate versions (mostly acoustic version, one is a Pop version). There is one special "dual-song", "Pensar en Ti" in which a story begins in the first version, and concluded in the second (acoustic) version. The last song of the album is something I've never heard of Arjona, a love song that is sung with Ednita Nazario. This song is very unique because it uses both voices to represent a "fight" between a couple and how they try to forgive each other and get back on track. The following is a brief analysis of the songs I liked best: Track 1.Introductory theme, with melodical Spanish Guitar. The Main theme is the coming of the Spanish to the Caribbean and the ethnical consequences it had. This introduces the themes of the racial mixtures that generated today's Caribbean Culture.Track 2.This is where the fun starts! The song starts off with percussion instruments that are associated with the Tropics. It's a very happy song, that blends the choral chants and lyrics (that are almost like a narration). This song includes very tropical "swings", or rhythms that are found throughout all of the song. This "swings" are possible with the use of percussion, trumpets and other instruments.Track 11Despite it's "non-acousticity" in some parts, this song is very enjoyable, and in some instances, funny. The choruses are still in my mind long after the song is over. The musical part of the song has a very relaxing effect because it uses a soft, slow guitar, a sweet flute and tranquilizing drums.To sum things up, I think this is a blend of Arjona's themes and styles from his last work, with some tropical rhythms and use of different instruments. But not all of the songs are like that: some are plainly like the ones in previous albums. I'd definitely recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys good music!"

Excelente ritmo TROPICAL

Michelangelo L. | Caracas - Venezuela | 09/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"El nuevo CD de Arjona de Galeria Caribe esta excelente, presenta un ritmo latino, tropical, caribeño, EXCELENTE, y la mezcla de los ritmos con su estilo de música es genial, el tema prestado de Guaco es estupendo. Es un CD que vale la pena comprar y además tiene 18 canciones. MUY BUENO. Lo mejor de todo es las dos primeras canciones de presentación, son muy reales..."

Maravilloso !

Michelangelo L. | 09/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Again, Ricardo Arjona presents a unique music work, combining his talent and originality with Caribbean rythms, making this new album a very special one. The duo with Ednita Nazario is so beautiful and touching that I believe is going to be one to remember for a vey long time. Nazario' incredibly beautiful voice blends beautifully with Arjona' masculine voice. It is definetely the song that most impressed me. Ricardo Arjona is a great composer and I hope I coud enjoy his music for a long time."