Search - Ruben Blades :: La Rosa De Los Vientos

A compelling integration of several Latino musical styles.

zen7zz7@aol.com | 01/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ruben Blades, long considered the most politically intense vocalist in Latin America, once again delights and enlightens us with this fabulous collection of 16 songs. Like many of Mr. Blades' previous works, La Rosa De Los Vientos is full of socio-economic commentary, however, it accomplishes this not only through the lyrics but also through its musical styles. This CD (the first recording he has made in his native Panama) includes the more commercial Salsa that Blades is best known for. An example of this is Vino anejo a truly adult piece where a man pledges his life to a love he won't risk losing. The greatest enjoyment comes from the different styles including cumbia (Eres mi cancion); son (Un son para ti);and, pop (Tu mejor amiga). By including a variety of Latin American musical genres Blades is reminding Latinos that we must respect our cultural differences in order to unite and improve social conditions in all Latin American countries and communities. The beauty and intelligence of this collection is never more clever than in the airy Alma de tu flor. This one song is so full of luscious imagery and words that the sounds of the words themselves remind you of the complexity and intensity of Latin America, the very protagonist of the song. La Rosa De Los Vientos should appeal to anyone who wants to listen to danceable, romantic and even whimsical music. It will also appeal to anyone who expects a compelling integration of beautiful sounds, mature voice and enlightening social commentary."

De lo Mejor de Rubén

Jorge Velasco Cruz | Chile | 02/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pensaba que había llegado tarde a la repartición que me haría seguidor de Rubén Blades. Buscaba algo de su música para escuchar, por primera vez en forma consciente. Y apareció "La Rosa de los Vientos". Lo compré enseguida. Yo era una persona que no estaba acostumbrada a escuchar música tropical, y después de este disco cambié totalmente y me abrí a esos ritmos. "La Rosa de los Vientos" es un álbum que se nota hecho con mucho cariño. Es el primero grabado por Blades en su país natal, Panamá, y se dedica a recoger el folcklor del mismo, junto a notables artistas panameños. El resultado es quizás uno de los mejores discos de la carrera de Rubén Blades. Es fino en sus terminaciones como un edificio construido con clase. Las canciones están muy bien seleccionadas: sones, baladas y toda una gama exquisita de lo más arraigado de Panamá, ejecutado por todo tipo de excelentes instrumentistas. "La Rosa de los Vientos" es música tropical seria. Se puede bailar como sentarse a escucharla. Llega al alma y al corazón. Eriza la piel. Es excelente."

Best Intro to Real Musica Espanol!!!!

madmjay | Houston, TX | 07/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before I heard this, all I knew about Ruben Blades is that he was a pretty good actor. Now I know he is a music god! When I went to Argentina in 2000, I stayed with a host family and my "mom" gave me a bunch of tapes and CDs to listen to, among was a tape of this album. I listened to it over and over and over and I still pop it in today. Even if you don't know all the words, the music brings you to this place where a cool breeze flows right off the water and you have to sway with it. Once I did learn all the words, whew!! i fell in love even more. It's just a gorgeous flow from song to song, and one of the few CDS that i listen to all the way through. Tu Mejor Amiga brings back the best memories of my "mom" singing and dancing as she made empanadas en la cocina. I came home and gave a copy of it to my grandfather who is a jazz lover and he fell in love with it as well. It really is a treasure of modern music and I recommend it to anyone who wants to kick back and enjoy. Before"