9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Brilliant Songwriting, November 28, 2001
The Dominican Republic's genius musician, Juan Luis Guerra combines the passionate poetry of Pablo Neruda and the stylistic vocal qualities of Sinatra. Singer extraordinairre and interpreter without comparison in either Spanish OR English, Guerra glides through these songs as if on angel's wings. His songwriting skills form an arc of wit, tragedy and love that can leave the listener dumbfounded, while his percolating rythms are beyond comparison in their clarity and emotion. "Arieto" shows why Guerra has been both muse and celebrity, a subtle mix of pure talent, gut-wrenching lyricism, and raw talent. These songs are among his brightest work ever - from the lilting "Frio Frio" to the string-filled, symphony-inspired "Cuando Te Beso" the artist is in top form throughout. Several classics also emerge. Among them, "Rompiendo Fuentes" - an underheard hoot that pays homage to a pregnant wife about to give birth - and, "El Costo De La Vida" a stunning indictiment of poverty and the abuse of power. Whether political or romantic, simplistic or majestic, Guerra manages to reach deep within his heart, delivering impassioned messages that transcend music as an art form, and bring it to life.
Few english-dominant listeners can ever fully experience the range and depth of Juan Luis Guerra's multi-layered song cycles. For those who want to try - and experience a magical, universal language in the process, "Arieto" is strongly recommended. For bilingual and/or spanish-dominant enthusiasts, however, this is a landmark album that deserves to be in your collection. Guerra's other albums also offer delights, and I'd encourage whomever falls in love with "Arieto" to experience "Batacha Rosa," "Ni Es Lo Mismo, Ni Es Igual" and "Grandes Exitos."
If a Nobel Prize for songwriting were ever awarded, my vote for its first recipient would be Juan Luis Guerra, Dominican-everyman. "Arieto" will show you why.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The "Merengue" Ambassador to the world, March 27, 1999
By A Customer
Juan Luis Guerra is the most brilliant Dominican musician of its time. Juan Luis is the pride and joy of Dominicans all over the world and about his music not enough could be said. He is 'THE BEST OF THE BEST'.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for the dancer, September 11, 1998
By A Customer
This American Rhythm dancer strongly recommends this alblum as a good mixture of rumba and mambo. The track, 'Senales de Humo,'is a splendid rumba that cuts to a mambo about midway through. Guerra is a good lyracist as well - those who speak Spanish will appreciate the poetry.
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