Customer Reviews

Areito

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
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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.

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'.

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.

As with all his other recordings, Juan Luis Guerra's "Areito" is a triumphant combination of latin rythms, pop elements, and impeccable arranging. One reason for this is that the singer is not beholden to one of the large record labels which generally put tight controls on their recording artists and often use the same arrangers and musicians for all their different artists. On this disk JLG is the boss, and he throws in his trademark merengues, bachatas, and ballads; social and political commentary, and colorful observations of daily life in latin countries. Incidentally, one of the best tracks on the album, "Si saliera petroleo" is indeed a salsa. What distinguishes JLG is that he can play all these rhythms on the same disc and yet still keep a unity of style. The only negative for me is "Cuando te beso", a slow ballad which I found a bit maudlin.

Don't get me wrong - when you play this CD you're going to want to dance! I discovered JLG & 440 in the mid 90's when I was DJ'ing on cruise ships in the Caribbean. We'd get lots of passengers from Puerto Rico and other parts of Latin America and they turned me on to the best of their local music. I was never a big fan of latin music up until then, but when I discovered "Areito" it immediately became one of my favorite discs.

I had already known Juan Luis Guerra from Bachata Rosa, which was such a huge hit and played it constantly on the ship but it was really just a great dance album. When Areito came out it revealed a much deeper side of this extremely gifted and talented musician and songwriter. He displays a romantic and socially conscious depth that you won't find with most mere "merengue" bands. His compositions are brilliantly flawless and his musicians are top notch.

Although he's known mostly for Merengue - which is a Dominican dominated style - you'll also find a couple of excellent Salsa tunes like "Ayer" and "Si Saliera Petroleo". There's also a Cumbia, "Mal de Amor", and two Cha Cha's, "Senales de Humo" and "Coronito de Flores". The big hit on the CD is "El Costo de la Vida", which is a great Merengue tune but with biting yet lighthearted, politically laced lyrics. The two closers are heart-wrenching songs; "Cuando te Beso" one of the amazing love ballads I've ever heard, and "Naboria/Daca Mayanimacana", an ode to the ancient Taino natives of Hispanola - both are sure to put a lump in your throat.

This entire disc is easy to listen to from beginning to end because every song is a winner, if not a classic.

I love the mixture of this cd....it has everything....

Please, don't confuse Merengue with Salsa. This singer and band are from the Dominican Republics. Dominicans are know to be the best merengue dancers in the world. So if you are up to high quality merengue, this is one of the CDs to buy. Actually, any of the CDs by Juan Luis Guerra and 4.40.

This album has everything salsa is about - complex rhythms, social commentary, variety, and more. The music is captivating.
Este album contiene todo lo que es la musica salsa - ritmos complejos, comentario social, variedad, y mucho mas. Esta musica me cautiva.

I purchased this cd in 1993. I would say that this release is one of the most underrated works of the early 1990's. The songs are beautiful and thought provoking. The beginning of the song "Ayer" was on my voice mail for years! If you can't buy this new, buy it used, it's worth it!!

Wow! I can't believe this one is out of print!! It is the finest CD that I own.