Customer Reviews

Fijate Bien

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Since Ricky Martin wiggled his hips on the stage of the 1999 Grammy Awards, interest in the "Latin phenomenon" has skyrocketed. The Spanish to English crossover was lavished with attention and signified a turning point in the options available to many Latin artists. However, this boon does not always allow the spotlight to be turned on the revolution within the Latin music industry itself -mainly because of the language barrier. If language were not a barrier, Juan Esteban Aristizabal's (a.k.a. Juanes) debut album Fíjate Bien (Check it out) would almost invariably be the buzz in the music industry at large. Even though the superbly crafted offering by this Colombian artist features the magic touch of Rock en Español producer meister Gustavo Santaolalla (Café Tacuba, Molotov) , Juanes in no way takes the back seat to industry royalty. Writing and composing all the songs and music and associate producing the album, Juanes makes good use of the 12-year experience as front man of rock group Ekhymosis. With the combination of poetic flair, gorgeous musical arrangement, and incisive commentary on Colombia, Juanes manages to turn what amounts to 12 speeches into music galore. The choice to remain close to his Andean musical roots while unabashedly delving into R&B, classic rock, funk, other Latin beats like Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and even pop makes this album highly accessible. Light in its delivery and strikingly new in its introspective content, Juanes' outing takes us from the organic opening track "Ahí le va" to , in-your-face rock of "Para que". The wide musical latitude of the album is further demonstrated by the radio-friendly title track and first single as well as by the riveting second single "Podemos hacernos daño" which seamlessly blends Colombian accordion-driven vallenato music with Jimmy Hendrix guitar riffs into a danceable hit song. The rest of the album contains the Santanaesque "Para ser Eterno", the honest (yet painful) beauty of the string-arranged "Vulnerable" and the musical playfulness on socially- revealing tunes like "Soñador". The many sources of inspiration of this 27-year-old talent makes it almost impossible to pigeonhole his work. He walks the tight rope between traditional folklore beats and modern influences with such grace, that his work could speak to just about anyone. The fruit of this remarkable feat is a musical effort that crosses boundaries, but leaves the uniqueness of the artist intact; something a crossover-happy environment could well benefit from. Look for a successful, much awarded, solo career characterized by constant innovation. Fíjate bien!

Luego de la desaparición de su grupo Ekhymosis,Juan Esteban Aristizabal regresa a la escena musical con su primer trabajo solista "Fíjate Bien",una excelente mezcla de ritmos y estilos,con letras profundas sobre la realidad que se vive en latinoamérica,con historias cotidianas,letras intensas,hablando del amor,de la guerra,de la paz,de la vida y la muerte,todo condensado en 12 canciones,tan distintas y tan parecidas,tan individuales y tan inseparables al mismo tiempo.Este disco define a Juanes como uno de los grandes exponentes del futuro del rock latino,lleno de talento y sentimiento,que lleva demostrando desde sus inicios en Ekhymosis,donde nació su estilo,que ahora nos presenta renovado y aumentado,en este disco que es imposible escucharlo sólo una vez.

This was the album that preceded Juanes' "Un Dia Normal," a CD that truly reached audiences from all backgrounds through the Latin Grammy show and into other venues, as well. "Fijate Bien" (Watch Carefully) is a cautionary, sensitively written and well-performed album that really gives us a sense of Juanes' profound ability to write songs that really speak to the heart--not just about love, either. I get a sense that he was leaning more toward a rock sound than the latin fusion that we have heard in his last two albums ("Un Dia Normal" and "Mi Sangre"). There are still generous doses of cumbia-inspired elements ("Fijate Bien" in the bridge part, toward the end of the song), as well as the very latin, syncopated hooks ("Para Ser Eterno").

What I enjoy most about the album is the fact that Juanes isn't afraid to take himself seriously an artist and performer. Many of his songs address social injustice, sensitivity and consciousness in a world that can be cold, violent and narcissistic. I am glad that we have one artist to inspire us and also lead us with strength and grace, like we do in Juanes. He is definitely one great example of much of the beauty, versatility and innovation that exists in the contemporary music of Colombia. Muchas gracias, Juanes.

What's is up with Colombian singers these days? They are producing the BEST Spanish language rock/pop music in the last few years! Just take a look at Los Aterciopelados, Shakira, and Soraya, to name a few. And each has his/her own distinct style, there is no 'Colombian' sounds.

Anyway, Juanes has produced an outstanding album, with great music and intellectual lyrics. Not bad for a first album. I love the song 'Para Ser Eterno', but my favorite by far is 'Fijate Bien'; the rest are just as good, but those two are playing over and over in my CD player. Those three Grammy awards were well deserved.

If anyone wants to venture into Latin pop-rock, this is a good place to start.

This cd is one of the best I have heard in a long time. Almost every song is full of rhythm and fun. It is a fusion of vallenato, rock, pop and more. I have been looking for the Fijate bien song for a while, but never knew who it was by. I got this cd as totally random, not even knowing who it would be and was very much happy to see it was him!!! I love every song. I can feel his passion thru his lyrics in each song. Each song also sends a powerful message. This is soemthing that is truly music. This one is something that definentely needs to be in your collection. Viva Colombia!

A pesar de que los medios nos inundan con malas noticias de ese hermano pais. Poco nos hablan de su gente y sus luchas cotidianas en contra de la adversidad. Y en especial de los esfuerzos de hacer poesia. Juan Esteban Aristizabal se perfila como una figura llena de talento y pasion por su pais y el destino de los suyos. La musica de los Juanes no se compromete y viene con una honestidad pocas veces observable en el llamado fenomeno latino de la musica popular. Los temas de este disco energizan, llenan de fuerzas y te traen el sabor de la tierra buyente y llena de esperanza. Observen a este joven canta-autor pues tiene un gran futuro.

I just found out about Juanes and his music, and immediately I adore everything! His music is wonderful. Your body will be moving as soon as you listen to Juanes. I had the privilege of seeing Juanes perform "Fijate bien", "Para Ser Eterno", and "Podemos Hacernos Daño." I loved it so much. "Fijate bien" is my favorite because of its superb rhythm, sound, and atmosphere. "Podemos Hacernos Daño" is also a great dance song. "Vulnerable" and "Nada" are also good and emotional calmer songs. If you like to sing along, whether or not you speak Spanish, it's not at all difficult with any song. Personally, I love every track on FIJATE BIEN. Juanes has a sensational voice. His music inspires dance, love, excitement, and more.

When I first heard Juanes on the radio I could have sworn it was Ekhymosis coming back but soon I found out that it was Juanes (well he was part of that group thats why I confused them) ANYWAY i went and bought his cd. Let me just say that I LOVE IT! He is a great singer and songwritter, All his lyrics are exceptional and have something valuable to say. Some of my fav tracks on this CD include "Podemos Hacernos Dano", "Ficcion", and "Fijate Bien". He brilliantly meshes rock with latin rhythms like salsa, cumbia, vallenato, etc and I know what your thinkin rock and salsa? but hey it works trust me youll love it!

i usually don't like any spanish pop music. shakira is the only one i love, but when i heard Juanes' songs, i loved his music! great beats to his songs. you have to hear this guy.

if you havent gotten this cd yet you dont know what you are missing! this is one of my favorite cd's of all time. It has a nice blend of pop, tropical rhythms, and rock. The single "fijate bien" is only a taste of what the whole cd is like. Not to mention its nominated for 6 grammys! everyone definately would enjoy this cd.