Customer Reviews

Gozo Poderoso

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a major fan of Latin(o) music in general and Colombian music in particular, I have to say that Aterciopelados - and their Gozo Poderoso - represent the best that popular music has to offer. This is an original and provocative album, in terms of sound as well as lyrics. Hector Buitrago and Andrea Echeverri insisted on producing this album entirely in Colombia, hiring only Colombian musicians, and (unlike many other artists of the so-called Latino music "Boom" who are pressured into performing in English, thinking that's the only way to sell records in the States) sing only in Spanish. And they did it to prove a point: that despite what many in the mainstream music business would like for us to think, incredible, socially relevant music exists in ALL languages and genres, not just English language pop. And people will buy it. Gracias, Andrea y Hector, por toda su dedicacion y creatividad. Representan lo mejor de la musica popular hoy en dia.

Having been a fan of Aterciopelados for almost a decade I find it incredible how they keep evolving their wonderful sound (hear the new updated version of Florecita Rockera on Evolution). This album definitely shows their increasing interest in electronica that gives it a smooth trippy sound that goes wonderfully with Andrea's deep and emotive voice. But, while one reviewer calls this the best in non-western music (umm, what hemisphere is Latin America supposed to be in?), let me clarify...this is some of the best of ignored, non-English language western music that shows the influence of both regional (Colombian) and more universal sounds in rock, electronica and pop. A keeper to enjoy over and over - whatever your native language.

First of all let me say that I adore Andrea, no matter her incarnation, be it her early punk years or her current seemingly neo-hippie persona. Aterciopelados are on to something big, Columbian roots that mingle with other Latin based rhythmns, incorporating electronica hinged beats that excite and soothe simultaneously. Having had the opportunity recently to have seen Aterciopelados perform in a small club setting I can only say that Andrea works magic on her growing loyal fans who have tremendous adulation for her. She performed songs from this album and mesmerized the crowd when she sang "Luz Azul" with its bouncy bossa nova beat and charmed the crowd with "Uno lo mio y lo tuyo" amongst others. She even got the crowd to chime in and the CD had not yet been released! This CD doesn't have the edge of their earlier efforts as they seem to have settled into a comfortable groove that is not complacent but rather more intimate. Andrea has a seductive quality to her voice that invites the listener to listen carefully. The songs on this CD are hypnotic as the Latin groove flows beautifully, softly and melodically. The listener is caressed by the sensual vocals of Andrea, inviting closer approval as she weaves her web. I have all of their US releases and this is by far the mellowest, latin lounge music if you will compared to their earlier efforts. There are a few uptempo numbers but this isn't El Dorado. There are more ballads or boleros on this CD than on any other, this is not a bad thing if you love Andrea like I do. My personal faves that I think are standouts are the title track(with its chorus of "the music is love"), "El Album"("el album de mi cabeza solo son fotos tuyos") "Chamanica", "Uno lo mio y lo tuyo" and "Luz Azul." When speaking of Aterciopelados one cannot do so without mentioning the other half of the core of the duo, Hector Buitrago. Hestor, with his Dylanesque circa Subterranean Blues look is the bassist/guitarist who controls the loops and programs and is the mastermind behind the electronic sound. He does a masterful job to solidify the sound that is, and defies classification, Aterciopelados. This is their cosmic peace CD, full of love and hope for a better mankind. Aterciopelados is in Tranquility Bay and invites you to join them on their peaceful journey. Serenades by Andrea and good electronic vibes by Hector create an ambience that soothes and relaxes the soul, the perfect recipe for harmony. Buy his CD for a relaxing aural Latin tonic, you too will be singing "La musica es amor" in your head. Eres unica Andrea, te amo!

This is possibly the best album I've ever heard. These colombians have managed to script a powerful, relaxing, enjoyable disk with sounds reminiscent (but distinct) of those of the british group Morcheeba. If you don't buy this cd your missing out on a complete musical and emotional experience. I couldn't begin to say enough about Gozo poderoso, other than you deserve to own it.

La semana pasada tuve la oportunidad de verlos en un concierto que dieron en mi universidad. Su nuevo trabajo y su acto en vivo es bastante comparable a los nuevos grupos anglo que estan saliendo, la evolución es lo máximo y su canción Luz Azul es de lo mejor que hay en este disco. Además, el hombre de los teclados y los loops es todo un barbaro, su lenguaje musical y corporal es muy bueno, bastante recomendable para las nuevos fans de este grupo que esta entrando a los EE.UU.

"Gozo Poderoso" is an fantastic album. What makes 'Gozo' different from their last album, "Caribe Atomico," is that the music is more mellow, with more of a lounge feel. Hector Buitrago's arrangements are amazing, creating layer upon layer of perfect sounds to make one perfect sound. His ability to strike a perfect balance of modern electronica/trip-hop and traditional Latin rhythms is exceptional. And, as always, Andrea Echeverri's vocals exude a warmth reminiscent of the lush texture that only Karen Carpenter was able to master. Definitely the album of 2001.

Para aquellas personas que conocen del trabajo de Andrea y Héctor, Caribe Atómico y Gozo Poderoso son discos que podrían alejarse de la raíz del grupo. Para quienes entienden que estas dos producciones antes mencionadas son una evolución necesaria en la carrera de los colombianos, coincidirán en que ambos son extraordinarios. Si en Caribe atómico la voz de Andrea emergía con una potencia más allá de sus conicidas posibilidades artísticas, ahora en Gozo Poderoso confirma una energía viva y canalizada a través de composiciones con mensajes muy positivos. Prueba de ello se ve reflejado en Luz Azul, El Álbum y Chamánica, tres de los mejores tracks en este disco. Las mezclas de Héctor están de vanguardia, sugiriendo un post hipismo único y necesario en esta inundación de sonidos fusionados. Este neo pop es un referente obligado para quienes deseen obtener nuevas posibilidades sonoras de Latinoamérica desde una perspectiva más universal. En fin, extraordinario.

Si te cansaste de canciones que no hablan de nada. Si ya no te emocionan los simples sonidos mil veces escuchados. Si tu cerebro, por hastío, te empuja a probar nuevos caminos...Bueno, entonces probá con este disco; sin poses ni artificios es capaz de hacerte sentir, o mejor dicho; de despertar emociones que seguramente estaban adormecidas dentro tuyo. Canciones como "El Album" o "Rompecabezas", tan simples, tan bellas, son capaces de provocar tu alegría y también tu tristeza.

If you like Aterciopelados, you must have this cd. Gozo Poderoso is the highest point (up to now) in the evolution of these colombian rockers. You will find a mature group with great and new sounds, great lyrics and the best music they have ever produced. You will love songs like El Album, Rompecabezas and Gozo Poderoso.

For those who have never heard Aterciopelados, and you love latin music, it worth it to take the risk and get this record. You will love it.

Once again Hector and Andrea have shown they're here to stay forever. This is their fifth album and may be the best. Their originality has no comparison in Latin rock and they maybe one of the best groups in the world. The combination of Andrea's seductive voice, alternatie rock and traditional colombian rythms, along with wonderful lyrics makes this album a MUST for all rock lovers all over the world. Congratulations ATERCIOS and thank you for your GREAT music. We love you.