Customer Reviews

Grandes Exitos de Juan Luis Guerra Y 4.40

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've called this the Best Latin Album for non-Latin listeners, and the reasons for this are many. Here, on one disc, are the songs that put this legendary artist on the map. Guerra's magic stems from his ability - unique in today's predictable Latin sound - to combine thoughtful lyrics with melodies that remain in the mind and in the heart. From his paean to love, "Burbujas de Amor" (a love song between two fish - no kidding) to the overwhelming "Ojala Que Llueva Cafe en el Campo" to "La Billirubina" Guerra proves why he's Latin Music's equivalent of Frank Sinatra. A vocal stylist who is peerless, the man can sing his heart out with dizzying effect. "Grandes Exitos" is certainly a terrific addition to ANY music lover's collection. Even if you can't understand the words, you'll be dancing in the aisles. Pure genius.

I am a person of zero Hispanic heritage who was given this album by a friend. All I can say is I wish I could find more music like this. I understand very little Spanish (and definitely not enough to understand the words when sung) but that doesn't stop me from making this the one album that is ALWAYS in the CD changer in my car. Many people have purchased this album after hearing it in my car when merely riding with me.

I had already been very impressed by the original Latin sound of Guerra from his CD "Ni Es Lo Mismo Ni Es Igual." It is hard to describe but his music seemed to have a certain edge that I don't hear from most musicians. I am no listening to "Grand Exitos" for the FIRST time as I write this. That is how compelling and exciting his music is. I have listened to four songs and I am already convinced. This guy takes it to another level with his crisp arrangements, his joyous melodies...I hear a lot of African (Senegal/Congo) here with the fast guitar riffs. I guess that is only logical, given the obvious link between Africa and Latin America. I agree with everyone else here: this is one great CD. My son just walked in and recognized Track 4 "Visa para un sueno," saying, "we learned this in Spanish last year." Well, this makes a great addition any curriculum, Spanish, music, or learning about the world in general. Bravo, Juan Luis!

This cd is a wonderful compilation of the greatest hits of Juan Luis Guerra's music over the years. I couldn't of compiled it better myself. If you are familiar with and like Juan Luis' music and are looking to have some of his best on one cd this one would satisfy your requirements. I like most of the songs on the album although there are some that are not good as the others. The big hits on this album that seem to always hold strong are: La Bilirrubina, Burbujas de amor, Ojala que llueva cafe, El costo de la vida & Bachata Rosa. However, popularity varies from region to region. But I must say this album has power because in every Latin country that I have visited in the past and present somehow from a store, a car or a house I would hear this album playing and could imagine the joy that it brings to its listeners.

I am a forty-eight year old white Anglo-Saxon female who decided to take dance lessons and immediately fell in love with Latin music. My wonderful instructor gave me a list of cds which included Grandes Exitos, and I simply can't stop listening and dancing to it. Juan Luis Guerra's songs have such amazing rhythms and melodies that I go to sleep and wake up with them on my mind. And his voice is both strong and versatile. I have a long way to go with my dancing, but I am enjoying every moment, especially with music like this. Next I am going to learn Spanish!

I'm also of Dominican descent and love love love Merengue. But, some of the music out there is really perverted and not to be heard by young ears. My daughters (ages 2 & 3) absolutely LOVE Juan Luis Guerra and I encourage them to listen to his music because I know that the songs he sings are sweet, romantic and respectful to women. This album has my vote!

I can only echo the sentiments expressed in other reviews. Juan Luis Guerra has a unique sound and is one of the few artists who can claim to sounding really different and original. The merengues have a folksy yet thoroughly modern quality that is very beguiling. Perhaps even more impressive are the gorgeous ballads. "Bachata Rosa", in particular, is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. I find it impossible to listen to without a few tears coming down my face, especially with the associations I have with it.

Juan Luis Guerra is one of the best and this CD definitely has his best! If you don't own any of his CD's, must start with this one. Please note Track 3 is not "Woman del Callao" as the ad indicates, but "Si Tu Te Vas" which is a GREAT merengue song!!! So glad this song was in the CD! Like another reviewer said, this CD has beautiful, romantic, clean lyrics. Juan Luis Guerra's greatest hits include mostly merengue with some bachata hits (beautiful songs) and one salsa song. The tracks are as follow:
Track 1 - merengue
Track 2 - merengue
Track 3 - merengue
Track 4 - merengue
Track 5 - bachata
Track 6 - merengue
Track 7 - merengue
Track 8 - bachata
Track 9 - bachata ending with a slow salsa beat
Track 10 - merengue
Track 11 - merengue
Track 12 - salsa
Track 13 - bachata
Track 14 - merengue
Track 15 - merengue

You will be a merengue fan if you are not one yet once you own this CD. It'll get folks moving at your next party. Enjoy!

This is by far one of my favorite CD's ever!! I had a copy of this CD already but my toddler son scratched it and I was heartbroken. It is a must for replacement. This CD has a great mix of slow and fast songs (bachata, merengue, salsa and dare I even say one particular song that's part samba). Juan Luis Guerra has such a haunting voice when it comes to the ballads and the fast-paced songs are so danceable.

This disc is absolutely great, from the first song to the last. I am an Amazon seller, but this CD I will never sell. It is just too good. One needs to have the original.