Customer Reviews

Imperfecta

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Leave it to the local rag to print a story on a Latin musician whose CD I merely noticed at my workplace. But it was after I read about Floridian Natasha Duenas, aka JD Natasha, that I thought she merited checking out, this being the first Latin artist I did this to since Las Ketchup. (Remember them?). Anyway, Imperfecta-Imperfect, which is Natasha's first stab at making the bilingual market, has three English-language tracks, the rest being Spanish. The first three songs make it abundantly clear that JD Natasha stands out amid the American music sausage factory cranking out similar-sounding boy/girl pop, rap-metal, and black metal. But Imperfecta sports several styles, be it punk-pop, ballad-type pop, slow-rockers, and even a superior cover of a rap song. Eclectic or what?

"Plastico," the opening track, starts with that sound of a phone off the hook followed by some hard guitar riffs and a pulsing drum beat giving it a "Kids In America" sound. She proves she has a strong rock voice. A great way to start off the album, with a roar.

The modernized 80's guitar pop of "Lagrimas" shows not only her diverse influence but a high note and tone akin to Christina Aguilera, but with a better sound than the latter. There's an acoustic version of the song included, also not bad. But then there's her sensitive side in the ballad "Tanto." A live version from her AOL sessions is included and it's just as heartfelt.

"Ingredientes" is a summery piece of Voice of the Beehive-type pop mixed with Third Eye Blind-type rhythms that's better way than anything on Paulina Rubio's English-language misfire. Winning ingredients for sure.

"What if I were perfect?" she asks ironically on "Imperfect" a churning guitar piece--think guitars from Weezer's first album. This is probably the most thoughtful song here, with the prices/brand names consciousness people have that make them mask their perceived imperfections.

"Dime," (pron. Deemeh and not like the ten cent coin) is a nice swathe of Mel C-type alternative pop with a winning rhythm. "Not Healthy" is a slow churning Lita Ford-style guitar ballad with her own brand of teen angst: "all I ever do each night is to cry myself to sleep" while parts of the song distorts her voice. However, the keynote is when the guitars roar to a crescendo in the refrain, "All I ever wanted to be was to be your only one" similar to the pace picking up in Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain." One of the better songs here, especially when followed by the calm guitar and piano ballad "Piscis."

But it's that final track that's quite the surprise is an acoustic guitar cover of Outkast's "Hey Ya." But it's a wow when her angst-ridden voice cries out "I thank God for Mom and Dad sticking together cause we don't know how." The title is then sung at a reserved voice, the lower and calmer backwash following the emotional waves. Given my musical preferences, it's no surprise as to whose version I prefer. Hint: she's Latin.

The enhanced part of the CD takes one to her site, where one can watch videos, download pics, and generally read up on her. Imperfect? No way. Her sound and voice is strong and vital without the brattiness of Kelly Osbourne or the Donnas, nor the faux-punk of Avril Lavigne. She also writes her own songs, too. She comes off as a tough girl given the large eyes, long hair swept over the left side of her face (a reverse Veronica Lake), and pensive expression, but the purple flowers and background shows her gentler side. One of 2004's more interesting albums it's been my pleasure to hear, and a much-needed rescue from the mundane. Viva Natasha!

As a musician, composer, and recording studio tech, I can say this album is one of the best albums of latin rock/pop on this year, good production, great voice, good attitude etc.Too much better than Belinda or plastic music with a cute face. Drums are great, guitars are full of felling (hear "lagrimas" jazzy bluesy solo), bass y great, voice is so emotional etc. This little girl has everything to be one of the most importat artists in US an Latin America. I recomend this album, its one o those albums everyone must have.

Como musico, compositor y tecnico de estudio de grabacion, puedo decir que esta es una de las mejores producciones que ha salido al mercado en el ultimo año en cuanto a rock pop latino, a la altura de albums como Mi Sangre de Juanes y muchìsimo mejor que las "propuestas" que han salido o tomado fuerza asì como belinda, que no es mas que un producto plastico con una cara bonita con una voz aceptable, voces muy buenas (expresivas, con feeling, en fin, impecables), las guitarras son llenas de feeling, en especial el solo de "lagrimas" con su feeling blues-jazz, el bajo esta muy acorde con todas las canciones, y la bateria tiene beats muy buenos e inclusive metricas poco comunes y breaks interesantes. Esta pequeña sin duda tiene un muy buen futuro, de hecho con su estilo propio se ha ganado a muy buena parte de latinoamerica y gringolandia, yo en lo personal le deseo un muy buen futuro. La madurez musical que tiene es muy buena, y es una de las promesas que latinoamerica debe apoyar. Cualquier comentario lo pueden hacer a menphis67@hotmail.com

Cristian Arce
Gracias

Yes, Latin Pop! See how eclectic I've become?

I have to say, she has a great voice, and the songs on this album are really good. Some of them are in English, granted I can't understand most of them, but I go for the music more of the time, rather than singing along ability.

The first song "Plastico" is great. I love it! Has a great chorus and doubled with a great voice...makes for a great song! Granted I can't understand what they're saying, but oh well.

What else...I don't know what else to say, but if you're not averse to Latin Pop, and want something new, check her out.

I picked up this cd after hearing the songs Lagrimas and Tatuajes on the radio so much....Wow! I didn't expect the cd to be so...good. It is an excellent Rock CD in Spanish. Well-Done! I also liked the song Tan Cerca. Can't wait for her 2nd release..Natasha has alot of success coming her way!!

I first found JD Natasha by seeing the "Lagrimas" video. I bought the CD solely off of that song and the rest of the album is equally as fabulous. She has more of a rock edge than American pop and a strong voice that is showcased on songs like 'Lagrimas' and the ever-popular Outkast's 'Hey Ya!'. The "Hey Ya!" remake has to easily be one of my fave songs on the album. It is a drastic departure from the original version, but it is a refreshingly welcomed version. (I enjoy both versions.) She's part Avril Lavigne, part Laura Pausini, part Meredith Brooks.

This gril is a very creative writer. She has a very beautiful voice at the age of 16. I personally think she is a really great singer even though I can't understand all of her songs. I'm a teenager so I really relate to all her songs. This girl from Miami is very talented. I hope anyone that listens to her music will go out and buy her CD. I think all her songs are ausome!! Realy great Latin music/rock music!! I can't wait to go and get her CD. Her music video "Lagrimas" is so good!! I could listen to it all day!! Please buy her CD!! JD Natasha>

~Jessica

This album is like no other so called "teen pop"..heartfelt lyrics and an amazing voice....Plastico and Imperfect are the best!
Does anyone have the lyrics to "Imperfect" ? If so, please post or email stwisdom@hotmail.com

My friend had this album playing in her car, and right from the start I got into "Plastico" and "Lagrimas." After buying it, I loved "Tanto," "Tatuaje," and "Tan Cerca." Then I REALLY loved and kept playing "Piscis" over and over and over again!!!! (Piscis is my absolutely fav of her songs.) Her Outkast cover of "Hey Ya" is amazing and I like to pretend I can sing it. To be honest I never got into "Ingredientes," "10 mil," "Dime," and "Not Healthy," but the others are sooooooo absolutely fabulous that I have to give it 4 stars. Please check this album--you will not be disappointed!!

Even though Natasha was only 16 years old when she made this album, you could feel the energy in her vocals and the feelings she put in it. She sounds very mature. I absolutely love the whole album. I dont have to skip any songs because they are all good. It makes me sad to see that JD Natasha's talent was overlooked. She should be selling millions of records but she's not. But anyways if you're looking for a good cd, you search ends here. Definitly one of the best pop rock albums of the year.

P.S Good luck in the Latin Grammys!! she's nominated for 3

JD Natasha es increible. Con su voz fuerte y su actitud impecable, ella gobierna toda la música de pop/rock. Tiene un accento argentino con el "sho" y eso me encanta tambien. Canciones como lagrimas, plastico, y tanto son increibles! Her voice is absolutely amazing. Every song is perfecta. Even her english track Imperfect totally rocks. ME ENCANTA ESTE DISCO Y TE LO ENCANTARAS TAMBIEN! Compralo ya. Trust me, this is a cd you'll never stop playing!