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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Stellar Set from Colombia's Vives, September 11, 2004
After thoroughly enjoying Carlos Vives' last tour-de-force "Dejame Entrar" I thought it would be impossible for the artist to match the integrity and musical genius the artist brough to that epic cycle. On "Rock de mi Pueblo" Vives delivers another set of free-style vallenato and pure anthems that combine refreshing melodies and catchy lyrics. I see this set as a continuation of the prior album - joyful and thoughtful at once, and deeply heartfelt. From the opening accordions that highlight "Comu Tu" - a number one track on Spanish radio at the moment - to the joyful "Gallito de Caramelo" and the album-capping "Duro", Vives sends a message to his people and all of his fans - he's here with something important to say and the words and music to say it with class, dignity and absolute fun. While some may complain the artist sticks to what he knows best and what he's delivered in the past, I see nothing wrong with that. If its true this album has a harder edge, that's fine too - all in all it adds up to a terrific set of melodies and lyrics that are sure to make you move your feet and enjoy. A terrific album from a true original.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
5/5 stars: a classic, December 15, 2004
In my previous review, I stated "definitely not Vives' best". I take it back.
El Rock de mi Pueblo is Carlos Vives' greatest album so far. After listening to it for a couple of weeks, I truly realized the amount of work put into it in order to deliver a masterpiece. Though the style has indeed changed a bit, it maintains the essence which made him a success all the way through the last decade.
Experimenting with new rhythms is a constant. 'Santa Marta Kingston New Orleans' has influence from blues, soul and some reggae. 'La Maravilla' is the one of the best songs for dancing I've heard in a while. 'La Princesa y el Soldado' -dedicated to his children I think- is great both for listening and dancing to. 'Voy a olvidarme de ti', 'Maleta de Sueños' both great romatinc songs. 'La llamada' and 'Gallito de caramelo', reminding us of the classic, great Vallenato. 'El Rock de mi Pueblo' and 'Como tu', on the same line, depict rock-influenced Latin American rhythms.
On the low side, I did not like 'Que tiene la noche' and 'El duro El Original'. Still, they are interesting compositions and do appeal to many.
Overall, a truly great album. Carlos Vives shows much more maturity as a singer, a composer, and a musician. Most songs are really great, something you can't find in many albums. If you're new at this type of music, or a long-time fan, get it. A must.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
forgetting about his roots?, December 10, 2004
Carlos Vives is being more of a rocker in this album, just like the title suggests. The songs are just OK, though up-beat, and I think his unique style has changed for the worse. He might be trying to emulate the success of fellow Colombian Juanes by jumping into a more mainstream kind of music. This is a rock-en-español CD with a touch of vallenato, cumbia and other Colombian beats. His previous CD's were quite the opposite -- vallenatos and cumbias played with electric guitars. Too bad that Vives went this way... didn't have to do it, he's already an icon everywhere in the world (except the U.S.)... I think he sold out in an effort to sell more CDs, maybe he wants to make it big in the U.S. in a cheesy-Miami kind of way.
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by Carlos Vives 
