Mi Sangre (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Juanes (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, synthesizer, programming); Emmanuel Briceño (Fender Rhodes piano); Anibal Kerpel (keyboards, mini-Moog synthesizer); Greg Kurstin (keyboards); Fernando Tobon (bass guitar); Victor Indrizzo (drums); Gustavo Santaolalla, Felipe Alzate (percussion).

The term "Latin rock" can mean many different things, from traditional Mexican music simply played with electric instruments to death metal sung in Spanish. The music of Colombian singer/songwriter/guitarist Juanes is perhaps more deserving than most of the appellation, as his sound is a true hybrid that borrows several of the best qualities from both Latin and rock music. With its super-dry, punchy production, sharp songwriting, and wickedly tasty guitar leads, MI SANGRE has all the pop smarts of an early Elvis Costello album, but adds a romanticism and powerful rhythmic kick that's distinctly south of the border. With its sweeping strings and soaring melody, "Para Tu Amor" sounds a bit like Eric Carmen or Paul McCartney fronting a Cuban son band. The organ-driven dance-party funk of "Damelo," on the other hand, is reminiscent of Jamiroquai. Sporting shaggy tresses, tattoos, and a beat-up Stratocaster, Juanes proves that his rocker look is no mere costume, but an accurate reflection of his distinctive and powerful musical fusion. minimize