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album review
A couple years removed from her mainstream breakthrough album, Sf (2002), and its string of perfect pop hits, Julieta Venegas returned with a similar album, Lim=n y Sal. It's difficult to fault her for doing so. Certainly, her earlier rock en espa±ol work -- Aquf (1998) and Bueninvento (2000) -- was critically acclaimed and remains well regarded. Her partnership with super-producer Gustavo Santaolalla for those masterstrokes vaulted her into the esteemed company of rock en espa±ol revolutionaries of the time like CafT Tacuba and Aterciopelados. But it didn't equate to mainstream success, as that music was generally rough-edged and could be downright confrontational. Sf and Lim=n y Sal are a different story altogether -- upbeat, sunny, and just plain lovely albums of well-crafted pop songs that demand adoration, thanks partly to key collaborators Coti Sorokin and Cachorro L=pez, who serve as producers as well as producers. Neither Sf nor Lim=n y Sal is particularly long -- 35 and 45 minutes, respectively -- nor is either all that ambitious. Sure, the songs showcase a stylistic mTlange, embracing the occasional hip-hop beat or accordion accompaniment. Yet a steady acoustic guitar strum is always omnipresent, as is a firm pop song foundation highlighted by a singalong chorus. In a way, it's a little unfortunate that Venegas has put the Sturm und Drang of her youth behind her; Aquf and Bueninvento were truly brilliant and bold. Her newfound knack for more universally appealing music is itself a blessing nonetheless, for these new songs are easy to enjoy and, relative to much contemporaneous Latin pop (think RBD), superlative in craft. Highlights here are abundant -- you can pick any track, practically -- but like its predecessor, Lim=n y Sal kicks off with a few true gems: "Canci=nes de Amor," "Me Voy," and "Primer Dfa," the latter notably featuring a rap by Dante Spinetta of Illya Kuryaki and the Valderramas fame. Even during the sad songs, like the spare "+ltima Vez," a genuine joie de vivre burns brightly, making it clear for the second album in a row that Venegas is moving her music into a new direction. That this new direction has brought with it greater popularity is an added bonus. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
more albums by this artist
See all-
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- MTV Unplugged: Julieta Venegas
- Released 2008
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- Sí
- Released 2003
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- Realmente Lo Mejor
- Released 2007
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- Aquf
- Released 1998
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