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A New Era by Ramiro Burr On Luis Miguel’s new album, 33, he expresses sentiments that range in scope from bouncy tunes to classy melodies to torchy ballads that reflect who he is now. Mexican pop singer Luis Miguel began his career as a pop singer, but in the last 12 years he’s become the top singer of the classic Cuban bolero. He’s recorded four CDs of boleros and while some cynics may carp that that’s too much, they keep on selling. And though Luis Miguel is closely identified with the classy bolero he helped revive in the '90s, he is much more. For his latest album, 33, Luis Miguel said he’s moved on to a new stage of his career. “It’s a very personal reflection for me that shares something with fans who know perfectly well how old I am,” he said. “It’s impossible to hide, especially when I’ve already put out an album titled ’20 Años.’ It’s something chronological. It’s a demonstration of a different era of my life. By way of the songs, the lyrics, and what I’m singing, it can show what someone of my age could be thinking or feeling.” On the CD, Luis Miguel deftly demonstrates he can swing from bouncy tunes like “Eres” and “Con Tus Besos” to torchy ballads such as “Un Te Amo.” Listeners are quickly swept off their feet by the melodic “Un Te amo,” which captivates with the thrilling rush that comes with the best three words in our language. Half the magic of these tunes comes in the lovely orchestral arrangements and production values. Topping it is Luis Miguel, in fine shape, his emotive tenor in full control. While the songs are based on some personal experience, he said they are not all autobiographical. “The songs I’ve written or co-written are based on things I’ve experienced. Everything I sing has a lot of feeling, because all—uh, the vast majority of what I sing are things that I’ve lived through. And this is no exception. Maybe that’s why you felt it. Because it’s true. What I sing and say is the truth about my life.” He said the album was a mix of material from various songwriters. “Musically, it’s simply an album where I selected 11 beautiful songs from several composers. Songwriters who had worked with me in the past and others with whom I hadn’t. I liked the songs, I recorded them, and there they are, and I hope the public likes them and enjoys them.” More than half the songs deal with heartbreak but he said that was not unusual. “That’s what happened in the studio, that’s what it is, and it’s easier to sing about things you don’t have, about sadness, difficult situations and failures in love, than happy themes. Especially in ballads. That’s why (there’s more sad tunes). But I’m very content.” Another highlight is “Devuelme el Amor,” with its theme of realizing too late when love is gone. The tune mezmerizes through its classy piano melodies and its noble bolero sentiment. But not all is dark and dreary. Fueled by its finger-snapping beats and gorgeous horns, “Con Tus Besos,” quickly engages through its positive message of celebrating the arrival of a real love. Dance fun is evoked on “Te Necesito” with its engaging beats and by the gospel vocal harmony group Take 6. 33 is Luis Miguel’s best CD in a long while. It’s bristles with captivating melodies, muscular orchestral arrangements, and his versatile vocals that can swing quickly from plaintive whispers to throaty rebel yells. For his fall American tour, he said he would balance the new tunes with old favorites. “For this new concert tour, I’m going to revisit some of those songs that have been somewhat forgotten. It will be a retrospective of songs that I haven’t sung in a long time. I’m going to try to visit many countries that I haven’t visited yet.” After more than a two dozen albums in 16 years has he accomplished his goals? “I haven’t accomplished anything. For me, I’m always beginning. It’s always a new challenge and there’s always something new to learn. When one thinks he knows it all, life has a way of making you realize that’s not true. One should learn every day, and from everyone around him.” |
Luis Miguel returns with 33. » Listen to LUIS MIGUEL on Batanga's POP station » Subscribe to Club Batanga to watch videos and more! "The songs I’ve written or co-written are based on things I’ve experienced." -- Luis Miguel |
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