Fijate Bien

Amazon.com
Just try and classify the eclectic, often-electric sound of Fijate Bien, the debut solo album from Colombian singer-songwriter Juanes (formerly of the rock group Ekhymosis). Every track mixes and matches genres, careening between--among other things--rock, salsa, and vallenato (traditional Colombian folk music). It's not surprising, given that Latin Grammy nominee Juanes lists Metallica, Jimi Hendrix, Eminem, Vicente Fernández, and Soda Stereo as musical influences. Songs such as "Ahi le Va" and "Nada" ride straightforward rhythms, while "Podemos Hacernos Dano" and "Ficcion" frolic amid the sounds of past and present. There's a lot going on here, both musically and lyrically. Producer Gustavo Santaolalla, who helmed the even more diverse Amores Perros soundtrack, keeps Juanes's exceptional work tight and focused, resulting in one of the year's most refreshing examples of a real Latin explosion. --Joey Guerra

Tracks:

Ahi Le Va
Para Ser Eterno
Volcan
Podemos Hacernos Dano
Destino
Nada
Fijate Bien
Vulnerable
Sonador
Ficcion
Para Que
Me Da Igual

Amazon.com

Just try and classify the eclectic, often-electric sound of Fijate Bien, the debut solo album from Colombian singer-songwriter Juanes (formerly of the rock group Ekhymosis). Every track mixes and matches genres, careening between--among other things--rock, salsa, and vallenato (traditional Colombian folk music). It's not surprising, given that Latin Grammy nominee Juanes lists Metallica, Jimi Hendrix, Eminem, Vicente Fernández, and Soda Stereo as musical influences. Songs such as "Ahi le Va" and "Nada" ride straightforward rhythms, while "Podemos Hacernos Dano" and "Ficcion" frolic amid the sounds of past and present. There's a lot going on here, both musically and lyrically. Producer Gustavo Santaolalla, who helmed the even more diverse Amores Perros soundtrack, keeps Juanes's exceptional work tight and focused, resulting in one of the year's most refreshing examples of a real Latin explosion. --Joey Guerra

Customer Reviews:

Love Juanes.......2006-07-08

This album is a bit more serious than his other two, but I still love it.

awesome introduction to Juanes!.......2004-11-13

This was the album that preceded Juanes' "Un Dia Normal," a CD that truly reached audiences from all backgrounds through the Latin Grammy show and into other venues, as well. "Fijate Bien" (Watch Carefully) is a cautionary, sensitively written and well-performed album that really gives us a sense of Juanes' profound ability to write songs that really speak to the heart--not just about love, either. I get a sense that he was leaning more toward a rock sound than the latin fusion that we have heard in his last two albums ("Un Dia Normal" and "Mi Sangre"). There are still generous doses of cumbia-inspired elements ("Fijate Bien" in the bridge part, toward the end of the song), as well as the very latin, syncopated hooks ("Para Ser Eterno").

What I enjoy most about the album is the fact that Juanes isn't afraid to take himself seriously an artist and performer. Many of his songs address social injustice, sensitivity and consciousness in a world that can be cold, violent and narcissistic. I am glad that we have one artist to inspire us and also lead us with strength and grace, like we do in Juanes. He is definitely one great example of much of the beauty, versatility and innovation that exists in the contemporary music of Colombia. Muchas gracias, Juanes.

Juanes is the bomb.......2004-01-31

Juanes sings bea-u-ti-ful!!!!!!! This cd and his other cd "Un Dia Normal" are both very good! He is very talented!

Great CD.......2003-06-03

Here is what I have to say about "Fijate Bien", I love it to death. Seriously, it is one of best CD's I own, without the exception of Shakira, and Mana CDs. I don't know about you, but my fave song is "Fijate Bien". I went through a lot of mess-ups to get this CD and now I know it was completely worth it.
Viva Juanes!

I can't decide which is my favorite.......2003-01-10

Let me start by saying that I have both albums and I have a hard time deciding which is my favorite. I love them both I love the folklore of the music and the truth but sad reality of which some songs speak of. I am amazed by the honesty and spirituality and maturity about life that Juanes transmits in his songs. Some speak of love others of the crude reality of the world that we live in but it offers hope as well. It does not matter if you are Colombian or not anybody can indentify whith what the songs are relating to the listener. I hope that God blesses Juanes with more songs so we can enjoy them.