The following is an exclusive CD review of the album Dos by Andrea Echeverri, the legendary singer from the Colombian Rock band Aterciopelados. This is Andrea's second solo album experience after her successful 2004 production Andrea Echeverri. Dos is an original work that reflects Andrea Echeverri's present and musical evolution.
First Listen
The first time I listened to this album, I was a little bit skeptical about it. Being from Colombia, I grew up with the music of Aterciopelados. In fact, I was sort of expecting some Rock and Alternative sounds of the kind Aterciopelados have produced throughout their career.
Instead, I found myself listening to tracks that were closer to traditional Colombian music than Aterciopelados stuff. In particular, songs like "Quitapesares," "Madre Naturaleza," "Toy Contento" and "Que Me Parta Un Rayo" reminded me of rhythms like Guabina and Cumbia. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed.
An Honest Work
Nevertheless, that first impression went away soon. The more I listened to Dos, the more I realized there was something truly unique to it. This is the work of a well established singer who wanted to make of this CD a personal reflection of her own life.
Because of this, the album touches very personal issues dealing with motherhood, respect for the environment, and above all being oneself. Something evident on this CD is the fact that Andrea Echeverri is not aiming at pleasing anyone but her own self and ideas, and this is probably the best side of this production.
The Alternative Side
Dos, however, brings some good Alternative sounds. While the track "Erase Una Vez" incorporates a sort of funky Blues to the melody, "Paciencia" offers some speedy Rock that remind us a little bit of the kind of music Aterciopelados have produced. Other than that, the remaining songs are still very much defined by traditional sounds from Colombia.
‘Dos’ – Bottom Line
Overall, Dos is a very pleasant album to listen to. If you are not into mainstream music, this is a CD I would recommend you to listen to. However, if you are expecting to hear some of the sounds that have marked Aterciopelados career, this CD has the potential to disappoint you. In any case, I would rather listen to this CD than to many of the mainstream albums that are out there today.
The song "Yo" can be the best way to define this album. This track is about being yourself without missing anything from anyone. This is the essence of the whole album. Through this work, we can appreciate both Andrea Echeverri's music evolution and her own present. On top of that, the album has very nice voice arrangements and its music is very refreshing. Whether you like or not, Dos consolidates Andrea Echeverri as one today's most innovative and talented female artists in Latin music.
'Dos' - Best Tracks
- "Quitapesares"
- "Alegria"
- "Paciencia"
- "Yo"
- "Madre Naturaleza"
- "Que Me Parta Un Rayo"
Record Label: Nacional Records
Release Date: August, 2011
