The 2009 Latin Grammy Awards include eight categories of nominated songs rather than albums or artists. I've put together a playlist of my favorites although the criteria is not simply the music. Lyrics are usually generic enough to allow you to conjure up your own story, a personal take on exactly what a song is about. It's interesting and often surprising to then view the official video and see what someone else thinks the song is about - or what some 'idea guy' makes of the song.
1. "Me Fui" - Bebe
EMI
Spain's Bebe leads off the list with a song from her highly anticipated new album Y. "Me Fui" roughly translates to "I am myself" and, listening to the song, it's easy to consider the lyrics a self-affirmation after some sort of angst-filled break-up.
Watching the video though, several questions come to mind. While the mood and lush rural landscape seem to fit, you have to wonder about the outfit. Is that a wedding dress train or a skirt blowing in the wind? Bride left on the altar? Maybe, but considering she had time to grab books, papers and her doll, what about a skirt or pants? Sure looks cool and windy up on that plain.
From Y
2. "No Molestar" - Marco Antonio Solis
Fonovisa
This song is from one of Mexico's most celebrated and popular composers, Marco Antonio Solis. I love the video with its old-fashioned black and while images of gangsters, the torch singer and especially the fedoras on the musicians. But while "No Molestar" means "Do Not Disturb," would someone explain the meaning of the 'odio' tat on Solis' knuckles? Enquiring minds want to know.
From No Molestar
3. "Mujeres In The Club" - Wisin y Yandel Feat. 50 Cent
Machete Music
"Abusadora" may be reggaeton duo Wisin y Yandel's big, award-winning video but my favorite is "Mujeres in the Club." In a genre where women are so often portrayed as vapid sex objects, it sure is nice to see Julissa Bermudez kicking back!
From La Revolucion
4. "Hay Muy Poca Gente" - Enrique Bunbury
EMI Spain
With this song, Spain's Enrique Bunbury may be replying to the people who accused him of plagarism, but does it really matter? If you've had a day where one very small person has been making your life miserable, try watching this video with that person's face in mind. You'll find yourself feeling a lot better.
From Hellville De Luxe
5. "El Amor" - Tito 'El Bambino'
Universal Music Latino
Tito 'El Bambino' has a real hit on his hands with his current album but the single that seems to be the most popular is "El Amor." 'Love' is probably the most prevalent theme in popular music, but most of us will automatically think of romantic love. The great thing about this video is that it reminds us that love can take many different shapes and forms.
From El Patron
6. "Mas Fuerte" - Cucu Diamantes
Fun Machine Records
Yerba Buena's Cucu Diamantes really wowed me with her debut solo album and this video, full of imagery and style, paints a picture that fits my idea of what's going on in this song. The only puzzle is those ballet dancers or acrobats; I'm not quite sure what they represent.
From Cuculand
7. "Bestia" - Hello Seahorse!
Nacional
Mexico's Indie band Hello Seahorse! said in an interview that their stand-out single "Bestia" is a reflection on a person's mistakes and their consequences. Well, I guess that makes sense -- sort of -- because this is one Blair-Witch-Project of a video.
From Bestia
8. "Moving" - Macaco
National Geographic
Spanish rock group Macaco collaborated with National Geographic, preparing "Moving" for Earth Day 2009. This is a video where you spend all your time counting how many stars you recognize; what's your count?