Aterciopelados songs have given Colombian Rock much of its flavor. However, this band does not really fit your typical idea of Rock. Aterciopelados music has been shaped by a crossover style that mixes diverse musical influences ranging from Rock and Punk to traditional Colombian rhythms and Electronic sounds. The band was created in the early 90s by Andrea Echeverri (singer) and Hector Buitrago (bass player). The following list is responsible for much of the success the band has enjoyed throughout the years.
10. “Sortilegio” (from 'Con el Corazón en la Mano')
Photo courtesy RCA Intl.
From the band's first album, this song represents the original sound that gave birth to Aterciopelados. "Sortilegio" is the perfect single of an album heavily marked by Punk influences. This song achieves a brilliant musical transition that is perfectly matched with Andrea's voice throughout the melody. This track is definitely one of the most vibrant Aterciopelados songs.
9. “Baracunatana” (from 'La Pipa de la Paz')
Photo courtesy RCA Intl.
Aterciopelados third album, La Pipa de la Paz, gave the band its first Grammy nomination. Among the many hits included on this work, "Baracunatana" clearly reflects the band's interest in incorporating traditional Colombian rhythms into its songs. "Baracunatana" is, in fact, Aterciopelados Rock version of a popular Colombian song from the 80s. Its catchy lyrics (full of heavy slang) and the use of accordion in the melody give this song that particular flavor that has nurtured the band's music throughout the years.
8. “Canción Protesta” (from 'Oye')
Photo courtesy Nacional Records
After being apart for nearly 6 years, Andrea and Hector decided to get back to Aterciopelados in 2006. The comeback album was Oye, a musical production that gave Aterciopelados a Latin Grammy award for Best Alternative Music Album. One of the most popular songs from this work was "Canción Protesta," a single that effectively captured the Rock sound the band wanted to incorporate into this album. "Canción Protesta" speaks up against oppression and its English translation, "The Price of Silence," became Amnesty International's song to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
7. “Río” (from 'Río')
Photo courtesy Nacional Records
"Río" is the hit song from an album aimed at promoting respect for the environment. Thanks to this musical production, the band received several nominations for different musical awards throughout the world. The song's reflective lyrics are softly accommodated into a simple, pleasant Rock melody.
6. “El Estuche” (from 'Caribe Atómico')
Photo courtesy Sony U.S. Latin
With Caribe Atómico, the band's fourth album, Aterciopelados ventured into a more alternative style rich of electronic sounds. "El Estuche" became one of the most popular songs from an album that sold more than 500.000 copies worldwide. This single is built around a pleasant lounge sound that is improved through embellished voice arrangements.
5. “Cosita Seria” (from 'La Pipa de la Paz')
Photo courtesy RCA Intl.
Another of the singles that made La Pipa de la Paz a hit album, "Cosita Seria" is a vigorous song that combines Rock and Alternative sounds in a clever way. The song is hilarious thanks to colorful lyrics charged with typical Colombian expressions. By far, "Cosita Seria" is one of the most irreverent Aterciopelados songs.
4. “El Album” (from 'Gozo Poderoso')
Photo courtesy Sony U.S. Latin
The release of Gozo Poderoso brought a more sophisticated sound to the music of Aterciopelados. This work, which gave Aterciopelados a Latin Grammy award in 2001, still tops the list as the best selling album from the this band. "El Album" is a refreshing single that honors both the melody and Andrea's talent behind the mike.
3. “Mujer Gala” (from Con el 'Corazón en la Mano')
Photo courtesy RCA Intl.
Loyal to the Punk style that defined the whole album, "Mujer Gala" offers an exuberant beat that is reinforced by the way Andrea's voice moves around the melody. The song is a full explosion from the very beginning and the lyrics are filled with the typical irreverence that has characterized the band from its conception.
2. “Florecita Rockera” (from 'El Dorado')
Photo courtesy Sony U.S. Latin
El Dorado is still regarded as one of the best Rock albums in Spanish language. "Florecita Rockera" played a major role in this success thanks to a melody that perfectly combines Rock, Punk and Reggae music. A marvelous song from beginning to end.
1. “Bolero Falaz” (from 'El Dorado')
Photo courtesy Sony U.S. Latin
This single is considered by many the best song the band has ever produced. Whether that is true or not, the song was responsible for moving Aterciopelados music beyond the Colombian borders. The intro part plays the rhythm of a typical bolero and the song offers rich and controversial lyrics that are gracefully placed on top of a catchy melody. This track definitely tops the list of the most influential Aterciopelados songs.
