Y. by Bebe
Exceptional: Fresh And Potent
2009 album from the Latin superstar. Bebe garnered tremendous
recognition when she was nomi nated for 5 Latin Grammys in 2005 (she
won for Best New Artist). Y was produced by Carlos Jean. Bebes appeal
stretches far beyond the Latin market and she has been embraced by fans
all over the world.
My Personal Review:
This is Bebes second album. If youre not already familiar with her, Bebe is
a musician (among other endeavors) from Spain, pretty unconventional in
many respects.
I came across Bebe because her song Malo was ubiquitous in radio and
everywhere. I thought it was a good song, but I dont think I would have
bought her first record Pafuera Telarañas if I had not also heard Siempre
Me Quedará. I found the latter song amazing and decided to buy that
record.
Recently (I think it was through amazon.com) I learnt th at this new album
was out.
I visited Bebes site, listened to the song samples for a little while and I
immediately decided to buy this as well.
On my first listen through the CD, it seemed to me that it wasnt as good as
I thought judging from the samples or as good as the first album.
But of course I listened to the CD a second time and then again and again.
I like this CD very much and I think it is as good as if not better than her
first album.
Bebes music is fresh and original. Well, if this is diffic ult for artists to
achieve in their first albums, it even more so for their second (or any after
that). If their second works freshness was of the same nature as that of the
first, it wouldnt really be fresh.
I can hardly understand a word of Spanish. All the same I find Bebes
songs sincere and moving. I guess its true for all music that you dont really
need to understand the words to appreciate it in some degree. However, I
try from time to time to listen to the music having the Spanish lyrics and
their English translation on hand. There is so much to see that even if
youre speaking the language you have to give it some attention.
But I still havent a picture adequately clear and complete, so I can speak of
the lyrics themselves.
I can speak of the music (the pure music, without the words). It is
interesting and original. It is not your run-of-the-mill world music / ethnic,
although you will certainly find traces of the Spanish musical background.
It is not your run-of-the-mill pop, although it would probably fall into the pop
categorization, if I had to put a single label to it. But it is not at all bland as
very much of pop musical composition unfortunately is. I can probably see
some traits characteristic of hip hop music as well; but not many (so fear
not if you dont care for hip hop).
I can also speak of the overall atmosphere and feeling that Bebe creates.
This is even more compelling. It is very potent. I think thats the only
adjective I can apply without doing injustice to the music, without uncal ledfor generalization, without fearing I somehow misunderstand it or degrade
it. But I think I can discern tenderness and anger, sadness and energy,
angst and confidence. Naturally these are not usually simultaneous, but
sometimes they are!
I dont think there is really a weak song in the album, but Busco me has
managed somehow to reach me most.
Pafuera Telarañas was released in 2004. In mid 2006, Bebe announced
she was (temporarily) retreating from music. Im very glad she returned with
Y. (Y punto).
But if taking a step back is what Bebe needs to make good music, then
surely it is worth waiting. Better delivering two exceptional albums in 5
years than consistently churning out more of the same every year.
In all, I recommend this without reservations; especially since youre
already here looking at the album. I know the music is not really billboard
material and that for many people it might not be appealing. But I can say
this pretty much with certainty: if youre even remotely considering buying
this, then do so and you wont regret it.
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