Despite the language barrier, she was a success. I'd owe this to her complete dominance of the Spanish language. Her flow is slick, the music she uses to back her rhymes is far from mediocre, and it all amounts to such a smooth delivery that it doesn't matter what she's saying because she still sounds amazing.
Today's track follows through with her charismatic style. It'll also feature a very nice modernized bass line and the soulful voice of Monica Blaire.
Give it a listen.
Grooveshark | Vimeo | Buy
Quizás, literally translated to Maybe, is the only track on the album with English lyrics thanks to the lovely Monica Blaire, and I think that may be the song's only downfall. I like Monica, I think she has a great voice, but I also think she outdoes it a little bit on this track. Aside from that tiny moment, her performance suits the song pretty well.
Then we've got the skill. Tijoux is one of the few rappers out there I've heard who have that classy poetry sound to them. She turns her spoken word into an instrument, a difficult task that does nothing but prove her talent.
Her latest album, La Bala, will show her talents beautifully. If you can understand yourself some Spanish, it's definitely worth a listen.
Of course, for the English speaking population it could also be a decent listen. Though there are songs here and there that would sound a lot better if you could understand the message, there are also tracks with great musical background.
A good example of a message-over-music is Shock. The video is worth checking out. It's well directed, edited and performed, and is about the recent governmental switch in the public university system in Chile. There'll be subtitles to inform a bit on the situation, and some might notice the music will fit well with the message of disapproval.
But for an English speaking audience, I'd say the album is best left to some other tracks. The two above are great lyric wise, something to be expected of Tijoux, but the musical background she uses on some tracks is just stunning.
We owe this mainly to Andrés Celis who produced most of the album's tracks. He's also the keyboardist and Ana's childhood friend.
Some great musical tracks include Sacar La Voz, which features Jorge Drexler (I should probably write about him in the future) and makes for a beautiful track. Another favorite is Desclasificado, a darker sounding track which is ridiculously well put together.
And I have to mention Volver, which even as a final track is far from what would be expected from a Spanish Rap album. It's easy to listen to, and if no other track did it for you today I'd give it a listen. It's an interesting song to chill with. Violins, bass, drums, and Tijoux's beautiful voice among other talents. It's a great way to end a top notch album.



I tried to place her on breaking bad, had to go and look after you said that, remember now. She sure does have talent.
ReplyDeleteNot bad.
ReplyDeleteI've listened to this before.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of Quizás, Nat King Cole is the first thing that comes to mind. But this is pretty chill. "Perhaps" I will try to find her album.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this is gonna be pretty far from Nat King Cole. Good on way different levels.
Delete"Free" is the best price.
ReplyDeleteHer Spanish is like poetry...beautiful...
ReplyDeleteYoutube sucks when they block content....thank god for Grooveshark
ReplyDeleteI'm just glad putting those links up pays off.
DeleteYou know I generally don't like Rap, but this is in another class entirely. She's liquid smooth and the music is good. I like it!
ReplyDeleteI prefer Spanish rap over the English stuff. There's better artists in Spanish, like her. The English speaking world is really missing out.
DeleteI really like what I've heard of her thus far. I might have to check out more of her music.
ReplyDeleteWow that's quite the voice. I probably enjoyed this a bit more because half the time I couldn't understand her.
ReplyDeleteSucks, copyright grounds, can't watch it sadly.
ReplyDeletePosted 2 alternate links right under the vid, I always try and get at least an alt grooveshark link. Sorry it couldn't work though!
DeleteNope.
ReplyDeleteWhen are you going to post some Danzig? That guy is awesome!
Ah Danzig. I'll try and find something rare or unheard of or something. Late future. Suggestions welcome.
DeleteSomething from his Samhain days like Human Pony Girl, maybe.
DeleteTaken note of!
DeleteCookman International is not happy with me and refuses to play the vid, I'll search her out on Youtube.....
ReplyDeletePosted 2 alternate links right under the vid, I always try and get at least an alt grooveshark link. Sorry it couldn't work though!
DeleteIts time like these that make me wish I payed attention in spanish class...
ReplyDeleteGlad to be back with your eclectic choices. Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteThat language sounds so sexy set to music.
ReplyDeleteI was going to write "I can't view the video, but as you've already said twice, you've posted alternate links, nice one!! I'm not a fan of Rap in the slightest, but this is quite good, maybe because I can't understand what she's saying?
ReplyDelete