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Decades into his career, Alejandro Sanz has experimented with such a dizzying array of styles it's difficult to keep track of them. That said, his musical restlessness knows no bounds on Sirope. Over 13 tracks he delves into pop and folk traditions, stitching everything from funk and cumbia to rock, soul, and reggae -- and of course flamenco -- into sonic landscapes governed by his passionate Andalusian voice. His skill as a songwriter and arranger is balanced by his keen ear as a producer. Sanz demoed and charted everything in his home studio, bringing in co-producer Sebastián Krys (who mixed 2012's La Música No Se Toca) when it was time to begin recording. Despite modern production, the set has a very analog sound. Everything from loops to strings were recorded and engineered with warmth and immediacy. No matter what else appears in this mix, acoustic guitars are as present as his voice. First single "Un Zombie a la Intemperie" is understandably a ballad -- it's the man's trademark, after all. But as he weaves together a lithe, romantic melody, it takes on cinematic scope because of its smart instrumentation. Nylon-string guitars and piano are adorned with dramatic strings, well-placed, subtle loops and ambient effects, shuffling snares, and a bumping bassline. "Un Zombie a la Intemperie" is in marked contrast with the steamy opener "A Mí No Me Importa," which weds reggae and cumbia with funky electric piano, horn vamps, dubwise bass, soaring souled-out female backing vocals, and a spiny electric guitar break. "Pero Tú" uses phrases from "Pachelbel's Canon" in a frame of jazzy pop, modern soul, and Andalusian folk. One can hear traces of Wilson Pickett, Don Covay, and Julius Cheeks in the gritty, funky gospel rock of "La Guarida del Calor," with great breaks by drummer Pete Thomas and rumbling bass by Davey Faragher. That wild, unhinged gospel-infused R&B gets rubbed against hard-grooving nuevo flamenco on "Tú la Necesitas." "Todo Huela a Ti" is a breezy pop/rocker, with a shimmering beat and soul guitars. "La Vida Que Respira" is a breathtaking innovation on modern flamenco. Illustrated with tough loops and layers of acoustic and electric guitars, the bridge breaks with the form as a multi-voice chorus, strings, and an electric piano -- playing Afro-Latin montunos -- swoop in from the margins. "Suena la Pelota" is a glorious, uplifting duet with Juan Luis Guerra. It's an uplifting paean to self-forgiveness and acceptance. It's followed by the amazing midtempo ballad "A Que No Me Dejas," whose mariachi horn break is priceless. Initially, Sirope might be jarring for some listeners. Though polished, it contains no sheen. It is not a common exercise in pop fusion, but the vision of an artist who understands the roots of every style and tradition he employs. With Sirope, Sanz takes his fans further out onto his ledge than ever and rewards them abundantly for the journey. While refusing to compromise, he has -- again -- expanded Latin pop's reach.
© Thom Jurek /TiVo
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Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Piano, Programmer, Nylon-String Guitar, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Buckley, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Bushnell, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Levita, Electric Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Matt Cappy, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Babko, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dav Julca, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sara Devine, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Bradshaw, Trombone, AssociatedPerformer - Korey Riker, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - The Illadelph Horns, Horn Arranger, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Keyboards, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Davey Faragher, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Levita, Electric Guitar, Nylon-String Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Drums, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Matt Cappy, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Babko, Hammond B3, AssociatedPerformer - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pete Wallace, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Dav Julca, Acoustic Guitar, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Hugo Bendana, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Nylon-String Guitar, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - David Campbell, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Buckley, Unknown, Other - Steve Richards, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Charlie Bisharat, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pete Thomas, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Davey Faragher, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mario De Leon, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - David Levita, Electric Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Audrey Solomon, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Jeanie Lim, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Joel Pargman, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Songa Lee, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Paula Hochhalter, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pete Wallace, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Dav Julca, Acoustic Guitar, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sara Devine, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Programmer, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pete Thomas, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Davey Faragher, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Levita, Electric Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Matt Cappy, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Babko, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dav Julca, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Bradshaw, Trombone, AssociatedPerformer - Korey Riker, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - The Illadelph Horns, Horn Arranger, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Nylon-String Guitar, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Lee Levin, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Bushnell, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Levita, Acoustic Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Babko, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dav Julca, Recording Arranger, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Co-Producer, Programmer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Programmer, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - David Campbell, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Richards, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Charlie Bisharat, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Rafa Sardina, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Davey Faragher, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Mario De Leon, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - David Levita, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Audrey Solomon, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Jeanie Lim, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Joel Pargman, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Songa Lee, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Paula Hochhalter, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Jeff Babko, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Acoustic Guitar, Programmer, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pete Thomas, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Davey Faragher, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Levita, Electric Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Matt Cappy, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Arturo Sandoval, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Jeff Babko, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dav Julca, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sara Devine, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Bradshaw, Trombone, AssociatedPerformer - Korey Riker, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - The Illadelph Horns, Horn Arranger, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Bass Guitar, Programmer, Nylon-String Guitar, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Lulo Pérez, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Lee Levin, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Miguel Ramirez, Conga, AssociatedPerformer - Sal Cuevas, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Levita, Electric Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Arturo Sandoval, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Jeff Babko, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Yasmil Jesus Marrufo, Maracas, AssociatedPerformer - Dav Julca, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chabuco, Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Belen Zeta, Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Programmer, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Lee Levin, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Davey Faragher, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dave Levita, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Babko, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Dav Julca, Acoustic Guitar, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sara Devine, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Acoustic Guitar, Programmer, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Juan Luis Guerra, Vocalist, FeaturedArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Pete Thomas, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Davey Faragher, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Levita, Electric Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Babko, Accordion, AssociatedPerformer - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pete Wallace, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Dav Julca, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Lee Levin, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Jose Luis Ortega Castro, Guitarron, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Rafa Sardina, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Levita, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Babko, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jorge Jimenez Baca, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Francisco Garcia, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pepe Carlos, Accordion, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Garnelo Mariachi Ensemble, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Alejandro Hugo Bendana, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Programmer, Background Vocalist, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Lee Levin, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Rafa Sardina, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Davey Faragher, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Levita, Electric Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Matt Cappy, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pete Wallace, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Dav Julca, Acoustic Guitar, Recording Arranger, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Bradshaw, Trombone, AssociatedPerformer - Alexander Sanchez, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Korey Riker, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - The Illadelph Horns, Horn Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Natasha Jeanne, Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Manuela Sanchez Michel, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - The Zabala Kids, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - The Hunt Kids, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Lucia Vásquez, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Ana Michavila, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Sebastian Krys, Producer, Recording Engineer, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alejandro Sanz, Producer, Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - David Campbell, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Armando Avila, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Richards, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Charlie Bisharat, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Pete Thomas, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Davey Faragher, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Juan Carlos Moguel, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mario De Leon, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Audrey Solomon, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Jeanie Lim, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Joel Pargman, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Songa Lee, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Paula Hochhalter, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Levita, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Andres Torres, Recording Engineer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Matt Cappy, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Pepe Ortega, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Dekora , Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Babko, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Rouble Kapoor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Reyes, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Andy Ford, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alberto J. Rodríguez, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Bradshaw, Trombone, AssociatedPerformer - Korey Riker, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - The Illadelph Horns, Horn Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Irene Diaz, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
Album review
Decades into his career, Alejandro Sanz has experimented with such a dizzying array of styles it's difficult to keep track of them. That said, his musical restlessness knows no bounds on Sirope. Over 13 tracks he delves into pop and folk traditions, stitching everything from funk and cumbia to rock, soul, and reggae -- and of course flamenco -- into sonic landscapes governed by his passionate Andalusian voice. His skill as a songwriter and arranger is balanced by his keen ear as a producer. Sanz demoed and charted everything in his home studio, bringing in co-producer Sebastián Krys (who mixed 2012's La Música No Se Toca) when it was time to begin recording. Despite modern production, the set has a very analog sound. Everything from loops to strings were recorded and engineered with warmth and immediacy. No matter what else appears in this mix, acoustic guitars are as present as his voice. First single "Un Zombie a la Intemperie" is understandably a ballad -- it's the man's trademark, after all. But as he weaves together a lithe, romantic melody, it takes on cinematic scope because of its smart instrumentation. Nylon-string guitars and piano are adorned with dramatic strings, well-placed, subtle loops and ambient effects, shuffling snares, and a bumping bassline. "Un Zombie a la Intemperie" is in marked contrast with the steamy opener "A Mí No Me Importa," which weds reggae and cumbia with funky electric piano, horn vamps, dubwise bass, soaring souled-out female backing vocals, and a spiny electric guitar break. "Pero Tú" uses phrases from "Pachelbel's Canon" in a frame of jazzy pop, modern soul, and Andalusian folk. One can hear traces of Wilson Pickett, Don Covay, and Julius Cheeks in the gritty, funky gospel rock of "La Guarida del Calor," with great breaks by drummer Pete Thomas and rumbling bass by Davey Faragher. That wild, unhinged gospel-infused R&B gets rubbed against hard-grooving nuevo flamenco on "Tú la Necesitas." "Todo Huela a Ti" is a breezy pop/rocker, with a shimmering beat and soul guitars. "La Vida Que Respira" is a breathtaking innovation on modern flamenco. Illustrated with tough loops and layers of acoustic and electric guitars, the bridge breaks with the form as a multi-voice chorus, strings, and an electric piano -- playing Afro-Latin montunos -- swoop in from the margins. "Suena la Pelota" is a glorious, uplifting duet with Juan Luis Guerra. It's an uplifting paean to self-forgiveness and acceptance. It's followed by the amazing midtempo ballad "A Que No Me Dejas," whose mariachi horn break is priceless. Initially, Sirope might be jarring for some listeners. Though polished, it contains no sheen. It is not a common exercise in pop fusion, but the vision of an artist who understands the roots of every style and tradition he employs. With Sirope, Sanz takes his fans further out onto his ledge than ever and rewards them abundantly for the journey. While refusing to compromise, he has -- again -- expanded Latin pop's reach.
© Thom Jurek /TiVo
About the album
- 1 disc(s) - 13 track(s)
- Total length: 00:58:44
- Main artists: Alejandro Sanz
- Composer: Alejandro Sanz
- Label: Universal Music Spain S.L.
- Genre: World
© 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L. ℗ 2015 Universal Music Spain, S.L.
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