Welcome to the first edition of Guerra Musical (Musical War). The purpose of this blog is to gain a further understanding of what is being said in those catchy latin songs you enjoy dancing to. I’ll provide some insight into the songs, translate the lyrics and try to establish the feel the song is trying to convey…you’d be surprised how many latin songs sound completely different from their meaning. As an added bonus, the reviewed songs will be pitted against each other and judged on 3 criteria: 1) The sound of the song; 2) Danceability and; 3) how well the music expresses the lyrics (and vice-versa). Seeing as this is the first contest, feel free to comment on things you like, don’t like, want added, etc. Also, please suggest songs (and don’t just limit it to salsa, throw in some merengue, bachata and even reggaeton if you wish), after all, these blogs are written for your enjoyment. So, to kick off the blog let’s pick two songs from a couple of outstanding salsa groups: Colombia’s Grupo Niche and Puerto Rico’s PuertoRican Power.
The contenders:
1. Vamos a Ver (Jeringoza): Grupo Niche; album “Imaginacion” (2004). For a sample: http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Imaginacion:1922053444;_ylt=AtmTkTkhFs_HuFW.1qWSY3VUvQcF;_ylu=X3oDMTBzZTVhM3RqBF9zAzk1OTUxMTEzBGx0AzQEc2VjA2FydHByb2Q-
2. Tu Cariñito: PuertoRican Power; album “Men In Salsa” (1999). For a sample: http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1051178&cart=690701496
Vamos a Ver can be translated into ‘Let’s see.’ While not as well known as its competitor, this song attempts the same kind of feel. The mood is playful and light and the song is about a man telling his girlfriend to see what happens when her parents find out about their relationship. Let’s take a look at some of the lyrics (original spanish lyrics: http://www.rosariosalsa.com.ar/letras/niche/vamos_a_ver.htm).
Let’s see
What your mom says
When she finds out
That we love each other.
And let’s see
What your dad says.
He doesn’t let you go out
And that’s why we sneak around
Let’s see
If they can decipher
How we speak,
How we understand each other.
And let’s see
Who laughs at whom?
Let them criticize and talk
And see how much we laugh.
As you can see, the song is playful, kind of like a nice retort from a suitor that will never be accepted by his sweetheart’s parents. It is a medium paced salsa giving plenty of time for styling and execution of moves. The instrumentation is fun, opening with the brass leading into the swinging rhythm and lyrics. At times all music and lyrics stop, giving opportunity for emphatic accentuation. The tune is catchy, staying with you long after you’ve heard it. A later part of the song is filled with pure gibberish; an obvious nod to the “way they talk ” which her parents can’t decipher…a very nice arc in the lyrics.
Tu Cariñito means ‘your love.’ A lot of people will recognize this song, it is a favourite of Sharon’s when teaching the ‘pop’ as styling. As a matter of fact, it is its opening stretch that makes the song so addictive and unique. The gist of the song is simple, a guy looking for a lost love all over the world (original spanish lyrics: http://artists.letssingit.com/puertorican-power-lyrics-tu-carinito-lq71mpz).
I’m searching for you like a madman throughout the world.
And without you I can’t take another minute.
Someone come and tell me now
If you’ve seen her here, or seen her there.
Because I look, I look for her and I can’t find her.
I just want that moment to come
When I tell her that without her I just can’t live
Because I want you to return to me,
And that you give me your love, my love,
And that you fill me with kisses and more,
Because you are the girl that I love.
This is a great song because the music fits perfectly with the tone of the lyrics. It’s a light-hearted plea for a lost love. It is an ode to impending joy at finally finding her once again, and we all know how exuberant we can get at the anticipation of something we dearly want. The instrumentation is complex in its flow and challenges the dancer’s ear in its many beat changes. A dancer not on their game will find themselves off rhythm early and often in this song. However, it is that nuance and the playful tone that gives it a timeless sound typical of this orchestra. Like Vamos a Ver, this is also a mid tempo salsa which allows the dancer to express him/herself fully and gives enough time to ponder what to do next. The intro itself is enough to make this song a favourite for dancing.
Judging:
Sound of the song
I personally love these kinds of salsas. The tempo is perfect for dancing and the ebullience of the music makes them memorable and gets your feet moving wherever you may be. Having said that, the complexity of Tu Cariñito earns it a mark of 4.5 out of 5 compared to the 3.5 for Vamos a Ver.
Danceability
As explained before, Tu Cariñito is a more complex song to dance to because of the changes in beat. Vamos a Ver is consistent throughout and gives more shine opportunities. Both are enjoyable but for matters of ease, the vote goes in favour of Vamos a Ver, 4 to 3.5.
Musical and Lyrical sync
I love the syncing of music and lyrics in both these songs. The music goes perfectly with the lyrics and vice versa. This is the toughest category to call but I’m going to have to give it to Tu Cariñito by a hair, 4.5 to 5.
Verdict
Tu Cariñito 13; Vamos a Ver 12
Hope you all enjoyed this first entry…come back next time when two new songs go cabeza a cabeza. And don’t forget, contribute to the blog and be sure to make recommendations, suggestions and nominations.
Sigan Bailando,
Manuel
