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Un Dia Normal

by Juanes

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Colombian singer-songwriter Juanes's second solo album is many things: poetic, lyrical, heartfelt, and intelligent. Ordinary, however, would not be among the list of adjectives. The humble title, Un Dia Normal, is more a description of the album's overall themes. It's a slicker and catchier collection than Juanes's politically minded 2000 album Fijate Bien, which earned seven Latin Grammy nominations and tons of critical attention. Un Dia Normal finds the former member of rock outfit Ekhymosis contemplating an array of inner emotions--primarily life, love, and loss--all anchored by Gustavo Santaolalla's tight, precise production work. "La Unica" is a sweet and tuneful love letter, while "Mala Gente" finds Juanes damning a cruel lover to hell--literally. "A Dios le Pido" is an intoxicating swirl of cumbia, reggae, and folk rhythms, but it's the bittersweet duet "Fotografia" that truly soars. Juanes's unassuming vocal style is the perfect complement to Canadian songbird Nelly Furtado's lilting soprano, creating a shining moment among an already impressive collection of gems. --Joey Guerra