Artist: Chavela Vargas Album: Somos

Year: 2004
Duration: 0:0-1

A Deep Dive into Chavela Vargas' Album Somos

Chavela Vargas, the Mexican singer-songwriter, has been a significant figure in the world of music since she first emerged in the mid-twentieth century. She was known for her raw and emotional approach to music, often speaking to the struggles and pains of human life. In 2012, Vargas released her final album, Somos – a compilation of newly recorded and previously unreleased songs. In this blog post, we will review Somos, exploring its genre, best songs, most innovative parts, and ultimately, our critique of the album.

Somos, as an album, is a unique blend of traditional Mexican music and Vargas' distinct style. The genre of the album is ranchera, a style of Mexican music characterized by strong vocals, accompanied by a guitar, violin, and trumpet. The songs within the album explore themes of love, heartbreak, and loss, among others.

One of the standout tracks on the album is Piensa En Mí. This song is an excellent representation of Vargas' raw and emotional approach to music. She sings with soulful intensity, her voice rising and falling with the music, expressing the emotions of the lyrics. Another notable track is Macorina, a song with playful and lighthearted energy, different from the album's overall mood. The song features playful guitar and trumpet melodies that complement Vargas' voice perfectly.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the inclusion of previously unreleased tracks. These songs give listeners a glimpse of a younger Vargas, as they were recorded during the early stages of her career. La Llorona, for instance, is a traditional Mexican song that Vargas had recorded when she was in her early thirties. The track showcases Vargas' early talent, her voice so full of emotion and passion that it almost overwhelms the listener.

Overall, our critique of the album is positive. The blending of traditional Mexican music with Vargas' unique flavor is impressive. Her emotive style is timeless and has aged well. On the other hand, the album's only downside is that it lacks variety. The heavy emotions presented in each track may become overwhelming for some listeners, making the album less accessible to casual listeners.

In conclusion, Chavela Vargas' Somos is an album that stands out in its genre. The combination of traditional Mexican music and Vargas' distinct style creates an emotionally powerful listening experience. Despite being more suited for a particular audience, those who love the ranchera genre and appreciate Vargas' music will find a timeless collection of tracks to enjoy within this album. Ultimately, Somos is a fitting finale to the late singer's career, cementing her position as one of the most significant figures in Latin music history.