Adentro is a punch to the heart - honest, intense, sensitive, emotional. Its beautiful and poetic lyrics are complimented with magnificent melodies, and further complimented with perfect orchestrations. Each song feels heartfelt - true. Ricardo Arjona's artistic integrity is evident throughout the album, which has an organic yet sophisticated feel.
Before Adentro, I had never bought an album by Arjona. I am now a fan.
Each song is a gem, but the gems among the gems are:
Para Bien o Para Mal - Listening to this song makes you feel like you are seeing your whole life in front of you, ready to move on - while you take some time to quickly scan the history of your love relationship for the last time. You feel the resignation and lack of hope regarding the past along with a huge and unavoidable melancholy. But you also feel the healing relief of getting out of something that was irreparable. The song ends with a relieved "For better or for worst - it's over". An undisputed masterpiece.
Ping�inos en la Cama - Tori Amos or Nacho Cano (with Ana Torroja) could have easily written or sung the "piano version" of this song. The song has a very "Jackie's Strength" feel, but is completely original in melody and lyric. I cannot decide which version I like best. The more acoustic version is amazing with soubtle New Order-like guitars, mixed with other more Spanish guitars, as well as keyboards and ingenious stings. Bothe versions are great. Very true and "right-on" regarding what mature relationships sometimes go through, and the potentially devastating, irrational, and paranoid jealousy that can come between two individuals. I don't think this common issue has ever been expressed more eloquently or originally. Arjona just has such a way to write, that for example in this song, you feel the love, the anger, the tediousness, the longing, the irony ---- all at once. Amazing!
Mojado - A song with so much substance it will no doubt become a classic. I can see someone like Chavela Vargas or Juan Gabriel singing it in the future. The song's production and arrangement has just the right influence and blend of Tango, Flamenco, Tejano, and Pop. The melody is perfect. It's incredible!
Acompaname a Estar Solo - One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Deep, mature, hopeful, yet humble. So true to life and those times when we need to be introspective and take some time to be alone, in order to be able to face the future in a renewed and more positive way. The melody and arrangement are grandiose. Listen carefully and you will see that the song has an intricate pace that gives it an almost waltz-rock-pop feel.
Pa'Que - An outstanding melody with a piercingly sad lyric that effortlessly puts you in the shoes of a man who has lost his love. You instantly feel the longing and emptiness, and can almost feel the house and the world tumbling down on you, as if you were who the song was about. Heartbreaking. If you listen to the bare melody of the song (especially the chorus - not just the piano part), you will realize it is very much like a Chopin piece. Incredibly beautiful!
NOTE: Don't be put off if you are not into serious, slower songs. There are quite a few happy songs that rock in Adentro. I just love the more melancholic ones.
A brilliant album!
