Review Summary: Musically, their best record to date.
Mexican electronica group Belanova jumped to fame with their first LP, Cocktail, in 2003.
When Cocktail came out in 2003, the electro-pop scene in Mexico was deserted. Apart from Telefunka and Moenia, there were not many groups that explored this genre, let alone a bubblegum approach to electronica. However, this is not as bubblegum-ish as its successor, Dulce Beat. Back in its day it was a huge hit. Let's get cracking.
1. Barco de Papel
The opening track is excellent. As soon as we think we are into some sort of Depeche Mode kind of thing, we hear the bass line. Groovy and complex, this defines the early Belanova sound and gives us a taste of what's coming on the following tracks. 4/5
2. Aún As�* Te Vas
The first of the strong tracks in the record. We listen again the bass line more than the electronic samples, at least for a while. The lyrics here make much more sense, as the song is clearly about a breakup. This is a perfect balance between good music and nice lyrics, maybe it's one of their best. 5/5
3. What a Shame
An experiment singing in English. It's not bad at all, I must say. Of course, the lyrics are not perfect (again, they're random) but there's a nice feel to the track, as it's electronic but it's not noisy. It continues the mellow mode that was set on the previous track. Nice for chilling out. 4/5.
4. Fragilidad
This song gives the feeling that something is about to burst out, but it never does. The calm mode carries on but it's sometimes upsetting (also, the lyrics about returning to hell certainly contribute to this fact). 3/5
5. Tranquilo
Another mellow song, full of small details (such as Denisse's voice and neat arrangements). Not completely bad, but it's not too different from the rest. 2/5
6. Y
Even though it's yet another mellow song, the careful bass lines and nice sampling return. The lyrics aren't brilliant but the performance by Denisse lifts the whole song. Melancholic, and also full with arrangements and tempo changes. Nice. 3/5
7. Apaga la Luz
This song is maybe the weakest of the album. Nothing really separates it from other tracks. A little happier, true, but nothing spectacular. 2/5.
8. Tus Ojos
The first single, was the first big hit from the group. Originally it wasn't too popular, but radio stations began to pick it up and give it airplay. As I said before, the lack of electronic groups was the main reason why Belanova caught on. Maybe here we can listen Denisse's vocal abilities at their best, at least for the record being. Let's not forget the bass, that was fundamental in this record and remained during the following. 5/5
9. Suele Pasar
A modest song, with a nice chorus. The bass is fundamental in this song, even more than in any other. One of the best songs, either by lyrics (they're straightforward but a bit coy) or the musical arrangements. The best part comes when Denisse sings “alto, me lastimas” which is “stop, you're hurting me”. Being a sexual innuendo or not, it's brilliant. 5/5
10. Arena
A nice song to finish the record. Groovy, with the right amount of percussions, and some nice finishing touches by Denisse. The song lasts for seven minutes, not quite finishing at all, just fading out. A fine song. 3/5
Overall a nice record. Certainly, Dulce Beat has better songs, but the sound is a bit more commercial and there we have only slightly good lyrics (most of them are random, to say the least). This album was relevant because it was pure. Dulce Beat was the beginning of their transformation into the spearhead of bubblegum pop, sometimes getting way too close to J-Pop. But that will be reviewed another time. The best conclusion would be that it's a nice album, perfect to listen on a friday evening, such as this one.
