In this new series, I am assigned a new album to listen to and provide my first impressions on a monthly basis. Follow me on Instagram @sophievssophie.
LOVE AT FRIST SYMPHONY
Rosalía blessed us late last year with her sublime sophomore album titled El mal querer, one which was lauded by critics and adored by fans beyond her home in Spain.
The Catalonian native singer’s second studio album co-produced with El Guincho is the true definition of artistic perfection. The attention to detail in the execution of every track, from the melodic harmonies, the sorrowful strings, the array of arpeggios and… I just have never heard anything so beautiful in my life. As an English native speaker you may question why I have chosen to review a Spanish album, my A in GCSE Spanish has not brought me this far. However, Rosalía’s ability to transcend music and culture comes in the form of a truly mesmerising project. She embodies the beauty of her heritage and culture through a seasonal blend of flamenco, Arabic (influenced) and R&B.
The biggest surprise arrived on track no.7 “BAGDAD.” I sat there listening to this familiar tune in a foreign language and a rearranged composition and there it was; a sample of Justin Timberlake’s (2002) record “Cry Me A River”, I can truly vouch that this entire album left me crying tears that could form an actual river. It was just one of many memorable moments on this phenomenal album.
So there you have it, a beautifully orchestrated and arranged project that transcends language and culture with such artistry. Please listen to Rosalía’s phenomenal sophomore album El mal querer below via Spotify.
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