by wildangels

Back in the late 90s, Tejano music has just lost one of it's biggest stars: Selena. A then 12-year-old Jennifer Pena, who was a fan of the Singer, sent a condolence tape to the Quintanillas. Selena's father was impressed with Jennifer's rendition of one of Selena's songs, so he invited her to perform at a tribute concert.

Later that year, Jennifer release her first CD, Dulzura (Sweetness) to much success. She was often compared to the late Tejano legend both for her voice and her songs. Several CDs later, she left the Quintanillas and EMI Latin to pursue a new deal with Universal. It's been a great move. Every CD she's done has gotten better than the last, but the Univision recordings are a step up. Especially the latest, Dicen Que El Tiempo. It's latin pop at it's best with a bit of a rock and roll edge. She also adds in a couple songs that are more reminiscent of her early Tenjano-style work. Here are a few of my favorite tracks...

1) "Ladron (Theif)".  The song has a very pop/rock sound to it, but it begins with a trumpet solo that gets your attention immediately. Basically, the lyrics talk about a guy who is no good, someone who always has a sceme up his sleeve. She's telling him to get lost. Her vocals are sassy and confident and it's a favorite to sing along to.

2) "Pero Que Necesidad (But That Necessity)". It's sometimes hard to translate stuff, but that is the gist of the title. It's basically about the difficulty of facing being without someone you love. Jennifer recorded this with her husband, Obie Bermudez. It's an uptempo song with lost of energy that has a bit of a soul sound. They deliver the lyrics with a passion that fits the content perfectly.

3) "Soy Asi (The Teqilla Song)". Basically, the title is saying this is what I am. It talks about her  family and friends as well as the area she grew up in. It's a very energetic number that has a very pop sound mixed with a little bit of jazzy parts. It's also one of those anthem songs you can't help but belt out when it comes on.

4) "Tus Besos (Your Kisses)" This song is probably the closest you will get to her early work. It's very accordian driven, particularly in the chours and it's just fun. She takes on a bit of a harder sound with her vocals during some of it, almost growling.

With the exception of two of the tracks, Jennifer wrote all the songs with Obie and couple of other writers. On a personal note, I can't help but enjoy and sometimes put on "Baby's 15 Seconds". In this track, Jennifer tells her puppy that she is going to let her have her 15 seconds of fame. Then, you hear a small dog yipping and howling. I had a puppy that passed awhile back and the first time I ever played that around her, she ran into the room, looking around with her ears all perked up. She was going crazy trying to figure out where that sound came from! It still cracks me up and makes me smile when I think about it.

Well, that's all for now. Until we meet again, take care and "let the music play!"

by wildangels

So, the annual Grammy Award Nominees have been announced. Here are a few categories I’m excited about and my thoughts on them...

Record of the Year: Beyonce, "Irreplaceable"; Foo Fighters, "The Pretender"; Rihanna, "Umbrella"; Justin Timberlake, "What Goes Around... Comes Around"; Amy Winehouse, "Rehab". If you read some of my other posts, you know how I feel about the Beyonce song. While "Umbrella" and "What Goes Around..." are kinda catchy, I have to give the edge to Amy. I love the old 60s sound of "Rehab"... I just wish the song was not so depressing at this point.

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: Christina Aguilera, "Candyman"; Feist, "1234"; Fergie, "Big Girls Don’t Cry"; Nelly Furtado, "Say it Right"; Amy Winehouse, "Rehab". I really want either Fergie or Christina to get this one. The retro sound of "Candyman" was just fun and how do you deny that voice? I kinda give the edge to Fergie just because this is the first song she released from The Dutchess where her vocals were able to shine. All the other tracks were pretty much rapping.

Best Latin Pop Album: Papito, "Miguel Bosé & Varios Artistas"; Jorge Drexler "12 Segundos De Oscuridad"; Luis Miguel, "Navidades Luis Miguel"; Jennifer Pena, "Dicen Que El Tiempo", Alejandro Sanz, "El Tren De Los Momentos". There is only one winner in this category for me: Jennifer Pena. Dicen was the best CD she has released so far and showed so much growth as an artist. I’ll post some thoughts on it another time.

In other grammy news, Kelly Clarkson was almost totally shut out. Her only nomination was in the Country collaboration category for "Because of You". Not liking the song’s chances. Check my Country blog for more on that category.

Metallica is also up for some Grammy love this year. They’re nominated under the Instrumental Rock category. I always loved "Enter Sandman", but I didn’t get more into listening to them until recently. My boyfriend’s a huge fan and has been introducing me to more of their material and I’m loving it, so hopefully they can pull off a win.

Another favorite of mine up for some Grammy Awards: Bon Jovi. They’re nominated for CD Lost Highway . Oh, and let’s not forget the nom for "(You Want To) Make a Memory" in the Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals category.

Finally, there’s Christina. Besides the nod for "Candyman", she’s also up for best pop collaboration for her duet with Tony Bennet. It’s called "Stepping Out". Too bad Back to Basics didn’t get a nod. That was a great Pop Music CD.