Jorge Drexler is probably most recognized for his 2004 Academy Award for "Al otro lado del rio" (from the film The Motorcycle Diaries). The Uruguayan singer/songwriter has been captivating multitudes for more than ten years. Now he brings us "Amar la Trama", his most recent production.
Amar la Trama is an album that if I had the time, I would write about every song, but considering there are obstacles consuming my time, I find myself forced to hand pick a couple of tracks. Mind you, this is the first album that I have reviewed at Fabrika that literally had me at hello.
Drexler's new production was recorded in four days before an audience and the company of a diverse band. Amara la Trama is composed of twelve beautifully crafted tracks that deal with fated encounters, global wanderings, experiences, and universal wonderings. The melodies range from Uruguayan folk, jazz, bossa nova, pop, and at times feature rhythms found at a carnival; just the perfect combination to make him stand out from the rest of the singer/songwriters.
"Toque de Queda" is one of my hand picked favorites, just in case you did not know, toque de queda means curfew. it is accompanied by actress Leonor Watling who is also the mother of his son. The melody is droopy and slow but nonetheless very elegant.
"Noctiluca" is dedicated to his son. It is a sweet lullaby that uses the imagery of the phosphoresence ocean to express Drexler's happiest moment.
Jorge takes it up a notch in "I don't worry about a thing", not only do I imply that because it is the only english song on the album, but because the beats are a bit more giddy and if I may admit, cheesy. It sort of takes me into cruise mode with my summer hat and pina colada in hand. On the contrary, it is one of my favorites because the lyrics are logical and genuine.
If there has to be one song that attracts me the most, it would have to be "Mundo Abisal". Everything from the alternating loungy beat to Drexler's sensual voice to the comparison of the profound ocean with the inferior world of humans.
I could go on and on showering fabrikators with nothing else but positive feedback on this album. Honestly, Amar la Trama speaks for itself and since I mentioned I liked ALL the songs, I leave you with another one of my favorites.
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