Overview
" Mas Canciones" is the seventeenth studio album released by famous American singer Linda Ronstadt. The album was revealed in 1991, and it marked an extension of her exploration of conventional Mexican music, which she began with her 1987 album "Canciones de Mi Padre". As the title "Mas Canciones" or "More Songs" suggests, this record works as a follow-up to its predecessor and keeps a comparable collection of familiar Mexican tunes. "Mas Canciones" got critical praise and was well-received by the public, primarily for its genuine, genuine take on traditional Mexican tune designs.
Background and Production
Linda Ronstadt, understood for her adaptability in music categories, reaffirmed her Mexican-American heritage with "Mas Canciones". She was at first motivated to check out conventional Mexican music after her dad's unforeseen death in 1988, who would typically sing these tunes in the house during her youth. As a homage to her father, Gilbert Ronstadt, and her roots, she chose to continue a series of albums commemorating the Mexican folklore.
" Mas Canciones" was produced by George Massenburg and set up by Rubén Fuentes, a popular songwriter and manufacturer in the Mexican music industry. Fuentes' compositions and work with the well-known Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán contributed substantially to the album's genuine noise and success. The album includes stellar artists like Pedro Rivera, Rubén Fuentes' Symphony Orchestra, Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Los Tres Panchos, Emmanuel Laskar, and Rafa Rosas.
Design, Content, and Tracklist
" Mas Canciones" showcases a range of Mexican music categories, including boleros, rancheras, huapangos, and corridos. Ronstadt's passionate and powerful voice shines through tunes, bringing a psychological depth to the extensive lyrics. The album's arrangements include traditional Mexican instrumentation, like the guitars, guitarrón, vihuela, and trumpets, as well as contemporary instrumentation such as strings and woodwinds.
The album opens with "Tata Dios", a sincere prayer to God for security and assistance. "El Camino" follows, exploring life's fleeting nature and the belief in a better future after death. In the heart-wrenching waltz, "Mentira Salome", Linda sings about betrayal and deception from a loved one. The album showcases Ronstadt's charming analysis of the timeless bolero song "La Cigarra", which compares a vocalist's voice to a cicada's wail, signifying completion of the rainy season. Another highlight is the corrido "El Crucifijo de Piedra", a terrible tale of unrequited love, where Linda's voice catches the essence of the category while giving it a distinctive quality.
The tracklist contains the following tunes:
1. Tata Dios
2. El Camino
3. Mentira Salome
4. La Mariquita
5. Pajarillo Barranqueño
6. El Toro Relajo
7. El Crucifijo de Piedra
8. La Cigarra
9. Tú Solo Tú
10. Corrido de Cananea
11. Paloma Negra
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Mas Canciones" received favorable evaluations from both critics and fans, praising Ronstadt's powerful vocals, as well as the album's credibility and psychological impact. The album was chosen for the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album, reflecting the record's quality and cultural significance.
"Mas Canciones" marks an essential part of Linda Ronstadt's career, assisting to present standard Mexican music to broader, more diverse audiences while renewing her connection to her roots. In addition, it has had a lasting impact on other Mexican-American artists who continue to accept and honor their heritage through music.
Artist: Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt, born July 15, 1946 in Tucson, Arizona. Journey through her chart-topping career and inspiring activism.
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