Jorge Diaz

It's very nice to hear groups like BTS, for me, they represent what many of us dreamed decades ago, those of us who once tried to make our way in the music industry of our country always had the dream to succeed not just locally but also beyond our borders, both in the countries that shared our language and, why not, in countries where they spoke a language different from ours. I think that for a long time that was only possible for English-speaking artists. The formulas used by those who created and produced music in that language, in addition to the commercialization of popular music trends such as Pop, Rock, Disco, and Soul (to mention the most popular), universalized the dissemination of their music. When generating such a massive success of the music that came mainly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, the industry grew so much that it was very difficult to give access to other things that were not the ones that guaranteed success. It is normal among orthodox businessmen not to experiment and only concentrate on what has already proven to be effective when it comes to producing money. In some cases, countries learned the formula and replicated it by adapting it to their culture and, of course, to their language. In different countries, there were also very successful artists at the local level but, for the reasons that I have mentioned and some other inconveniences, real jewels of music were limited to be known only in their countries or in the countries that shared the language, in the best of cases. The big showcase of the popular music industry was reserved for English-speaking singers. Of course, many of those who had global successes in the English language, also underwent a lot of work and pressure, including some were not happy with the direction that large companies imposed on their careers, for the same reason, I'm not implying that they had it easy just because of singing in English, but at least I think they were closer than others on the platform that could throw them into stardom. Of course, throughout the history of popular music, there have been exceptions and several artists from different latitudes, cultures, and languages have managed to place great successes worldwide, but that only confirms the rule. Fortunately, we are living in other times in which the work of artists as diverse as our planet can be shown and disseminated widely and demonstrate to those who run the industry that it is worth investing in them without fear because they know how to do things equal to or better than those who have traditionally been doing it for decades. This is the case of BTS, a Korean boy band that has come not only to break down language barriers, but also the paradigms of the music industry.

In the year of 2002, I came across an album called Songs About Jane the name of the band: Maroon 5, to be honest, it caught my attention for several reasons, it was an album that featured outstanding performances by all members of the band, a singer with a voice not very versatile but original, and interesting topics with details that did not necessarily intend to comply with the commercial rules. Before pleasing everyone, Maroon 5 wanted to please himself. That is the key for a group to stand out, first of all, to satisfy their own needs and feel happy with the result of their effort embodied in the album, the rest will come later. At that time, I thought that the future of the band would be the production of songs with higher quality, that their evolution would be great and that of course, the commercial success would also be part of their reward. I imagined (as I imagine now) that all musicians who struggle with all their might during their adolescence and youth to reach a place in the public's taste, dream that, at the moment when money enters their pockets, the opportunities for refining and for perfecting their style by playing one or several instruments, as well as singing, will open up and you will not lose a single opportunity to grow musically and artistically. Having the time and economic tranquility to listen to more music, take classes within their discipline, expand the repertoire of instruments, gain knowledge to improve the sound you are looking for and relate to innovative recording techniques is pure gold. Enriching yourself individually increases the value of the band. There are great examples of this, and the truth is a reason to give a wide recognition to all those musicians who capture their evolution and love of music, and to their band in each new album they deliver. Of course, every star of Pop and Rock, as well as other musical styles, also looks forward to the moment of success and the arrival of money, for parties and girls, is part of the dream of every young person who wants to make a career in music, but it's not everything. There are those who also dream of social activism and the performance of other artistic expressions and I believe that everything is valid. What I think is reprehensible, is to let the future reach you and you can not show anything better than what you did at the beginning or, worse, show a clear setback in your quality as an artist and make it clear that the only thing that mattered was the commercial success. It's disappointing when you see something like that. I think that is the case with Maroon 5.

Yes, I know that many will say that I am sick, but it is the truth. The movie A Hard Day's Night is rubbish and, what's wrong with this? absolutely nothing, also the geniuses make mistakes some would say, and it is true. When such great success is achieved, and people around the world demand to see you and listen to you at all times, people often make mistakes or do things quickly and without thinking. There was not much to ask for to the Fab Four since they were musicians and not actors. They could have hired the best directors in the world at that time, but with a story (?) Like the one they wrote to make them appear on the big screen for the first time (with the sole purpose of satisfying the hunger of their fans) could not achieve something better than what is seen. At least, the fans had what they wanted: a reason to see their heroes for more than an hour and in giant size, but yes, enjoying the best they had written to that moment. Having said that, let's leave the comments about the film and go to the important thing: the songs from the album that bears the same name. It was 1964 and things had gotten out of control, The Beatles members confessed later that they could not believe it and, I wonder if, when they pretended international fame, they had an idea of what they would be able to conquer. I do not think so, even George Harrison once said that they were just a pretext that people took to go crazy. I guess he had some reason, this is how the masses are and, even more so in times when humanity goes through generalized depressions, there are few reasons to be happy, and if it is something as unusual, as it was back then the folk music from the quartet from Liverpool, people exploded in euphoria. No one is to blame, it's just that all the elements were put together to generate the perfect storm. Imagine some guys in their twenties who love the music of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Little Richard among others, who intend to learn to play some instruments and compose songs to imitate them and, suddenly, find themselves with the fact that they are better composers, they are better interpreting and playing the same instruments as them, and that moreover, people love them. In those years they were not yet aware of the phenomenon they would create and that still today has great defenders.

Witness, the latest Katy Perry's album confirms the route that will continue for a long time. In many cases, when a formula works, both artists and companies do not bother to change. I think that in this case, it is not a mistake because I cannot find a place where Katy Perry could go with her abilities and the trajectory we know of her. It is also true that when you try radically change, the attempts can become a resounding failure and we do not want that for a singer who has won the hearts of millions around the world with her naturalness and sympathy. I believe that both her charisma and the correct handling of the image by her team is what has allowed not only to remain in the taste of many but also to forgive the fact that she remains in her style without risking little more. We all need a bit of lightness during the week. A job well done like the one that presents us on this album, with the correct dose of music with which you can move and smile, is enough to thank. Millions in the world were expecting something like that from her and have been rewarded one hundred percent. She is a good example of the artist who is faithful to the audience that has made her a beloved star and, I do not think she has any reason to change, while her fans reward her with their love, buying records and tickets for her concerts. Personally, I have always preferred more elaborate music, with a content that compromises more, when it comes to reflecting on what the artist proposes in her lyrics, however, I am surprised when more superficial things seduce me, and this is the case of everything that Katy Perry has delivered since the beginning of her career. It's what we commonly call a guilty pleasure. And I'm not ashamed to say that every time I know that this singer has released something new I'm happy, I cannot wait to listen to her and, I must say, watch the videos she created for her new songs. Like many others, the key to the artist's success is the complete package: music and video. Some controversy so that no one forgets about her is another element that we can add to the formula and, it's fine, it's part of the times we live. The album takes us to the places that Katy Perry has always taken us and we love them. The sense of humor is present in almost all songs, there are more emotional moments than others and that funny childhood style that she does not abandon, makes us all complicit in happiness that even makes us feel stupid at times, but it does not matter. As always, I give a very special place to everything that this singer does, because I can get a bit of that feigned seriousness to which life forces you. Let's listen, then, Witness, by Katy Perry.

Love in the Future (Deluxe Edition) by John Legend, will definitely be an album that will go down in history. There are too many elements with this selection of musical jewels that would need several days to talk about all of them. Navigating through all the themes and getting to all the places where Captain John wants to take you is exciting. It is like a trip to the past but with many details that give you the certainty that you are listening to the music of the present and maybe because of that, it is setting the course towards the future. From the most classical instruments of Jazz and Soul to the most modern instruments and effects used in modern R & B, the Synthpop and the New Wave give form to this work of 2013 and determines the style of a singer determined to give quality to everything that it does. An album that fulfills in many of its themes with commercial standards to reach a broad audience, but also includes fairly well-made songs and musical experiments that not everyone dares to include in their albums today because of the fear of not to conquer the taste of the less refined public but who are great buyers of records. It is truly a battle for the brave, but, above all, for the smart. Being determined to deliver a bunch of songs with this manufacture, having the support of the record label and being sure of the success you will get is not easy. This gives me plenty of reasons to reflect on the situation that has prevailed in other music markets for decades. This is the case in my country, Mexico. One of the biggest criticisms I can make to the music industry in my country (which, in most cases, are the same companies that do other things in the United States and the United Kingdom) is the denial to open up the doors to musicians and composers of great quality but that do not always adhere to the commercial canons. The reason is absurd since companies have always given the pretext that without sales or with few sales, there is no contract and diffusion. The case of John Legend and many others in the history of American and British music, quality, manufacturing, and experimentation, are not fought with sales. To achieve that a public elevates its standards for the taste towards more refined music, it is necessary to begin to give them good music, to be persistent and in some way, to educate the big buyers of discs so that they can appreciate other things and do not be afraid of approaching a higher quality disc. But if for decades the Mexican public has been given only basic music in every way and without worrying about quality, that moment will never come. I am not saying that there is no quality and portentous artists in terms of composition and interpretation in my country, but the sad thing is that they lack the diffusion and support of the big record companies in order to start giving something of more quality to our audience. That's why I think that those of us who are always looking the other way to find things that are worthwhile and to continue loving music, we must treasure the album Love in the Future by John Legend, this is the sign that with will and quality It can reach large audiences without risking dignity.

I would like to start at the beginning, but I cannot, this album takes me from one side to the other without finding a slight difference in terms of the quality with which each song is made, I would like to start with something a little weaker and finish with the strongest, but it is not possible. Regardless of the beat, he uses in the songs, they are all very strong and full of joy and positivism. There is no way to criticize any major flaw or say that something is done with the idea of selling records and nothing else. I only hear honesty and a high level of quality in all of them. The treatment that they gave to the sound of all the tracks is exquisite and receiving it on your ears makes your body feel alive again, those little details of some instrument that is behind almost all of them and suddenly it surprises you with some figure that breaks the monotony. The success of not repeating each topic speaks of the surprising and inexhaustible source of creativity that this young singer and composer has to give us, it is only a question of we embrace him and not letting him go so that he continues to give all these beautiful moments. Yes, of course, you already know because you've experienced the same thing as me, it's about Khalid and his delicious record, Free Spirit. I love when I listen to high-level artists, you can identify a lot of influences, but at the same time they have such a particular stamp that makes them unique and when they are just in their first years of career, you can already assure that they will be stars that will never light off. I love it when I listen to high-level artists, you can identify a lot of influences, but at the same time have such a particular seal that makes them unique and when they are just in their first years of career, and you can assure that they will be stars That will never be extinguished. Free Spirit elevates the spirit of the listener, it's that simple, it does not matter if you're a Khalid fan or you just get introduced to his music, it does not matter if your tastes are far from the artist's style, it does not even matter if you speak or not the same language as him, because music is a universal language and if you do not understand everything that the lyrics say, sometimes it is not important, there will be time for you to translate them into your language. When listening to this selection of songs, you will be trapped in an atmosphere of pleasant music and well done, and when you finish with the album, you will leave renewed. I cannot believe how much Khalid has to make us feel good through his songs. You may want to dance or be on a comfortable sofa, or you can have a good cup of coffee while you listen to it, or accompany you with a glass of wine. This goes with everything, no matter the day or time. Recommendation: if you live in a big city, Free Spirit will help you that the hours in traffic, sometimes violent and ruthless, is a walk through the clouds. Just make sure to raise the windows of your car, put an adequate volume, sit well in the seat and gently take the wheel, the rest, leave it to Khalid, he will know how to free your spirit. Now that, if you live in a small town by the sea, things will get better.

Jessica Ellen Cornish, better known as Jessie J, is a singer who has been given worldwide recognition, millions follow her on social networks and fill the places where she performs. The popularity lists of many countries have placed her in the first places because the response of the public to some of her themes has been incredible. After all that I just wrote I still think one thing: with Jessie J, has not been done justice like the great performer and composer she is. I think the way she positioned herself before the big public around the world, was mainly with the song "Bang, Bang", in which she was accompanied by Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj and very possibly that was the mistake. Why? Because although the song represented an enormous projection for the singer, an impressive record of sales and a positioning of her image that gives envy, the song does not stop being frivolous and trivial. It is a subject in which nobody can be taken seriously no matter how good her interpretation is and no matter how big the artists that surround her are in the making of the album and the video. In fact and said this with all due respect, I do not think that a singer with the vocal quality and the impressive ability to handle as many genres as Jessie J is, it suits her to do a duet with Nicki Minaj; I'm sorry, but that's what I believe and I think from the point of view of the immense distance between artist and artist in terms of quality to interpret, beauty of the voice and styles they handle. Even being next to Ariana Grande could be seen as a great endorsement, but as I said before, that song is not worth it and that is the impression she leaves for many who saw her for the first time, that of another singer and, finally that's what counts for many. Take her seriously is to know all her work, deepen all the influences she manages to sing and compose, appreciate the extensive knowledge and control she has over her own voice and, the great ability and great taste she has to choose the arrangements and music for all her themes, knows how to surround herself with good producers, musicians, choristers and arrangers to shape her creations. The best sample that she has given us of her greatness is the album, "R.O.S.E.", a selection of songs that fills us with the best R & B, Soul, Jazz, and even Latino. The meaning of the album in terms of its social and emotional content can be given better by who created it and the millions who have heard it, I am only here to share my taste for music and, well, Jessie J gives me plenty of reasons to adore everything she did on this record. "R.O.S.E." is a clear sign that when an artist sets out to achieve something outstanding, she can achieve it.

It is amazing how many things can be said of an artist who has such a short career, it is only a few years that they have passed and relatively few songs that she has published compared to the consecrated stars of the same genre and already captures the attention in many senses. What does this girl have? Is it really her undoubted capacity to sing the one that has made her sell all the locations of her tours? Is it the vision of DJ Mustard that has put her in everyone's eye? Is the great success of putting her to compose and sing with great figures on her debut album? Or is it the warrior spirit of a singer who does not surrender to adversity? We could say that it is all the above and end the text here, but it is very interesting to delve into each of the elements that have helped a star of these dimensions to emerge and that very soon will be placed among the greatest singers of R & B, for giving back to this musical genre a lot of what it has lost. That's what I like most about music, which I can investigate and go into the life of the artist to know in an integral way what surrounds his work. Because for me it is not only to appreciate what he did and how he did it but also to know why what happened has happened.

They waited 3 years to release a record. It was the period from 2014 to 2017, I suppose that many looked forward to it, I was one of them because in previous albums Linkin Park had filled all my expectations or almost all, however in One More Light they fell short. I'm not saying it's a bad record, but I think it will not be remembered as the best either. It's hard for me to say it because I'm really fond of the Californian band since its origins in the year 2000 when they released their first album Hybrid Theory. Returning to the record we are talking about, it is basically an album that, although it does not lose the style and spirit of Linkin Park, tries things like collaborations with other artists that make it lose its identity a bit. The lyrics are perhaps the most salvageable since they continue showing a lot of tact to touch sensitive topics for many. It is perhaps in the musical part where they did not do enough, and not because they are bad with their instruments or with their technique to compose, but because of the styles they approach. Certain songs sound more like a Boy Band than the rock they played in past years. I do not deny that they still have a great preference in the world public, for example, the popularity charts in the United States and other countries placed this album in the first places, making the commercial success of One More Light indisputable, although as musician and from my very particular point of view, I think the band could have given much more. The excessive use of synthesizers and the softness of many of the songs reaching to sound like a pop ballad takes them too far from their origins. Are there things to rescue? Of course, and we should not deny the quality with which the tracks have been recorded; however, leave things that hopefully can recover on the discs that are to come. The course they chose for this album was safe, risking little and ensuring the necessary sales to survive and continue creating songs and filling stadiums, but until then nothing more.