Catalog by Jennette McGeever

B A D B U N N Y

J B A L V I N

Corazón By: Jennette McGeever

I vividly recall the very first time I heard Spanish music. I was twelve years old getting off of an American Airlines flight with my Mom in one hand and my Dad in the other, the warm tropical breeze felt refreshingly wonderful as I had just hours before trudged through the rigid snow and ice of December in Boston.

The Mexican airport was stunningly open to the air with palm trees swaying in the wind, the chaos and confusion of the outdoor terminal mixed with music I had never heard before instinctively had me holding on tight to the trusted hands that led me through a crowded maze of turmoil and mayhem. The completely foreign sights and sounds were overwhelming to me. Somehow after several endless lines of customs and official paper checking we managed to find our way out to the taxis. The taxis lined up in long rows along the curbside with drivers standing by open car doors luring in the lost looking, shell shocked, sweaty lines of tourists fighting with stuffed to the brim luggage. Like carnival barkers they all called in rich Mexican accents “Come to me Señor to enjoy the very best taxi ride in all of Mexico.” Looking more than beat, my 1

Once inside the vehicle the air conditioner turned up full blast and actively blew back the dark slick hair of the middle aged heavy set driver who introduced himself to us as José. José immediately stowed our luggage in the trunk and sped off. In broken english he asked if we liked music? My Dad replied “Yes we love music” and that was all that he needed to say, my Dad quickly realized he had made a mistake in saying it. José explained that “Música is most importante to the Mexican people.” He then turned up the radio volume full tilt and began to sing along in spanish, though Jose knew all the words he sang; at lightning speed; his tone and overall vocal range and abilities were not nearly as good as he stock car racing techniques.

Fast forward a few tough years followed by my parents difficult divorce. My Mom surprised me with a trip to Mexico as a Christmas gift when I was fifteen. I was apprehensive about it because I had very strong memories of my first trip to Mexico when I was younger and not sure if I could put those aside and enjoy our much needed time away from it all. I was not about to let my Mom down so I set my mind to having a wonderful time. As we landed and entered the airport again the music and chaos struck me. Yet again another hair raising, hand squeezing, silent prayer ride in one of Mexico’s “best taxis” complete with spanish music blaring the entire time. Fortunately for us this time our driver admittedly professed his love of his country’s música, but confessed he could not sing, and thankfully never once tried. He did however play a mean set of drums with both hands on the dash and steering wheel, again a very loud, very long harrowing ride to our hotel.

Reggaetón is a relatively newer form of spanish music. The genre is often described as a combination of rap, hip hop, reggae and singing. The specific type of beat that Reggaetón has is called “Dem Bow.” The word Reggaetón was formed from the word reggae plus the suffix -tón.

“ Music Fills The Air In Mexico”

Music fills the air in Mexico, with each returning trip, I believe the last count was six times. I have found that music is as much a part of this country’s heart as it’s palm trees, tacos, tequila and sunsets. From the most traditional Mariachi to today’s Reggaetón; music lies deep within the souls of the Mexican people. Somehow unconsciously the background music of my vacations had taken a hold of my heart as well. I found with each returning trip home from a vacation the music would linger within me and most especially within the past several years. I found myself listening to this genre of music while painting, chilled out in a sunny lounge chair or lost in the long gaze of the Atlantic ocean from the bow of our family boat. 7

As I began to really listen to this new music I soon discovered within this genre of Spanish music there are sub genres. Cumbia, Mariachi, Banda, Reggaeton, Latin pop just to name a few. I also realized that while I listened I was improving on my understanding of the language and culture. Listening to this type of music inspired me to learn more Spanish words and I set my sights on a goal to become fluent in this expressive language. I have gone on to learn Spanish through learning apps then on-

line tutoring and I can proudly say I have a basic fluid conversational skill level that I am still im I truly love all genres of Spanish music. I love the way the music can transport my mind to a warm tropical place, I love how it can inspire me and be an uplifting movator to my mood, especially on cold winter days! 9

fiis new sound then traveled over to Puerto Rico. Reggaetón gained popularity among Puerto Rico’s urban youth during the 1990’s. Puerto Rican artists added hip hop inffuences to the spanish reggae which then formed Reggaetón. fie word Reggaetón was flrst used in 1994 on the album Playero 36, by artists DJ Playero and Daddy Yankee.

“ A combination of rap, hip hop, reggae & singing.” Daddy Yankee is from Puerto Rico and is often referred to as the King of Reggaetón . He has influenced many within the Reggaetón genre and has been a big influence of the breakthrough of Reggaetón into Western music.

I chose to create my box album set on Reggaetón because the music is very expressive and has a very unique, rhythmic sound. The music is energetic, very fast paced, and can oftentimes be very challenging to understand for non native speakers. I have found that throughout the 2 years I have been listening to Reggaetón it has become easier for me to understand faster paced songs and lyrics. This may be because I have listened to the artists and the music forces me to really listen and immerse myself completely in its complexities. The songs that I have chosen to put in the box set reflect the mood I want to create for each album. I have tried to select songs that are popular but not over played so there is a sense of discovery not boredom. I also wanted to create different levels of intensity and create a different experience with each album for the listener. The Fiesta album is very high intensity, while the Amor album places emphasis on feelings and reflection and the Acústico album is very relaxing and tranquil. 15

The fiesta album is great to dance to; upbeat, fun. Some of the tracks are collaborations between multiple artists. I especially like “Muevelo” by Nicky Jam and Daddy Yankee. This song was released this year. I remember hearing this song for the first time while I was shopping in a store in Cancun Mexico last January, each time I hear it I immediately recall that memory.

The Amor album is much more heartfelt and strikes a chord toward the romantic aspect of Reggaetón. All of the songs speak to an old love lost or a new love found. Some speak of forgiveness, the refusal of giving up on relationships or how love can make you feel. The song Perdiendo la Cabeza by Becky G, Carlos Rivera and Pedro Capo is about the feelings of anxiety loving someone can

cause. “ Siento que he perdido la cabeza” which in english translates to “ I feel like I am losing my mind.” The following lyric “ Mira cómo está gritando mi corazón” means “look how my heart is screaming.” Many of the songs on this album rely more heavily on the words than the beat of the music. Spanish is a romance language, I thought it was very important to have an album that highlights the romantic nature of the Spanish language.

“ Siento que he

PERDIENDO LA CABEZA.” 18

“ I feel like i’m

LOSING MY MIND.” 19

The Acústico album provides a mellow melodic background for gatherings. Sech, Reik, Sebastian Yatra, and Ozuna are just some of the artists included on this album. Collectively this album is a nice assortment of songs that allow your mind to endlessly wander with. I like to play this type of music while I paint because I find it relaxing and it helps my mind focus on my work. One song on this album that I think is especially important right now and one that makes me feel better is by Reik entitled Lo Mejor Ya Va a Venir the English translation is The Best Is Yet To Come. The song starts with the lyrics “Si de repente la tristeza, Ya no te deja sonreír, cierra los ojos sólo piensa , que lo mejor ya está por venir.” These lyrics translate to “ If sadness no longer lets you smile, close your eyes, just think the best is yet to come.”

“ Lo Mejor Ya Va a Venir” 20

“The Best Is Yet To Come”

I believe this box set collection would be good for those who already love Reggaetón, but I also feel like it would be great for a new listener. One thing that I have learned throughout my exploration of Spanish music is how powerful music is and that the love of music has no race, ethnicity or language barriers or borders. When I listen to Reggaetón though I am thousands of miles away from where Reggaetón is played in taxis, streets and stores “Reggaeton es en mi corazón.”

Reggaetón

Song List

1. Muévelo ( Nicky Jam, Daddy Yankee) 2. Relación-Remix ( Sech, Daddy Yankee, J Balvin,Rosalía, Farruko) 3. No Me Conoce- Remix ( Jhay Cortez, J Balvin, Rosalía, Farruko) 4. Reggaeton (J Balvin ) 5. X ( Nicky Jam, J Balvin) 6. Baila Baila Baila-Remix ( Ozuna, Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Farruko, Anuel AA) 7. El Efecto ( Rauw Alejandro, Chencho Corleone, KEVVO, Bryant Myers, Lyanno, Dalex) 8. Yo Perreo Sola (Bad Bunny) 9. Mayores ( Becky G , Bad Bunny) 10. Dura ( Daddy Yankee, Natti Natasha, Becky G, Bad Bunny) 11. Don Don ( Daddy Yankee, Anuel AA, Kendo Kaponi) 12. China ( Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, KAROL G, Ozuna, J Balvin) 13. Gasolina ( Daddy Yankee) 14. Soltera - Remix ( Lunay, Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny) 15. Si Supieras ( Daddy Yankee, Wisin & Yandel)

Reggaetón

Song List

Me Rehúso ( Danny Ocean)

No Hay Nadie Más ( Sebastian Yatra)

Perdiendo la Cabeza ( Carlos Rivera , Becky G, Pedro Capó)

Locura ( Cali Y El Dandee, Sebastian Yatra )

TBT ( Sebastian Yatra, Rauw Alejandro, Manuel Turizo)

Favorito ( Camilo)

ADMV ( Maluma)

Si Tú La Ves (Nicky Jam, Wisin)

El Perdón (Nicky Jam, Enrique Iglesias)

10. Como ( Kim Viera, Daddy Yankee) 11. Bonita ( Juanes, Sebastian Yatra) 12. Andas En Mi Cabeza ( Chino & Nacho , Daddy Yankee) 13. Si Me Dices Que Sí ( Reik, Farruko, Camilo) 14. Por Primera Vez ( Camilo, Evaluna Montaner) 15. Borracho ( Cali Y El Dandee, Reik)

Reggaetón

Song List

1. Hola- Acústico En Vivo ( Dalex) 2. Ya Me Enteré ( Reik) 3. Otro Trago-Acústico En Vivo ( Sech) 4. Calma ( Pedro Capó ) 5. Atrévete ( Nicky Jam, Sech) 6. Pero Te Conocí ( Reik) 7. Quisieras( Nicky Jam, Rauw Alejandro) 8. Perdóname (Mau Y Ricky) 9. Si Te Vas (Sech) 10. Lo Mejor Ya Va a Venir (Reik) 11. Me Niego ( Reik, Ozuna, Wisini) 12. ¿Qué ha Pasao’? (Abraham Mateo, Sofia Reyes) 13. Oye ( TINI , Sebastian Yatra) 14. + ( Aitana , Cali y El Dandee) 15. Cristina ( Sebastian Yatra)