By José Gandue @Gandour Archive photos by Francisca Valenzuela
Previously, the line between what we called "alternative" and what was considered "mainstream" was a wide avenue, very difficult to cross, and once crossed, there was no going back. Not only were the interests very different, but the groups formed on each side also had very different, even opposing, ideologies and ways of operating. Enemies in the music business? Yes, definitely. Well, that division has been fading, and although many see multinational companies sitting back and licking the devil's boots (include me in that group), especially because of their past full of corruption and deceit, The music has become more dynamic.
We have seen how the new generations responsible for the business worldwide have understood that the public is much more intelligent and interesting than their predecessors ever suspected, and that what was once "too strange", "exotic", "extremely complicated for the consumer", Today it has a massive audience, in which it is necessary to invest, since it is willing to consume what is offered as long as it is not disrespected or labeled as uninformed or ignorant. Of course, these international companies will always have repetitive figures in their catalogs, like puppets performing obvious tasks like selling bouillon cubes, but their ranks of employees have seen the rise of brave individuals who have convinced management that the world is broader than they've always imagined, and these managers have gradually given them more freedom to experiment. That's why we now see refreshing examples like the Chilean one in the windows of these giant corporations. Francisca Valenzuela And, frankly, we're glad, especially when We see that the quality of her material preserves the essence that characterizes the artist, without their creative intentions being influenced by the old rules of investors from other decades.
Francisca Valenzuela launches The Fortress, This is his first album in six years, although lately he's been taking advantage of digital platforms to release various tracks that have received significant airplay among fans. First of all: It's clearly a pop album. Yes, POP, let's say it like that, without fear. But all the material is made with all the freedom and good taste that we could expect from this brilliant music, who knows how to make songs that are immediately pleasing without the need for hackneyed tools or vulgar formulas. Look, we're not going to say that this album explores the most daring paths or the most avant-garde corners of the market, but what Valenzuela does is sincere, seductive, and unwavering, and that, right off the bat, is something to celebrate. Her thing is taking elements from different current trends and combining them to give them her own unique character. In several songs, we recognize pieces from hip hop, reggaeton, and other urban genres, alongside elements of electropop and indie rock., But the blender that has combined all these ingredients has brought happy outcomes.
The highlights can be seen in the various promotional singles: Floating It's a calm, evocative, immersive theme. Take me It's fun, lively, and (sorry Francisca) daring enough to conjure up fascinating images in the minds of those who have fallen platonically in love with the singer. But the best moment is heard during the four minutes it lasts At the end of the world, a splendid composition that pays homage to his country, standing out for the intensity of his singing and the brilliant piano playing of Claudio Parra, keyboardist of the group Los Jaivas since its formation. If the album, up to this point, is a happy journey, reaching this tune is the summit that the entire production deserves.
In short, here we have fourteen tracks that can be enjoyed again and again, if they are approached without prejudice or labels, and rather with the desire to enjoy good compositions. While they don't drastically break the mold of traditional sound mixes, they do convince the listener in their final presentation. This, we'll say without hesitation, It's a good album.
