Calle 13 - Entren los Que Quieran Review

y putting an illustration of a bomb on the cover of its latest album, "Entren los Que Quieran," and appearing as terrorists disguised as nuns in a violent video for first single "Calma Pueblo," Calle 13 simultaneously exceeded and parodied its reputation as provocateur. The explosive single opens the set and finds magnetic vocalist Rene Perez challenging his critics and vilifying the music industry while justifying his own commercial success. Accompanied by the Mars Volta's Omar Rodriguez and iconic Argentine rock drummer Fernando Samalea, Calle 13 seems determined to cast aside the reggaetón label that has dogged the group since its brilliant 2005 debut. But the rhythm returns on "Baile de Los Pobres," a certain dancefloor anthem. The lush, folkloric ballad "Latinoamerica" features singers Susana Baca (from Peru), Toto La Momposina (Colombia) and Maria Rita (Brazil) in a lament for the region. Most affecting is "La Bala," a dry account of a violent society hauntingly tinged with Morricone-esque guitars. On tracks like these, Calle 13's fierce brand of first-person social commentary and all-terrain rebellion transmits as honest and even brave, even if Perez's defensive swagger can become tiresome. "Preparame La Cena," an endearing pop tune with hit potential, proves that even revolutionaries want to hear their songs on the radio....full text Plenty of hubbub - everything from comedy to controversy - follows the Puerto Rican hip-hop duo Calle 13. Their penchant for high jinks notwithstanding, the stepbrothers have consistently given voice to an underlying ethic of resistance, one that's never been quite as vociferous as it is on their fourth and latest album, "Entren Los Que Quieran."

In "Calma Pueblo," lead vocalist/MC Rene Perez Joglar (a.k.a. Residente) takes aim at everyone from the pope and the White House to Sony Music, the group's record label. Rock-rap beats and freaky electric guitar shore up the invective, the latter courtesy of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez of the Mars Volta. Resolutely global in scope, the expansive village that Residente describes is anything but quiet.


Updating the eerie atmospherics of spaghetti western soundtracks, "La Bala" (Spanish for bullet) paints bloody scenes evocative of drug wars and military coups - and of the violence-steeped prose of Cormac McCarthy. In the head-bobbing "Digo Lo Que Pienso," Residente boasts that he always speaks his mind, regardless of the ill effects that such defiance might have on the group's popularity.

Crafting the beats is Residente's stepbrother, Eduardo Jose Cabra Martinez (a.k.a. Visitante), whose music is as globally conscious as the band's message. Bollywood and reggaeton, for example, converge on the libidinous "Baile de los Pobres." Indigenous Latin American wind and percussion instruments add mystical overtones to "La Vuelta al Mundo," even as ska and other rhythms drive "Vamo a Portarnos Mal," their exuberance - and revolutionary fervor - making Calle 13 sound like Puerto Rico's answer to the immigrant punk collective Gogol Bordello....full text Truth is, this album is worth every cent in your pocket.
Simple. as. that.
The Puerto Rican urbano duo, Calle 13, have once more used their wit, charisma, talent, indirect and direct vulgarity and fine rhymes to their advantage. I mean, what more can we expect after 5 years and 4 albums later. It´s their specialty.

Entren los que quieren is Calle 13`s fourth studio album and with it comes a side of Calle 13 which we are used to but for some reason, never seen before. It begins with a 3-minute intro, with a sarcastic message and very much mocking a cheesy dating game introduction.

Calma Pueblo is the first single from the album, whose direct lyrics of anger, disillusion, and desire of personal liberty caused many controversy and not to mention the video that goes with it; a parade of nude men and women running the streets of Puerto Rico.

Calle 13 took the extra step to experiment new rhythms like old ska, merengue, and Asian inspired melodies. For example, Latinoamerica is trova with much heart felt beats consisting of andino instruments like the `caja` . Calle 13 is joined by three talented women who specialize in colombian folk (Toto la Momposina), afroperuvian (Susana Baca), and brazilian (Maria Rita) music, which gives this track it´s final touch of power and dignity.

La Vuelta al Mundo and Muerte en Hawaii are the cursi ones in the album. Both songs are a bit more mellow compared to the ´in your face´ attitude that Calle 13 tends to have. In essence, both tracks are like taking a tour around the world. The melodies in La Vuelta al Mundo has me floating in a pond of cherry blossom flowers in Japan and the serenating of the ukulele in Muerte en Hawaii has me swaying in my coconut bra and grass skirt somewhere in Hawaii. Nonetheless, THESE lyrics are a unique and innovative way to send a message to that special someone....full text