Luna Kafé e-zine  Luna Kafé record review
coverpic flag Spain - Luna Kafé - Full Moon 3 - 01/23/97

Miguel Bosé
Laberinto
Warner Music

What can you say of an artist born to the famous Spanish actress mother Lucia Bosé and the legendary bullfighter Luis Miguel Dominquin, who had none other than Pablo Picasso as his godfather, and house guests who included Hemingway and Visconti? What can you say of an artist who, with a career that spans 20 years has established himself as an icon in Spanish culture, by succeeding not only as an accomplished songwriter and musician, but as a successful actor as well? What can you say of a man who in addition to all of these talents also speaks five languages fluently, has recorded in as many, and is schooled in classical dance? You can say that there is only one man who fits this description, and his name is Miguel Bosé. On Laberinto, Bosé's latest release on Warner Music, he again proves that his artistry has no limits, and his talents are incomparable.

Following his earlier success with Linda, Miguel Bosé, Chicas, Miguel, Mas Alla and Made In Spain (which was released with cover artwork by Andy Warhol), in 1986 Salamandra was released as Bosé's first effort in a long term contract with Warner Music, beginning a new era for his music. A year later he released XXX, which was followed by Los Chicos No Lloran (1990) and then Directo 90 (1991) which was recorded live in Barcelona and gave a retrospective of his most loved singles including Los Chicos No Lloran, Bandido,Nena and Sevilla.

It is hard to follow the success of Bajo El Signo de Cain, Bosé's effort released immediately prior to Laberinto, which was released in Italian and English as well as Spanish, in various markets around the world. Containing several hit singles, including Imaginaté, Sol Forastero, and the title track Bajo El Signo de Cain, the album was an international smash hit, and sold millions of copies worldwide. An international tour followed the album, and then it was back to the studio again, to begin production on Laberinto, which is the second title in an eventual trilogy begun by Bajo El Signo de Cain.

Laberinto is a continuation of the spiritual journey Bosé embarked upon with Bajo El Signo De Cain. From the first sensual beats of Agua Clara to the closing sensual beats of Sequia, Bosé delivers an album that will entrance you. His haunting rhythms draw you in, and the sequencing of the tracks is perfect, as is his usual style. The album contains ballads, uptempo numbers and catchy sing a long tunes such as La Auto Radio Canta, which has already been released as a single and Te Buscare. The album also includes the driving Tesoro (Pudo Ser Tu Nombre...), which has an irresistible rhythm and the sultry and romantic No Encuentro Un Momento Pa' Olvidar, Ay and Un Dia Despues La Historia Sigue Igual. Corazon Tocao, offers practical remedies for broken hearts and Azul de Louie features Vicente Amigo on Spanish guitar.

Produced by Ross Cullum (Enya, Howard Jones, Paul McCartney) and Sandy McLelland, Laberinto was also released in Italian and French and is selling millions worldwide. Bosé is an icon in Spanish culture, and it is difficult to compare him to anyone as his career has been distinguished and incomparable. The accomplished lineup of participants on Laberinto includes Chris Hughes (producer of Tears For Fears) Andy Ross (Immaculate Fools) Simon Jeffries (Penguin Orchestra Café ) and Vicente Amigo.

With the release of Laberinto, Bosé continues to deliver what his long term fans are used to, an album which is enjoyable each and every time it is listened to, and a journey into the soul of an exciting artist who is constantly offering his fans the best of the best. If you are unfamiliar with the work of Miguel Bosé, you are missing out. Begin with Laberinto, and become one of the millions who eagerly await the release of each new album from this unique artist and songwriter.

Copyright © 1997 Allison Winkler e-mail address

© 2011 Luna Kafé