MANA
Revolucion de Amor (Warner Music Mexico)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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I first discovered Mexico's Mana poolside a couple of years ago in Mazatlan, on the Pacific Coast, on their 1999 release Unplugged. Unplugged has sold 3 million copies, and Revolucion de Amor is the band's first studio release in five years. For me, Mana's music continues to transcend the language barrier, but perhaps more importantly, Mana has been a gateway to a new world of musica Latina. Their newest CD has all the passion and first class musicianship that have earned this Guadalajara-based band four Grammys.

"Mariposa traicionera" has a traditional Mexican lilt, while "Justicia, Tierra y Libertad" calls for a more just society as it invokes Mexican historical figures Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata. Carlos Santana, a frequent Mana guest, sits in on this opening cut, and Reuben Blades sings and plays on "Sabanas Frias."

While I appreciate Mana's message songs, "Nada Que Peder" is a straightahead rocker in the style of early Bruce Springsteen. I'm slowly learning Spanish, and have enjoyed expanding my musical horizons southward to our Southern neighbor. Discoveries like Mana are truly muy bueno.

Track List:

Justicia, Tierra y Libertad * Ay, Doctor * Sabanas frias * Pobre Juan * ?Por Que Te Vas? * Mariposa traicionero * Sin tu carino * Eres mi religion * No voy a ser tu esclave * Angel de amor * Nada Que Peder

© 2002 - Eric Steiner