Monica Giraldo Reflective in “Que Venga La Vida”

Colombian singer-songwriter Monica Giraldo released a reflective folksy album in “Que Venga La Vida”. Perhaps a contemporary retro-concept of what artists like Alberto Cortez and Joan Manuel Serrat did in the 1970’s.

I was pleasantly surprised by Monica’s album as it is an album that walks away from the beaten path of love ballads. Instead, Monica Giraldo uses her guitar and original lyrics to help us reflect on life’s little things, that can mean so much.

Although this is Monica’s 5th album (really 4th as the 1st was mostly sang by her dad), I admit this is the 1st one I listened. I shouldn’t be so surprised by how good the album is, as Monica Giraldo was nominated for a Latin Grammy for “Best New Artist” in 2008.

The title “Que Venga la Vida” couldn’t be a better one. For the album, Monica Giraldo brought a small group of musicians that include Diego Valdes (bass), Juan Sebastian Caicedo (drums), Mauricio Pantoja (Ukelele & guitars), Alejandro Gomezcaceres (Armonica & guitars), Juan Jose Peña (keyboards), and Urian Sarmiento (percussion).

Special invited guests include Totó La Momposina, a legend in Colombian folk music.

Thoughtful Songs with Melodic Folk-pop

The music in “Que Venga la Vida” is led by Monica’s guitar, touching on the folk side of pop without being afraid of using electronics to enhance the sound. The result is an original creative album that its enjoyable to listen.

I enjoyed most of the songs in the album, and a couple of my favorite ones happen to be the ones she co-wrote with co-producer Diego Amorocho; “Dulce Boca”, and “Para Volver a Bailar”.

I enjoyed the tribute song to Totó La Momposina titled “Así Lo Canto Yo”, in which the legendary Colombian singer/dancer participates in the vocals. As you would expect, this song is the most folk-influenced song of the album, in which some traditional Colombian percussion was added for the right musical touch for Totó.

Other Opportunities for “Que Venga la Vida”

As I reflect on my experience listening to “Que Venga la Vida”, I can only think of one other opportunity this album had to be even better than what it is.

As a music fan, I found myself lost in the lyrical philosophy of a couple of songs, where I just lost track of the message. “Molinos de Viento” was one of those songs. Perhaps these are songs that one day they click on your mind, and all of a sudden you understand what it’s all about.

As I compared earlier Monica’s style of lyrics to that of artists like Cortez and Serrat, I must add that she is less poetic than these legends of Latin music. Alberto and Joan Manuel not only were poetic, but could get the philosophical message across clearly in their songs, which perhaps is part of what made them so great! Easier said than done! I think Monica, although not at that level yet, is on the right track!

“Que Venga la Vida” is a Soul Refresher

I find that “Que Venga a la Vida” is a soul-refreshing album, as the songs are not about the over-commercialized love themes, but rather about the other things in life as well. Love, as a life experience, is intertwined in the songs, but it’s not just about it. Monica Giraldo puts love as an experience that is part of our entire life experience.

I enjoyed listening to “Que Venga la Vida”, and will go back and check the rest of Monica Giraldo’s previous recordings. I found the music refreshing as she uses a bit of pop with a mixture of acoustic and electronica elements that serve as a great background to the life reflective messages she writes about.

Video of Monica Giraldo’s “Tal Vez”

Enjoy this song, which is the first cut of “Que Venga la Vida”, and the album title is embeded in the song, so listen for it.