Te Extraño – Desolo (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

Dave Franklin

7 years ago

Desolo07 People say that music is a universal language, it might seem like a cliche but the fact that I can write about Desolo, an artist who sings in Spanish as well as English, proves that this must at least be in part true. His latest release, Te Extraño, is a perfect example of this. Whilst direct communication is lost on me due to the language barrier, there is something wonderfully melodic, soulful and infectious about his delivery, I guess when you lose the lyrical component you can start appreciating the voice as just another instrument, rather than merely something to sing along to.

The song itself is a neat slice of contemporary pop, understated, accessible and both right on the money for today’s charts and offering something different from the plagiaristic R&B divas who have come to dominate the market these days. But he is much more than a one-trick, or one sound artist. Digital World is a pulsing dance floor groover, #MeToo unleashes an incendiary rap tirade and Mia Mia is the funkiest party tune you will have heard in a long time, a blend of latin vibes and cutting edge clubland swagger.

I like artists who explore, musicians who aim for a broad education, singers who don’t limit themselves to just one style and Desolo is the master of disguise and change. Whether rapping out street anthems in English or delivering cool dance numbers in Spanish, he is certainly one emerging artist to keep a close eye on.