Vicente Fernandez, "Para Siempre" (Norte/Sony BMG)
To outsiders, it may be puzzling that the man many see as the epitome of Mexican machismo dons colorful, formfitting suits embroidered with flowers, and is posed gazing contemplatively at a single rose.
But this is indeed the voice of Mexico. And there should be no mistaking it - you don't mess around with Vicente Fernandez.
The power is his voice and his rich, iconic ability to express the pain and joy found in the complexities and delicacies of love. The ability to laugh at and embrace the suffering of life is a characteristic admired in Mexico as true strength. And there are few who can do it as well as Fernandez when he lets out his "grito" — he shout heard in mariachi vocals.
On "Para Siempre," the legend's 79th album, Fernandez interprets the lyrics of Mexico's "poet of the people," Joan Sebastian. Most of the 12 songs here center on the theme of love in its various forms — lost, betrayed, unrequited, reborn, passionate, everlasting.
Though Fernandez has recorded the ranchera form for more than four decades, he remains fresh and modern on this album thanks to an understated accompaniment from the traditional combination of horns and strings. The production is subtle and classic. The rhythms are varied, from the melancholy walk on the opening "La Derrota (The Defeat)," to the waltz tempo of "Los Cazahuates (The Morning Glories)," and the outright country styling on the road-tripping "El Chofer (The Driver)," in which Fernandez lightheartedly honors long-haul truck drivers.
Certainly there is a long history of recordings from which Fernandez's fans can choose. But this is definitely an important addition.
CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: "Para Siempre," the title track, opens with an exquisitely delicate classical guitar ahead of Fernandez's softened tenor, which spreads out expertly as he asks his love to forget the past: "A great love has great worth, when forgiveness has made it grow."
