Colombian guitarist/songwriter/rocker/icon Juanes is bringing his guitar virtuosity and fiery love songs to The Criterion on Oct. 26, band in tow.
Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez was 28 when he debuted his first album as Juanes in 2000 with Fíjate Bien (Take a Good Look), which went on to win him his first three Latin Grammy Awards for Best New Artist, Best Rock Solo Vocal Album and Best Rock Song.
It wasn’t until 2002, though, that he found huge mainstream success with single “A Dios Le Pido” (“I Pray to God”) from his second album Un Día Normal (A Normal Day), which won him a consecutive Latin Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.
“A Dios Le Pido” is a dance track from the moment it starts. Fast guitar riffs climbing and cascading latin musical scales; a rock-and-roll rhythm section; and lyrics praying for peace and protection of family, lover and country create a fun mixture of emotions but are held together firmly by the insatiable need to dance.
Before setting off as a solo artist, Juanes was the guitarist for Ekhymosis, a Colombian heavy metal band he started at 17. Having found the end of his creative tank with the band, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a solo career shortly before debuting Fíjate Bien.
His time in Ekhymosis and discography reflect a desire to always keep it fresh. While a lot of Juanes’ music combines rock with several traditional latin rhythms like cumbia, merengue, tango, salsa and reggaeton, he comfortably transcends between them and mixes flavors together.
2017’s reggaeton beat “El Ratico” (“The Moment”) details the end of a temporary fling. Some may call it a situationship. Fellow Colombian superstar Kali Uchis provides harmonies throughout the track and sprinkles in a verse in Spanglish, providing a great contrast to Juanes’ cadence.
2013’s song “La Luz” (“The Light”), which describes partying all night long even if the lights go out, combines his well-known rock fusion with synthesizers you might expect to find on an EDM or techno record.
Juanes’ highest streaming credit comes from the remix of “1-800-273-8255,” a collaboration between Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid that calls to raise awareness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
His 2024 collaboration on “Pétalo de sal” (“Petal of salt”) with Colombian artist Chabuco is a rendition of a ballad by Argentinian musician Fito Páez. The song references hopeless love, loneliness and the struggle of romantic indifference in an urban city.
While Juanes might not play many or any songs with features, it’s not like he’s shorthanded on solo hits or incredibly talented musicians. The band’s September appearance on the NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert features 11 musicians, including a horn section, backup vocalists, a pianist, a guitarist, a drummer and a bongosero.
Juanes’ mastery of the guitar and his disposition to blend genres is interesting. If you like rock, you’ll probably enjoy this show. If you like to dance, you’ll enjoy this show.
This article appears in Bigger than basketball.