Ever since their 2002 debut album “Bajofondo Tango Club”, this Gustavo Santaolalla project turned heads their way by fusing modern rhythms with Argentinean music- mainly tango and milonga. And while they were compared to Gotan Project, with their sophomore album “Mar Dulce”, Bajofondo not only proves to be more than a one-trick pony, but also makes a name for themselves, making comparisons with Gotan Project and others a thing of the past.

There are several differences between Bajofondo’s first and second album. Since the album took several years to be put together, the final product is a high-quality and well-produced album. Bajofondo rid themselves of the much feared “sophomore” slump by delivering one hell of an album.

One thing that marks a difference in “Mar Dulce” is the amount of guest artists and the high caliber and talent of such. The featured artists include Santullo, Elvis Costello, Gustavo Cerati, Julieta Venegas, la Mala Rodriguez, Nelly Furtado, to name a few.

There is no doubt you’ll enjoy this album from beginning to end. It’s energetic, it’s sensual, it’s sensual, it’s aggressive, extremely passionate, and at times soft and tender.

“Grand Guignol” serves as a great opener and sets the tone for the rest of the album. The collaborations are superb filled with great voices. Kudos to Santullo for the raw emotion evoked in “Ya No Duele”; not to mention la Mala Rodriguez- if you don’t care much for her, after listening to her in “El Andén” you will become obsessed with her.

Definitely the standout track is “Pa’ Bailar”, a collaboration with Mexican sensation Julieta Venegas… it’s literally the perfect song pa’ bailar.

Must [legally] download songs: Grand Guignol, Ya No Duele, El Mareo, El Andén, Zitarrosa, Pa’ Bailar, No Pregunto Cuantos Son.