Fijate Bien
Just try and classify the eclectic, often-electric sound ofFijate  Bien, the debut solo album from Colombian singer-songwriter Juanes (formerly  of the rock groupEkhymosis). Every track  mixes and matches genres, careening between--among other things--rock, salsa,  and vallenato (traditional Colombian folk music). It's not surprising, given  that Latin Grammy nominee Juanes listsMetallica, Jimi Hendrix,  Eminem,Vicente  Fernández, and Soda Stereo as musical influences. Songs such as "Ahi  le Va" and "Nada" ride straightforward rhythms, while "Podemos Hacernos Dano"  and "Ficcion" frolic amid the sounds of past and present. There's a lot going on  here, both musically and lyrically. Producer Gustavo Santaolalla, who helmed the  even more diverseAmores Perrossoundtrack,  keeps Juanes's exceptional work tight and focused, resulting in one of the  year's most refreshing examples of a real Latin explosion.--Joey Guerra