Un Dia Normal
Colombian singer-songwriter Juanes's second solo album is many things:  poetic, lyrical, heartfelt, and intelligent. Ordinary, however, would not be  among the list of adjectives. The humble title,Un Dia Normal, is more a  description of the album's overall themes. It's a slicker and catchier  collection than Juanes's politically minded 2000 albumFijate Bien, which earned  seven Latin Grammy nominations and tons of critical attention.Un Dia  Normalfinds the former member of rock outfit Ekhymosis contemplating an  array of inner emotions--primarily life, love, and loss--all anchored by Gustavo  Santaolalla's tight, precise production work. "La Unica" is a sweet and tuneful  love letter, while "Mala Gente" finds Juanes damning a cruel lover to  hell--literally. "A Dios le Pido" is an intoxicating swirl ofcumbia,  reggae, and folk rhythms, but it's the bittersweet duet "Fotografia" that truly  soars. Juanes's unassuming vocal style is the perfect complement to Canadian  songbirdNelly Furtado's  lilting soprano, creating a shining moment among an already impressive  collection of gems.--Joey Guerra