Review
Natanael Cano's "A Mis 20" is an album brimming with reflections and realizations, a pivotal contribution at a young age in his burgeoning career. At just 20, Cano finds himself weaving through the trials and tribulations that come hand-in-hand with super-fast fame. He lays down tracks like "Diamantes" and "Sin Ti" with a dose of introspection, revealing the tug-of-war between his modest roots and the dazzling, jewel-studded life he's now living. There's a touch of wistfulness in his words as he contemplates the transformation, both gains, and the losses he didn’t see coming.
Staying loyal to his corridos tumbados origins, Cano spins engaging yarns with tunes such as "Carlitos" and "Porte Exuberante," which also gives Óscar Maydon his time to shine. Here, Cano paints vivid and authentic snapshots of the intoxicating, perilous Mexican underworld. While the stories aren’t for the faint-hearted, they skip unnecessary frills, granting us access to the harsh yet intriguing truth lying within these adrenaline-filled narratives. It's this storytelling genius that threads throughout the entire album, offering listeners raw emotions and stories with razor-edge authenticity.
The album's contours are drawn by a talented team, including names like Jimmy Humilde, Edgard Rodriguez, and Amilkar Galaviz, who wrap Cano's potent lyrics and vocal prowess in cohesive production. On tracks like "En El Cielo o En El Infierno," Cano gets up close and personal, pouring out tributes to his late brother and serving both warnings and wisdom about the electrifying characters he narrates. As Cano serenades with his experience and maturity, we catch a vivid glimpse of his artistry. "A Mis 20" is more than a collection of bangers; it's Natanael Cano’s sonic autobiography, establishing his rightful place in the ever-evolving world of contemporary Latin music. - Cohen
