Areíto (album)

Areíto is the sixth album by Juan Luis Guerra with his band 440, released in 1992. The album, meant to be a tribute to the indigenous tribes of the Dominican Republic, is named after a dance that the aboriginal inhabitants of the Greater Antilles (taínos) accompanied with songs during their festivals and religious rites. Guerra's songs continued to show a strong influence from African and Aboriginal music. Famous Congolese musician Diblo Dibala played guitar in the song "El Costo de la Vida", which was a Spanish cover of his own soukous song "Kimia Eve", while the last track on the album, "Naboria daca, mayanimacaná", is sung in Arawak, the language of the Taíno people. Areíto was originally set to be released on early April 1992,[4] was pushback to the end of October 1992[5] and was finally released on December 15, 1992.

Not to be confused with Areyto (EP).
Areíto
Studio album by
Juan Luis Guerra and 440
ReleasedDecember 15, 1992
Recorded1991–92
Studio440 Studio (New York, New York)
GenreMerengue, Bachata
Length46:19
LabelKaren Records
ProducerJuan Luis Guerra
Juan Luis Guerra chronology
Bachata Rosa
(1990)		 Areíto
(1992)		 Fogaraté
(1994)
Singles from Areíto
  1. "Frío Frío"
    Released: August 1991[1]
  2. "Señales de Humo"
    Released: September 1992
  3. "El Costo de la Vida"
    Released: December 1992
  4. "Coronita de Flores"
    Released: 1992
  5. "Mal de Amor"
    Released: 1993
  6. "Rompiendo Fuente"
    Released: 1993
  7. "Cuando Te Beso"
    Released: 1993
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[2]
Chicago Tribune[3]

According to Guerra himself, Areíto did not serve as a follow-up of Bachata Rosa. The album received universal acclaim from critics. It considered one of Juan Luis Guerra's most classic and important albums, along with Bachata Rosa (1990) and Ojala Que Llueva Cafe (1989). It was also his most introspective, as witnessed by the socio-political themes addressed in some songs. However, it faced some controversy due the strong social lyrics in some protest songs, and the music video of the album's third single, "El Costo de la Vida" was banned in several countries. The song album contains lyrics about poor conditions in many Latin American countries, the celebration of the 'discovery' of America and the double standards of first-world nations. Some critics' and detractors labeled this as anti-capitalist tendencies. Despite this El costo de la vida was his first number-one hit in the Hot Latin Tracks.[6]

Areíto was nominated for Best Tropical Latin Album at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards and three nominations to Lo Nuestro Awards, including Tropical/Salsa Album of the Year. To promote this album, he embarked the Areíto World Tour in 1993, his largest tour at the time. The album was a commercial success selling over 2 millions of copies.

Critical reception

The album received positive reviews from critics. Enrique Lopetegui from Los Angeles Times gave a positive review and wrote "Areito, is less spectacular than 'Bachata Rosa,' but no less ambitious".[6] Achy Obejas from the Chicago Tribune gave it for 4 out 4 stars and praised the album's lyrics and wrote "Songs on Guerra's latest release, Areíto bemoan the rising cost of living in the Dominican Republic and throughout the Third World". Jason Birchmeier from Allmusic gave it 4.5 stars of 5 and wrote "It's an otherwise magnificent album that, along with its two predecessors, is one of Guerra's classics". Billboard also praised the record calling it "[Guerra's] most wide-ranging, satisfying effort to date."[7]

Commercial reception

Album

Areíto was well received by the music industry. It had one of the largest initial shipments ever for a Spanish language album, with 400,000 units in the US and 2 million worldwide.[8] In the United States, Guerra was named top selling tropical/salsa Latin artist of 1993 and Areíto the second best selling tropical/salsa Latin album of 1993.[9] Areíto was also a commercial success in Latin America and was certified Gold and Platinum in Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Spain and Venezuela.[10]

In Spain, Despite the high expectations, the album peaked at number 2. It eventually sold over 300,000 copies[11] and was the 7th best selling album of 1993 in Spain and 5th best selling album by a foreign artist. . In Mexico, Areito sold 125,000 copies and was certified Gold.[12]

By 1993, the album had sold 1,500,000 copies worldwide,[11] eventually selling 2 million copies worldwide.[13]

However, sales figures from Areíto were significantly less in comparation of Bachata Rosa. Some attributed that one of the reasons was because Areíto did not have the same formula of mixed rhythms that caused his predecessor reached new audiences and universal acclaim. Instead, the album musical structure was based more on Traditional-Bachata, Meregue and Bolero, causing some disappointment on the most recent fans at the time.[14][15]

Singles

"Frio Frio" was the first single released from the album. It peaked at 4 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and 5 in Uruguay.[16]

"Señales de Humo" was the second single released from the album. It reached number six on the Hot Latin Songs chart, number 9 in Peru,[17] number 1 in Venezuela,[18] number 9 in Mexico[19], number 8 in Chile and 7 in Dominican Republic.[20][21] "El costo de la vida" was the third single and was released from the album shortly after being released. Despite the controversy, it was his first number one Bllboard Hot Latin Songs, number 7 in Chile and peaked at number 2 in Venezuela.[22][21][23]

The fourth single "Coronita de Flores" peaked at 7 in Uruguay and 5 in Chile and 2 in Venezuela.[24][25][26][27]

The sixth single "Rompiendo Fuentes" peaked at 10 in Dominican Republic.[28]

The seventh single "Cuanto de Beso" reached at number 5 in Chile.[25]

Tour

To promote the album, Juan Luis Guerra and 440 embarked at their largest and intense tour at the time, Areíto World Tour. It started on July 3 in New York[29] and ended on October 16 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

In the United States, the first show in New York was sold out. However, attendance at July 9 show at the James L. Knight Center in Miami was disappointing, 4,000 of the 6,000 seats, significantly less than the sold-out show in Miami Arena on the Bachata Rosa Tour in December 1991.[30] In Argentina, he at the Estadio Obras in Buenos Aires during de dates 23-25 July, wthree sold out shows.[31][32]

In Spain, the Madrid concerts on September 14 and 15 at Las Vegas were sold out with attendance of 40,000 fans and 9,000 fans at Sevilla on September 22 concert. During the tour dates in Spain, Areíto comeback to the top 10 due album sales surge.[33][34][35]

The two concerts in Barcelona at the Palau Sant Jordi on October 5 and 6 were sold out with 41,644 seats, grossing US$798,516.[36] A concert at the La Romareda in Zaragoza on October 10 had an attendance of 28,541 (of 30,000 seats) grossing US$438,141 and the Las Palmas concert on September 30 at the Insular Stadium had attendance of 18,517 (of 20,000) with a gross of US$351,895.[36]

In the Netherlands, the concert in the Ahoy in Rotherdam on October 16 was sold out, with over 10,000 tickets sold,[11] becoming the first merengue artist to do so.

Track listing
  1. "Areíto" - 1:19
  2. "El Costo de la Vida" - 4:10
  3. "Señales de Humo" (Mambo) – 5:32
  4. "Ayer" (Salsa) – 5:05
  5. "Frío Frío" - 4:08
  6. "Rompiendo Fuente" - 4:26
  7. "Mal de Amor" (Merencumbia) – 3:46
  8. "Si Saliera Petróleo" (Salsa) – 4:35
  9. "Coronita de Flores" (Cha-Cha) – 4:17
  10. "Cuando Te Beso" (Balada) – 3:28
  11. "Cuando Te Beso" (Bolero) (Bonus Track) – 3:08
  12. "Naboria/Daca Mayanimacaná" - 2:25

Charts

Weekly Charts
Chart (1993) Peak

Position

European Top 100 Albums (Music & Media)[37] 40
Spanish Albums (Billboard)[38] 2
Netherlands (Mega Album Top 100)[39] 67
US Top Latin Albums (Billboard)[40] 9
US Tropical Albums (Billboard)[40] 2

Certifications and Sales
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Argentina (CAPIF)[10] 2× Gold 60,000^
Colombia[10] Gold  
Mexico (AMPROFON)[12] Gold 125,000[12]
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[10] 2× Platinum 200,000^
United States — 400,000[8]
Venezuela[10] 2× Platinum  
Summaries
Worldwide — 2,000,000[8]

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

See also

References
  1. Lannert, John (July 4, 1992). "Latin Notas" (PDF). Billboard. p. 38. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  2. "Areito - Juan Luis Guerra y 440 | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  3. Obejas, Achy. "Juan Luis Guerra Areito (Karen/BMG) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)A breakthrough recording..." chicagotribune.com.
  4. Lannert, John (February 1, 1992). "Latin Notas" (PDF). Billboard. p. 38. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  5. Lannert, John (October 24, 1992). "Rozenblat Takes Reins At WEA Latina; Palmieri Headlining N.Y. 'Festival'" (PDF). Billboard. p. 40. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  6. "Guerra: The Hot Tropical Mixmaster". Los Angeles Times. 1993-07-03. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
  7. "Album Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. December 12, 1992. p. 48. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  8. Lannert, John (December 26, 1992). "Juan Luis Guerra Delivers Hotly Awaited Follow-Up" (PDF). Billboard. p. 14. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
  9. "The Year In Music" (PDF). Billboard. December 25, 1993. p. YE-56. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  10. "Juan Luís". El Siglo de Torreón. July 3, 1993. p. 43. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
  11. Llewellyn, Howell (September 18, 1993). "Merengue Star Sells Out Show In Rotterdam" (PDF). Billboard. p. 57. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  12. "Hit parade". El Siglo de Torreon. April 21, 1993. p. 46. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  13. "Juan Luis Guerra - República Dominicana Live ! - Biografia, carrera, evolución musical, discos y canciones del artista de merengue Juan Luis Guerra". www.republica-dominicana-live.com. Retrieved 2019-11-30.
  14. "30 años de Bachata rosa, de Juan Luis Guerra". la diaria (in Spanish). 2020-06-26. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
  15. "Ventana de articulo". h.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  16. "Discos más populares en Latinoamérica". El Siglo de Torreon. July 3, 1992. p. 61. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  17. "Discos más populares de Latinoamérica". El Siglo de Torreon. February 26, 1993. p. 46. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  18. "Discos más populares de Latinoamérica". El Siglo de Torreon. November 28, 1992. p. 62. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  19. "Lista de popularidad". El Siglo de Torreon. April 6, 1993. p. 38. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  20. "Discos Mas Populares Latinoamerica". h.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  21. "Discos mas populares". El Siglo de Torreon. October 16, 1992. p. 54. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  22. "Discos más populares en Latinoamérica". El Siglo de Torreon. December 29, 1992. p. 46. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  23. "Discos Mas Populares en Latinoamerica". h.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  24. "Disco Mas Populares en Latinoamerica". h.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  25. "Discos Mas Populares de Latinoamerica". h.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  26. "Discos Mas Populares de Latinoamerica". h.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx. October 22, 1993. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  27. "Discos Mas Populares de Latinoamerica". h.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx. July 19, 1993. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  28. "Los Discos Mas Populares". h.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  29. Lannert, John (July 10, 1993). "Latin Notas". Billboard. p. 26.
  30. Lannert, John (July 24, 1993). "Mario Bauzá: The Originator Of Cubop; 4.40 Holds Back; 'Tierra' Is Sky -High" (PDF). p. 42. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  31. Pelo (PDF) (in Spanish). Argentina: Magenda. 1993. p. 20.
  32. http://files.revistapelo.com.ar/pdf/450.pdf
  33. "Juan Luis Guerra: "Camarón de la Isla y García Lorca son básicos en mi trabajo" – Tour Areito | El Correo de Andalucía | 21 sep 1993" (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2020-11-19.
  34. País, Ediciones El (1993-09-15). "El merengue triunfa en Las Ventas". El País (in Spanish). ISSN 1134-6582. Retrieved 2020-11-23.
  35. "Crónica / Juan Luis Guerra: huracán latino sobre el albero del Prado – Prado de san Sebastián, Sevilla | El Correo de Andalucía | 22 sep 1993" (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2020-11-30.
  36. "Amusement Business: Boxscore – Top 10 Concert Grosses" (PDF). November 6, 1993. p. 24. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  37. "European Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Music & Media. February 6, 1993. p. 14. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  38. "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. 13 March 1993. p. 60. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  39. "Juan Luis Guerra Y 4.40 – Areito". MegaCharts (in Dutch). Hung Medien. March 20, 1993. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
  40. "Juan Luis Guerra 440 Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved 2019-04-06.
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