Los Huracanes del Norte

In rock, R&B, country, and hip-hop, it isn't uncommon for artists to take several years to come out with a new album. But in regional Mexican music, artists tend to record more frequently; for many Mexican artists, providing two or three new albums every year is the norm. Released in May 2005, los Huracanes del Norte's Dejate Querer came only seven months after Corridos de Caballos Famosos (a superb album celebrating the role that horses have played in Mexican folklore). Corridos de Caballos Famosos was a tough act follow -- and while Dejate Querer isn't quite as essential, it is still an enjoyable addition to the norteño veterans' catalog. This 30-minute CD often addresses a subject that has been quite prominent in regional Mexican music over the years: heartbreak and romantic disillusionment. There are many lágrimas (tears) in regional Mexican music, and lágrimas are quite plentiful on tracks like "Como Me Duele," "Ya Vez," "Nada Contigo," and "Me Han Pasado Cosas Peor." Sometimes, heartbreak leads to violence, which is exactly what happens on "Juanita y Julian" -- a memorable corrido about a recently married woman who catches her husband cheating and shoots both him and the other woman dead. "Juanita y Julian" is all about the thin line between love and hate that the Persuaders sang about so eloquently on their early-'70s soul classic, and it's a perfect example of just how dark norteño lyrics can be. But it's important to remember that norteño -- much like country and the blues -- has a way of being melancholy and humorous at the same time. For all their talk of lágrimas (tears), tristeza (sadness), and desengaño (disillusionment), los Huracanes and other norteño bands definitely have a sense of humor. Dejate Querer is a pleasing demonstration of los Huracanes' ability to laugh at life while telling listeners -- in elaborate detail -- how bad it can be. [This release of the album includes a DVD and bonus material.] ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide