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Alejandro Sanz has nearly completed work on his sixth studio album, No Es el Mismo (It's Not the Same), which is set for release in September. The album follows the singer-songwriter's popular 2001 MTV Unplugged album, a format that has been helpful in breaking Spanish-language artists in the U.S.
The best-selling Spanish artist of all-time, Sanz's previous efforts have sold nearly 20 million of copies worldwide, and he's enjoyed an increase in popularity in the U.S. after cleaning up at the Latin Grammys two years in a row. No Es el Mismo will be his first studio set since El Alma al Aire three years ago.
Sanz took a turn behind the board for the first time with this album, co-producing with Cuban musician Lulo Perez, and he promises a louder sound this time around. "I use a lot more guitar this time," Sanz says. "I think I've discovered myself this album. It's more rock-sounding than the other ones."
The sound was influenced by his diverse set of personal tastes, from the flamenco that he grew up listening to in Spain to more contemporary fare, "even some Linkin Park," he admits.
Sanz recorded the album in his native Spain, as well as Miami -- where he now resides -- with veteran guitarist Michael Landau and a jazzy rhythm section of Vinnie Colaiuta (drums) and Anthony Jackson (bass). Flamenco legend Paco de Lucia also makes a guest appearance. Sanz has split his time between recording at home and in the studio. "It's better working at home," he says. "I'm more productive and I feel better here. I hate the studio. It's all closed and has no windows."
Among Sanz's favorite tracks is "12 by 8," which is his take on the record business. "I wanted to do something special, so I called these gypsy kids to do the chorus," he says. "The title is the time to measure a particular dance for flamenco, the buleria. One of the lyrics is about Rolling Stone [laughs] . . . I've been working hard to get on the cover of Rolling Stone."
ANDREW DANSBY
(May 15, 2003)