Sentimiento (album)

Background

In June 2005, Ivy Queen partnered with co-founder of Perfect Image Records, José Guadalupe to form Filtro Musik. This stemmed from Guadalupe parting ways with the other co-founder of Perfect Image, Anthony Pérez who in turn would launch his own label The Roof Records. Filtro Musik's concept initially stemmed from its name which means "filter" in English. Guadalupe explained the title, saying "I've been in this industry for 15 years now, and we have the ability to filter and pick the best". In the coming year, Univision Music Group signed the label to a licensing plan.

Ivy Queen was previously married to fellow reggaetón artist Omar Navarro, known by his stage name Gran Omar. They were divorced in 2005 shortly before the release of Flashback, which influenced the composition of the Sentimiento, which began soon after in late 2006. Following this, Cosa Nostra: Hip Hop (2006), a compilation album presented by Queen and Omar was released. Its lead single, "No Hacen Na" was performed by Queen and was released in July 2006. It peaked at number twenty-five on the Billboard Latin Rhythm Songs chart and number thirty on the Billboard Tropical Songs chart.

However, Navarro later stated that Queen had tricked him, and that she owed him money from the sales and production of the album . No legal action was taken, however. Navarro was invited by Jorge Guadalupe, Ivy Queen's manager to take legal action, as he has all the papers stating that there was no deception with the album. Guadalupe called Navarro "someone who misses the money and the high-life" he had while he was married to Queen. Navarro would also go on national television and accuse Queen of being unfaithful in their relationship on the television program Escándalo TV (Telefutura). He would also mention the accusations that Queen owed him money from the album as well on the program.

In early 2007, it was announced the Queen had signed an exclusive contract to release Sentimiento. "I’m super-proud to be a part of Univision Music Group. I’ve always felt like I was part of a family with them, because they handled my last album and they did an excellent job. They are a strong and important company who always respects its artists." she said. The feeling was mutual with Jose Behar, the President of Univision Music Group who said "it’s a privilege to have Ivy Queen be a part of our artistic talent. Ivy is a woman with incomparable talent, and she’s number one in her genre. We’re happy to be able to work with her on her new album and future projects as well."

Recording and production

Following the release of Cosa Nostra: Hip Hop, Queen wanted to release a concept album which would have had Queen performing duets with female singers from different genres, entitled Drama Queen. However, this was changed and she began working on Sentimiento instead. Recording for Sentimiento took place at AQ-30 Studios in San Juan, Jesus In 2in Studios, Los Yedais Recording Studio, Mas Flow Studios in San Juan, Marroneo Studios in Bayamón, Sangre Nueva Studios in Carolina and Stani Recording Studio, all located in Puerto Rico.

Recording sessions for Sentimiento began in 2006, with Queen working day and night, according to Guadalupe. Production was divided among several Puerto Rican music producers including Monserrate & DJ Urba, Miguel "Escobar" Marquez, Andres "Zoprano" Arroyo, Isidro Infante, Mickey Perfecto, Stani, Marcos Sanchez, Rafy Mercenario, Noriega and Luny Tunes. Each track has a different producer. Collaborations include Don Omar on "Robarte Un Beso", Ken-Y on the remix of "En Que Fallamos" and Naldo, Arcángel & Tito "El Bambino" on the remix of "Que Lloren".

Music and lyrics

While recording and producing the album, Queen incorporated different musical instruments such as "strings, piano, acoustic ballads and romantic tunes". This was an attempt to prove that reggaetón is not just its basic rhythm. She explained "many think reggaetón is just nice rhythms to dance to. And they forget there are song-writers and composers, who, like everyone else, also suffer and aspire in love". She said "Love is what makes us write things, what keeps us alive. If we did not have love, we would have nothing". She acknowledged that the songs on the album were one way she dealt with the end of her eleven-year marriage. The lyrics focus on the experiences she has endured within the couple of years since the release of her previous studio album, which according to Queen were a "tough situation in her personal life". The ballads of the album "cover familiar topics — devotion, heartbreak, hope and reconciliation". Musically, the album alternates between reggaetón, bolero, and salsa.

"Qué Quieres Tú De Mí" is an acoustic guitar ballad which Queen covered in a minor-key; it features traditional Afro-Latin American influences. It was originally written in 1964 by Brazilian composers Evaldo Gouveia and Jair Amorim as "Que Queres Tu De Mim" for Brazilian singer Altemar Dutra. "Que Lloren" features minor key tonality, bowed strings, a string ensemble and elements of techno music. The song's lyrics show a woman's view of romance and belittles the stereotype that men shouldn't show emotions. The mid-tempo "Sentimientos", is a blend of reggaetón and bachata music known as bachaton or bachateo, a musical movement in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico which combines bachata melodies and reggaeton style beats, lyrics, rapping, and disc jockeying. It features minor key tonality, mixed acoustic and electric instrumentation, bowed strings, a string ensemble, and ambient synthesizers. Ivy Queen indicated that the song emphasized human connection over material things, stating that "What I wanted to say in the song is that material things have never been important to me.... I look for genuine feelings, honesty, the things that come from the heart, because the material things I can get." In another interview, she identified the song as the one that best represented her at that time, explaining, "if you think you can only conquer me if you're famous, rich and have an expensive car, you're wrong, because I'm a woman who needs affection, someone to open the door for me, to bring me flowers and sing to me."

"Pobre Corazón" features male lead vocals interpreted by Divino. Set in a minor key, the ballad includes an ensemble with bowed strings, a piano and ambient synthesizers. The song's lyrics are romantic. Incorporating techno synths and minor key tonality, "En Que Fallamos" follows. Lyrically, Ivy Queen described the song as being what happened to her when an relationship ended. She said it is very "honest and straightforward" explaining that she wanted to "show people the stormy times that I lived." Ivy Queen worked with Puerto Rican singer Ken-Y, one half of the reggaeton duo R.K.M & Ken-Y on the "romantic" remix to the song. "Reza Por Mi" also features techo synths along with a bowed string ensemble. The song's contains catchy romantic lyrical hooks. The acoustic ballad "Cuando Comprendas" is performed by Mickey Perfecto. The song's romantic story-telling lyrics accompany a piano. "Yo Te Rescate" is accompanied by an accordion, or bandoneon, playing. The song features romantic lyrics performed by Queen. "Indecisiones" follows similar instrumentation as the previous reggaetón tracks featuring techno synths and a bowed string ensemble. Naldo performs "Llego El Domingo", a piano lead acoustic ballad. "Cuando No Me Tengas" lyrically "describes the aftermath of a break-up". The song combines bowed strings with elements of techno music.

The "big-band salsa" track, "Si Eres Tu" features production handled by Insidro Infante. The song includes a horn ensemble, acoustic instrumentation, prominent percussion, and piano as it incorporates Afro-Latin roots. "Manaña Al Despertar" is performed by Baby Rasta and Noriega. The track's ambient synthesizers combine with strings and a string ensemble. The acoustic guitar ballad "Corazón Anestesíado" features Western Classical as well as flamenco influences. "Robarte Un Beso", a collaboration with Don Omar features a brass ensemble and prominent percussion combining salsa with dancehall music. "Menor Que Yo" lyrically addresses an experience many women share, noting that many people who see an older woman with a younger man think his motivation is money. "They never think that there might be a connection, chemistry," Ivy Queen said, while she herself thinks "there's no age requirement for two people who love each other". She said that she identifies with the song herself, having dated men 13 or 14 years younger than she.

Release and promotion

Queen said she released Sentimiento in March around her birthday as a gift to herself because it "represents my growth as a woman and my soul". Sentimiento was released on March 27, 2007. A platinum edition of the CD was released on November 20, 2007. It was announced in July 2007 that the platinum edition would be a fourth-quarter release. Queen described the platinum re-release as a "double record". She explained that "one of them is a CD with six new tracks and others themes," while the second is a DVD "where you can see pictures and music videos, and you can hear my family talking about me and who I am. The audience will see that I am a normal woman and my favorite pastime is not sailing on a yacht, but being close to my people". Both versions were re-released digitally on December 9, 2011 by Univision Records. On August 26, 2012, the album was released digitally in France. Queen performed the lead single, "Que Lloren" at the 2007 Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, dressed as "geisha—well, the reggaetón version of a geisha—and was surrounded by a Japanese masked ensemble," according to Tijana Ilich, who selected it as the cleverest act of the night. She performed "En Que Fallamos" on Don Francisco Presenta on Univision in August 2007. Queen then embarked on the "Sentimiento World Tour" in late 2007. In 2008, Queen released a live album entitled Ivy Queen 2008 World Tour LIVE!, which was recorded during one of her concerts at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico on November 30, 2007. Among the songs performed were "Que Lloren", "En Que Fallamos", "Corazón Anestesiado", "Reza Por Mi", "Dime Si Recuerdas", "Pobre Corazón" and "Sentimientos", among other songs and collaborations previous recorded for other albums.

The music video of "Que Lloren" was filmed in Downtown Miami in March 2007 and premiered on March 21, 2007 on the Univision channel television show "Primer Impacto". It featured cameos by actors from the popular telenovela, La Fea Más Bella: Niurka Marcos and Sergio Mayer. Direction was handled by Dominican-born Marlon Peña who also directed the music video for her 2005 smash-hit "Te He Querido, Te He Llorado". The music video for "En Que Fallamos" was recorded in Mexico City, Mexico. Filming took place between July 3, 2007 and July 23, 2007. Direction and production was handled by Ron Jaramillo, who said the music video would not only show the big parts of Mexico City but also "the under looked areas without neglecting hot and sensual scenes", explaining that "after all, it's talking about a relationship". He later claimed the music video to have an "urban touch" feeling. The music video was originally planned to be filmed in Miami, Florida, however, the filming location was later changed to Mexico. The music video of "Menor Que Yo" was filmed in Panamá in January 2008 under the direction of the Dominican-born Marlon Peña. Production was handled by renowned Panamanian producer Alvis González of Panafilms, while the cinematography was handled by Venezuelan Alvaro Rangel. Co-produced by Marlon Films and filmed in 35mm, the music video is an continuation of "En Que Fallamos". Filming began January 30, 2008 at 9am for the first scene and ended at 4pm. The first scene filmed, occurs in a mall, the Center MultiPlaza. In this scene, Ivy Queen is driving a grey luxury car inside the mall, while customers and people visiting stare in amazement and wonder. Immediately after, at 4pm, the next scenes were filmed in Casco Antiguo, Panamá, with representations of the popular barrios. Production of the video cost $60,000 and 80 extras were used excluding the hundreds of bystanders. In the beginning of the music video, Queen is on a police motorcycle when she stops a young man driving a car at excessive speeds.

Commercial performance

Sentimiento sold nine thousand copies in its first week, becoming Queen's first album to "invade" the Billboard 200 chart, debuting at number 105. It debuted at number four on the Billboard Latin Albums chart, behind releases by Jennifer Lopez, Los Tigres del Norte, and Grupo Bryndis. The album has sold over 100,000 copies in Puerto Rico and Chile. On the Billboard Latin Songs chart, "Que Lloren" debuted at number twenty-four for the week dated February 24, 2007, becoming that week's "Hot Shot Debut" and peaked at number ten on the week of May 12, 2007. On the Billboard Latin Rhythm Songs chart, the song debuted at number nine for the week of February 24, 2007 and reached number two for the week of May 12, 2007, being held off from the number-one spot by "Impacto" by Daddy Yankee and Fergie. The song debuted at number nineteen on the Billboard Tropical Songs chart and reached number four for the week of May 12, 2007. "Que Lloren" debuted at number thirty-eight on the Billboard Dance Club Play Songs chart for the week dated June 2, 2007 and peaked at number twenty the week of July 7, 2007. "En Que Fallamos" debuted at number forty-four on the Billboard Latin Songs chart for the week dated August 11, 2007 and managed a second week at that spot. On the Billboard Latin Rhythm Songs chart, the song debuted at number forty for the week of June 16, 2007 and peaked at number fourteen for the week of August 11, 2007. The song debuted at number twenty and peaked at number fifteen for the weeks of August 11 and 18, respectively on the Billboard Tropical Songs chart. On the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, "Sentimientos" debuted at number thirty-six for the week of October 13, 2007. The next week of October 20, 2007, it peaked at number twenty-two. The following week it fell two positions landing on twenty-four. As airplay decreased, the song fell again to number thirty-one, two weeks later. The following week it rose ten positions to twenty-two. In its last week on the chart, (November 24, 2007), it fell to number thirty-three. On the Billboard Dance Club Play Songs chart, the song debuted at number forty-eight for the week of November 17, 2007. The following week it rose two positions to number forty-six. In its third week it rose two more positions to number forty-four. "Pobre Corazón" debuted at number forty-nine for the week of August 11, 2007 and peaked at number forty-five for the week of August 25, 2007 on the Billboard Latin Songs chart. On the Billboard Latin Pop Songs chart, the song debuted at number twenty-eight for the week August 11, 2007 and peaked at number twenty-four for the week of August 25, 2007. On the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, the song debuted and peaked at number thirty-seven for the week of August 11, 2007. On the Billboard Tropical Songs chart, "Pobre Corazón" debuted and peaked at number thirty-six for the issue week of December 15, 2007. "Dime Si Recuerdas" managed to debut and peak at number thirty-five on the Billboard Latin Rhythm Songs chart for the week of December 22, 2007. The fourth single, "Menor Que Yo" debuted at number thirty-two on the Billboard Latin Rhythm Songs chart for the week of March 1, 2008 and peaked at number twenty-five for the issue dated March 8, 2008.

Reception

The album received mostly positive reviews. Tijana Ilich, writing for About.com, put Sentimiento at number one on her list of the Top Reggaetón/Hip Hop Albums of 2007. "Instead of selling the music with skull-crunching decibels, she uses her strong, rich, deep voice to bring every bit as much force to her songs. Her lyrics are about honest emotions that brim with real life situations." she commented. Ilich found the album interesting "in its turnaround technique of using male guests to sing any song that even smacks of a ballad." She said it was interesting to see what Queen would be singing about in 2007. She later named Queen one of the ten most influential women in Latin music in the category Reggaetón/Hip-Hop while selecting Sentimiento as Queen's best album, yet. David Jeffies of Allmusic, began his review of the album by noting that with Sentimiento, it was the first time she entered the Billboard 200, "affirming her considerable popularity, especially in her native land." He claimed that Queen's husky voice "is well-suited to reggaetón's catchy melodies and hard-hitting beats, as evinced on the frenetic lead single "Que Lloren." According to Nelly Apaza of the Houston Chronicle, the album is pure emotions. She opinionated that Queen had never named a previous album so perfectly.

At the Latin Grammy Awards of 2007, Sentimiento was nominated for "Best Urban Music Album", which was awarded to Calle 13 and Residente o Visitante (2007). According to Queen, she should have won the award because she felt that "her music represents the true voice of the people." The night of the ceremony, Queen expressed that there were more than just one artist attending and that they only gave the awards to one artist. "They dedicated the night to Calle 13." she said. She conuntied saying that what happened that night was an injustice because even though Calle 13 won, she had the support of the public. She supported her argurment by saying "If he has said that they are an alternative band so many times, why is he being awarded in the Urban category?" referring to René Pérez, lead singer of the group. The album received a nomination for "Reggaetón Album of the Year" at the 2008 Latin Billboard Music Awards, where "Que Lloren" also received a nomination for "Latin Dance Club Play Track of the Year". This was the third time Queen was nominated for "Reggaetón Album of the Year" following Diva (2004) in 2005 and Flashback (2005) in 2006. At the Premio Lo Nuestro of 2008, Sentimiento was awarded "Urban Album of the Year". Tijana Illich thought the "sweetest moment was a teary-eyed Ivy Queen finally getting recognition for her super album Sentimiento." At the 2007 and 2008 Premios Juventud award ceremonies, Queen was nominated for "Favorite Urban Artist". Ivy Queen received a gold and platinum certification in the United States for Sentimiento, signifying sales of over 100,000 copies. It was presented to her on Don Francisco Presenta by Don Francisco, where Jenni Rivera and Gloria Trevi also received certifications for their respective albums.

Personnel

The credits are taken from the albums' liner notes