Sarajevo (English Translation)

Sarajevo is José Madero’s highly anticipated 2024 album, released on September 26, 2024, under Universal Music México. The album marks a continuation of Madero’s evolution as a solo artist, showcasing his deep introspection, creative growth, and his ability to blend various musical elements into his signature rock sound. Known for his poignant lyricism and compelling melodies, Madero takes listeners on an emotional journey with Sarajevo, exploring themes of love, loss, personal reflection, and resilience.

The album features a rich collaboration with talented artists like Venezuelan singer-songwriter Lasso and rising star Sofia Thompson, who both lend their voices and creative energies to key tracks. The song “Rey Ahogado,” featuring Lasso, is a standout, blending their vocal styles with emotionally charged lyrics that touch on themes of downfall and redemption. Meanwhile, “Dafne,” a collaboration with Sofia Thompson, brings a softer, more vulnerable side to the album, blending acoustic guitars with intimate vocals, creating a melancholic yet beautiful atmosphere. These collaborations reflect Madero’s ability to connect with diverse artists while maintaining the integrity of his own artistic voice.

Musically, Sarajevo sees Madero working closely with notable producers FLIP Tamez and himself. The album combines elements of rock with softer acoustic influences and electronic undertones, giving it a modern and dynamic feel. Madero’s musicianship shines throughout the record, with his acoustic guitar and electric guitar performances serving as the backbone for many of the tracks. FLIP Tamez’s production enhances the sonic richness, while the involvement of skilled musicians like drummer Gerardo Arizpe, bassist Muela, and keyboardist Rodrigo “Bucho” Monfort further contributes to the album’s textured sound.

One of the most notable aspects of Sarajevo is its thoughtful composition and high production quality. Tracks like “Hablemos del Campo” and “Suspira sobre mí” demonstrate Madero’s ability to write songs that are deeply personal yet universally relatable. The album opens with “Cum Laude,” a track that sets a reflective tone with its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics. Other highlights include “Gardenias ’87,” which is rich in nostalgia and serves as a tribute to past experiences and moments lost in time, and “Baila Conmigo,” a track that brings a more upbeat, danceable rhythm to the album, providing contrast to the more somber tracks.

Madero continues to explore his fascination with storytelling through his lyrics, drawing on his own life experiences and emotional landscapes. Tracks like “Día de Mayo” and “Nueve Vidas” delve into themes of change, survival, and transformation, often referencing personal growth and the journey of self-discovery. The track “Luciérnaga” presents a more whimsical and poetic side of Madero’s writing, using metaphors to depict fleeting moments of beauty in the chaos of life.

The album was expertly mixed by Gil Elguézabal and mastered by Jaime Cavazos, ensuring each track maintains clarity and sonic depth. Instrumentation on the album is varied and layered, with contributions from FLIP Tamez and Germán Gallardo on electric guitar, Raul “Rulo” García on percussion, and Bucho Monfort on piano and organ. This array of instrumentation gives the album a lush, multidimensional sound that complements Madero’s intricate songwriting.

Sarajevo is not just a continuation of Madero’s solo career but a reflection of his growth as an artist. His ability to craft deeply moving, authentic songs while experimenting with sound and collaboration makes this album a standout in his discography. Fans of José Madero, both from his days with Pxndx and his solo career, will find Sarajevo a deeply rewarding and emotional experience, solidifying his place as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Mexican rock music. Check out Sarajevo in English Translation.