Manu Chao – Viva Tu (Because Music, 2024)
The album Viva Tu is the long-awaited return of Manu Chao, an artist that releases few albums, although he remains an influential figure in the world of musical hybrids. Viva Tu combines emotional depth with a diverse set of musical genres. Indeed, Chao celebrates community and art through the album’s multicultural influences.
Chao remains true to his signature style, drawing from genres like pop, rumba flamenca, chanson, cumbia, and reggae. Essentially, Viva Tu is a mix of light, hooky tracks meant for widespread appeal along with songs rooted in the joyful side of flamenco and Jamaican music.
The album features songs in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English. Viva Tu begins with “Vecinos en el Mar,” a contemplative reflection on a world adrift. “La Couleur du Temps” follows with its bittersweet chanson. Meanwhile, “River Why” highlights the dangers of neoliberalism through metaphorical lyrics about a drying river.
One of the highlights is “Viva Tu,” the title track, a cheerful flamenco rumba that celebrates the simple joys of community life.
In a notable collaboration, Chao teams up with country music icon Willie Nelson on “Heaven’s Bad Day,” an emotive duo performance grounded in American roots music.
Another high point is the Portuguese language song “Coraçao No Mar” that masterfully brings together lusophone and Spanish traditions.
Viva Tu continues to explore Chao’s deep connection to the world around him, reflecting his musical evolution, global travels and his commitment to social justice. The album’s reggae-rooted final track, “Tantas Tierras,” sums up the uncertainties of our current planet-wide state while still holding onto hope.
Musicians: Manu Chao, vocals, guitar, producer; Lucky Salvadori on guitars, backing vocals; Willie Nelson on vocals; Laeti on vocals; Madjid Fahem on guitars; Joan Garriga on accordion, harmonica; Mickey Raphael on bass harmonica; Martita Perejil on backing vocals; Pupa Congo on backing vocals; Soraya González García on backing vocals; Mauro Mancebo on percussion; Chalart58 on percussion; Josep Blanes on trombone; and Carina Díaz Moreno, intro and outro vocals on “Tantas Tierras.”
Buy Viva Tu.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.