Desarrollo

Spanish-language pop/rock hasn't been a major focus of Fonovisa Records, which is best-known for regional Mexican music. But the fact that Fonovisa focuses on regional Mexican extensively doesn't mean that the label focuses on it exclusively, and Avenida 6's Desarrollo is a perfect example of a Fonovisa release that isn't banda, norteño, mariachi, ranchera, or duranguense in the strict sense. Avenida 6 favor a very melodic, Top 40-ish style of Spanish-language pop/rock that has hints of cumbia and norteño at times (as well as occasional hints of hip-hop) but is still pop/rock first and foremost. Granted, this early 2010 release makes use of the accordion, an instrument that is prominent in norteño but isn't exactly a prominent rock instrument. Even so, pop/rock is the main ingredient on tracks like "Sin Palabras" ("Without Words"), "Un Beso Mas" ("One More Kiss"), "En Mi Cama" ("In My Bed"), and "Rosas" ("Roses"). And even though this foursome has a "boy band" look, their material isn't bubblegum — commercial and easy to absorb, yes, but not bubblegum. Obviously, Avenida 6 aren't on the more aggressive side of rock en español, but their tunes have substance; while this is commercial music, it isn't vacuous. Desarrollo is an enjoyable demonstration of the fact that even though Fonovisa is best-known for regional Mexican music, they also put out some noteworthy Latin CDs that aren't specifically regional Mexican music. ~Alex Henderson, Rovi