It seems that you just can't escape the
Gipsy Kings. If you've were in a Mexican-themed restaurant, Latin dance club, or vacation resort in the '90s, you've likely heard the
Gipsy Kings' brand of pop flamenco ad nauseam. Their music has become so ubiquitous that it's easy to forget the fact that they are very talented musicians.
Somos Gitanos ("We Are Gypsies") is not their best or most accessible effort, but it is a showcase for the
Gipsy Kings' formidable talents. The brothers
Reyes and
Baliardo provide the kind of traditional flamenco, on tracks like "Mi Flameco" and "Felices Dias," that fans expect while also throwing in a few decidedly non-traditional touches. "Majiwi" mixes in Middle-Eastern elements, and is the most danceable track on the album. Similarly, "Magia del Ritmo" provides a bedrock of Brazilian rhythm for their trademark guitar sound. Casual fans may find these departures off-putting, but for everyone else this album is a testament to the
Gipsy Kings' immense charm and skill.