Album Review: Un Besito A Ti by Camaléon – A Flamenco-Fueled Dance Through Time
Released in 1990, Un Besito A Ti by Camaléon is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not just another record from the electronic and Latin genres; it’s a vibrant mix of Flamenco passion, Zouk grooves, and Disco beats that feels like a passport stamped with France and the Netherlands. With labels like Zagora, Carrere, and Topkapi behind it, this album had some serious backing—but what really makes it stand out are its bold arrangements by Pino Marchese. Let’s dive into two tracks that’ll stick with you long after the needle lifts.
First up, the title track, Un Besito A Ti (Ba Moin En Ti Bo). This song hits differently—it’s got this sultry Flamenco guitar riff layered over a pulsing Zouk rhythm that feels both nostalgic and futuristic at the same time. You can almost picture yourself dancing under neon lights in a smoky club somewhere in Paris or Amsterdam. The lyrics? They’re simple but heartfelt, making it easy to lose yourself in the vibe. What I remember most about this track is how effortlessly it switches between moods—smooth and romantic one moment, then bursting into an infectious beat drop the next. It’s like the musical equivalent of flirting: playful yet intense.
Then there’s El Pasado. If Un Besito A Ti is all about living in the moment, El Pasado takes you back. This track leans heavier into the Latin side of things, blending Flamenco-style handclaps with a slow-burning bassline that feels cinematic. It’s haunting, in a way, like staring at old photographs and remembering people you haven’t thought about in years. The arrangement here is pure magic—Pino Marchese clearly knew how to layer sounds so they feel alive. Every time I hear this track, I’m reminded of late-night drives through empty streets, windows down, letting the music fill the silence.
What strikes me most about Un Besito A Ti is how ahead of its time it feels. Sure, it came out in 1990, but listening to it now, it could easily slide into today’s playlists without missing a beat. Maybe that’s because good music doesn’t age—it evolves. Or maybe it’s because Camaléon managed to bottle something timeless: the joy of crossing borders, blending cultures, and creating something entirely new.
Here’s the thing though—listening to this album makes me wonder if Camaléon ever expected their work to still resonate decades later. Probably not. But hey, isn’t that the beauty of art? Sometimes you create something for the moment, and it ends up sticking around much longer than you planned. So here’s to Un Besito A Ti: a little piece of 1990 that refuses to be forgotten.
