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When he premiered new single "Yerbatero" during the World Cup opening ceremonies, Juanes returned to his rock'n'roll roots--the guitar-driven track's twangy lines are as clearly identifiable as their performer is. Co-produced with Steven Lipson (Annie Lennox, Paul McCartney), "Yerbatero" is an aggressive departure from the more romance-laden fare of Juanes' last album, but it has tremendous pop appeal and a contagious, dance-ready beat. Here, Juanes is unapologetically Juanes. The song is eminently Latin in its rhythm and lyrics, as Juanes sings colloquially about the prowess of the local "yerbatero," or medicine man. Instrumentally, the artist returns to an earthier, albeit unabashedly catchy sound coupled with surprising elements: a subtle flute on the bridge and a Middle Eastern-inspired hook. While the chorus shouts may be a little too enthusiastic, "Yerbatero" is nevertheless a startling track that stands out from the overproduced, overprogrammed fare that saturates radio today. --Leila Cobo
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