A lot was happening on the Ren front, so this one is delayed by a couple of days, but the 2nd Alfonsina y el mar is now up! Thank you @Francesco71rm, @user-gi7dy1yt8p and @raquelra5878 for suggesting it and a special thanks to @raquelra5878 for providing the best link sound wise. Hope you enjoy this one. If you haven't watched my reaction to Mercdes Sosa's original, you can watch it here: ua-cam.com/video/_9s2KH68loc/v-deo.html I simply had to refer to it a lot as it did influence my reaction to Lara's version. Upcoming versions will be by Pelageya and Natalia Lafourcade.
❤"I don't think this is easy" . So I had to view the original as I was curios about who the audience was, interesting song, Lara's voice beautiful as always...
"Scientifically speaking" as Bruce (@Royal_BLT) mentioned, both version have merit, neither stands above the other. Both are amazing singers too. So far, you guys have never led me astray. I've only listened to the best there is out there.
You have captured the emotions of both singers, and, as you say, they are quite different and fascinating at the same time. I would highlight, as always, Lara's expressiveness and the guitar accompaniment, which I have especially enjoyed; here in Spain We have authentic legends of flamenco and classical guitar. As I told you in the previous reaction to Mercedes...Ariel Ramirez's poem is beautiful. Thanks Aleks
Thank you so much! I am not familiar enough with the Spanish guitar to have serious opinions, but it was very intricate and beautiful. I am very glad to hear that we felt the same emotions from both singers. Some nuances, like the guitar are more familiar to someone who's used to this type of music, but the emotions seem to be universal. Thank you again so much for listening to my reaction and my thoughts. Very much appreciated. ❤️
Yes, I noticed that, but I've noticed it before - she always does that though here it was a bit more prominent, perhaps due to more frequent changes in tone, but also due to the closeness of the camera so it's hard to miss. She was true to herself, yet again. ❤
Thank you so much for bring this version of the song! In my country that song belongs to Mercedes Sosa, but Lara made such a great performance as always.❤ Hope you can react (some day) to this song ua-cam.com/video/jHqjig0_SsE/v-deo.htmlsi=S0ZkMtcsMHk8SpYx ❤🎉
I can understand why it belongs to Mercedes Sosa. I heard her for the first time and her voice was incredibly beautiful. ❤ However, it seems the song itself started travelling the world and I am glad that one of the artists who found it is Lara. Not many can do it justice, given Mercedes Sosa's performance. Lara did, made it different and her own, but that is how she did it justice. As you know by now, the suggestion is added to the list.
Excellent reaction, Aleks! I agree with you in every aspect, also with the percussion, I found it somewhat puzzling 🙂 But the water in the background was a strike of genius IMO. Always nice to see that the same piece of music can be interpreted so differently, right ? Much love from Norway ♥♥♥♥♥
I am still ambivalent towards the percussions, but overall a wonderful performance. Then again, Lara's usually are. Thank you both for your comments! Much love to both Norway and Bavaria! ❤❤❤
Musically speaking, Lara's ability to make cover songs her own is extraordinary. She breathes a kind of life into them that is full of her very DNA. It's always nice to see reactions to songs that are rarely reacted to. I've only heard this song during the couple of times that I have watched this concert. I don't really care for the way the percussion is played, so it's not a concert I've gone back to very often. But as always, I appreciate your thoughtful and honest reaction, including doing the original first.
Thank you! I think it is even more fun to react to songs that aren't often covered. I agree with you on all counts. Still not sure about the percussions in this version, but I do love the guitar and you're very right to say that Lara pours a bit of herself into every song she performs.
Wow, what a performance. And you have such a great perspective. In Mercedes' version I also got deep sadness, but also a haunting vibe and a feeling of melancholy. Thank you for this. I prefer Lara's version, but I can't deny the great emotional masterpiece of Mercedes' original. Both are great.
While listening for the first time, I sort of "fell for" Mercedes' performance, but Lara's ingenuity with this song remains undeniable. Both gave it life, both made it gorgeous! Thank you so much for listening to the original as well. It's such a pleasure to sometimes return the favor and showcase some artists I've found on my own, still thanks to all of you. This time, through a specific song. ❤
Now that we have commented on the water in the background, you may be interested in hearing the official recording by Natalia Lafourcade as well, with a music video to go with it. Watch it after the reaction to the version I requested maybe 🙂 Greetings from The Sharkster😉
I can't believe you're the only one by now who doesn't know. I plan to actually react to Natalia Lafourcade's version and Pelageya's version of Alfonsina y el mar. I am making a "quartet" as I promised each one to someone. So, geographically, from Argentina with Mercedes to Canada (Belgium and a bit of Sicily) with Lara, to Russia with Pelageya and finally Mexico with Natalia. Thought it would be fun to find out how different geographical backgrounds influence this song along with each artist. Thank you for the introduction to @Hundhammer! That was really sweet of you. Love to Norway ❤❤❤
First of all, I don't like covers very much, with a few exceptions, but the music world is full of covers that are exact copies of the original (even a trained monkey can sing them). Fortunately, Lara always gives her own interpretation and it seems like the song is hers (she has a great advantage over others, she also writes her own stories). She is a great storyteller (it's not enough to write, you have to know how to tell) and humanity has always told stories and wanted to listen to stories because words are important and convey feelings and culture. If this is missing, it remains a flat sequence of notes on a staff that anyone, with a minimum of training, can sing, but that's another "story". Thank you.
I am not a great fan of covers either, but I think Lara "bought me" with Caruso. Once again, she did not disappoint and what you said is very true, the main reason is because she IS a great storyteller among other things. Thank you so much, Vincenzo!
🇨🇦 We get to see Lara singing a more traditional song, with a Lara twist to it ! I enjoyed her version, although neither of them has stood above the other ! Both versions have merit ! Lara will always give us something extra to think about . . . And . . . another appearance of a chair ! 🇨🇦
Yes, exactly! Both versions have merit, they are too different for real comparison, it mainly a matter of personal preference or rather, feelings. Even then, one can enjoy both versions almost equally, might even be the mood of the moment to determine which one to listen to. ❤ I will ignore the chair, yes, intentionally. 😜
@@AleksReactsOh God! Are you giving up on it? Seriously? Please don’t… Are you, at least, going to watch it? If yes, don’t be shy and tell us about your experience later… 🔥🪑🔥
@@AleksReacts 😅 I really thought you were too afraid of it. 😂 You can take your time, but don’t you dare giving up on the other 🪑 It’s a really worthy experience. Just saying… 😉 And if you’re brave enough, watch it again afterwards, this time with your husband… I did it! 🤣 And it was hilarious to watch his face expressions… 🤣 I’m just gonna say that he finally became a fan after that. 🙌🏻
My poor husband is stuck having to listen to everything I react to after the reaction is done. I keep asking his opinion each time as if it's going to change anything, so he's always the first to hear each reaction and each song. I already told you I woke up the other day to him singing the chorus of Tango (without the words, though). 🤣
Sharkster, what are you doing? Introducing unsuspecting people to me? How could you be so mean to your friend? 🤣😉 @Hundhammer Well, given who recommended my channel, I am very glad to welcome you! Based on your comment (which is flattering, btw), I'm also glad to welcome you. So in line with all of the above: welcome and love to Bavaria! ❤❤❤
@@AleksReacts That must have been one of the nicest personal welcome posts I ever received, thanks a lot, I think we'll have a lot of fun together... "Sharkster" (lol) and моје скромно ја got to know each other and made friends on behalf of Angelina Jordan (being familiar with PHS you would not have guessed that one, hehe?), but over time we shared a lot of musical favorites and new discoveries, and it works because we basically share the same taste (We're men of simple tastes, we're easily satisfied with the very best...) - individual spleens and weird deviations on both sides are being handled with a smile by the other party... So my buddy must have been completely aware it would be inevitable that I would топло вам препоручујем MY favorite artist right now, or at least the one I'm currently most obsessed with, as soon as I would open my mouth here... So here we are, I'm hoping that thanks to Sharkman's (that's his real call name, rofl...) introduction you will trust me and I need not give any explanations, I'd love to watch you go into this totally blind...Pls. react to: RAYE - Brit Awards Medley ua-cam.com/video/OiKbKRcsBCw/v-deo.htmlsi=pmS1zlNW5MMtqAPd Thanks a lot in advance! Peace and love from Bavaria!
Very happy to hear that, Dominik! Yes, it does sound like we'll have fun. 😉 It also sounds like Sharkman got himself into a fix, rather than you, by bringing you to this channel. All secrets are being divulged. I wonder now if I should once again change his moniker to Sharkman, PHS or something totally different... 🤣🤣🤣 You will soon find out that even though this is a small channel, I've got so many requests that I never promise anything, but do write everything down. In fact, right now there are 700+ requests on my list. However, through luck of the draw and female moodiness which at this age is rampant (woohoo), new songs move from the request list into the reaction recording list. So, let's hope my mood takes me to Raye (yes, had to open the link to write it all down). Hope you do enjoy this place. Over and out with Love to Bavaria! ❤❤❤
What a wonderful song, I love hearing different interpretations. And hats off to you for your keen observations! Rita Payes does a lovely version with her mother (brilliant guitarist Elisabeth Roma) accompanying on guitar. It's very introspective and somber.
Me too, but I will have to hear it on my own as I already have 2 versions I reacted to uploaded, while 2 more are yet to come that I promised already. The two I plan yet to cover are Natalia Lafourcade's and Pelageya's version. Rita Payes' I will hear offline. Thank you so much for that!
Well done Aleks.. So good to see you back.. I guess someone here said the right thing.. She is singing straight to you..with all her soul and body... Not to an audience, making her performance actual even if is a old video. . This is on of her best quality.. How she gets into you.. Straight.. With her look and her voice..whatever is the story she wants to tell you..
This reaction was one of the harder ones. She told Alfonsina's story so differently from what Mercedes did that she confused me... But she does keep one's attention steadily and irrefutably, you just cannot not get engrossed.
@@AleksReactsua-cam.com/video/oGBl00Wq8U8/v-deo.htmlsi=zLwWKqfHW8Prg-Z4 That was yesterday at the Unforgettable Festival in Bucharest.. You already reacted to this song.. Caruso. It was windy and cold and she had to wear a scarf... But she was gorgeous as always ❤
Thank you so much, Francesco! I've only seen Bucharest once, but it was a wonderful place to visit. I slightly envy you for being there and for listening to Lara live. Caruso is one of my favorite songs of all time, so I can never tire of hearing it - thank you for sharing it!
Many thanks for reacting to our beloved Lara once again, Aleks. This song is incredibly sad, beautiful and difficult to sing (specially with Spanish not being the singer’s mother tongue), but Lara, as she always does, did an amazing job. Very respectful to the original, but imprinting her very distinctive and gorgeous mark. A tribute, not only to the marvellous Mercedes Sosa but, mainly, to Alfonsina Storni. Said that, and not wanting to sound disrespectful in any way, I must admit that anything sung by Lara, hits me differently and deeper, which, at this point, might be a “me thing”, since the woman has bewitched me or something… 🤷🏻♀️
You're more than welcome, Raquel! In fact you did provide a link where I could hear her clearly. I found both versions beautiful, but to be honest, this time Mercedes has my slight preference. Then again, that might be a "me thing" as well. If I fall in love with the original it's hard for me to "cheat" on it. Still, Lara's version was her own. She does that with every song. Both are beautiful, just very different from one another.
@@AleksReacts I, obviously, understand you. Mercedes owns this song… but , you know, my heart beats for Lara. 🫣 Anyway, I ought to say that it’s “Yentl Medley” time, girl! I can’t believe you haven’t reacted to that glorious performance yet… Seriously… 😉
Listen to my final thoughts on this one, if you haven't already and it will explain a lot. Not sure yet which one is the next one. Still a ton to choose from and I intend to keep going. 💕
@@AleksReacts So many songs (mostly my fault 🫣)… So little time… I can image. Anyway, whatever Lara performance you choose to be the next, will be perfect, so I trust your guts! 🤗
When I've heard this song in her concert I didn't knew the original and I can tell you that her version with the water and percussion sounded transcendental. It was a sensorial experience- when he was hitting that bowl you could hear/see the splashes, so the percussion sound was always accompanied by the sound of water. She sang from Alfonsina's perspective- Fado on a Flamenco rhythm.
Ah, so this is in fact sung in a different style. The water sounded so in place, so did the guitar, but the percussions were a bit confounding. It did feel like it was sung from Alfonsina's perspective, I believe I even commented on that in the end, but I had no idea that this was Fado or that the rhythm was that of the Flamenco. Thank you! That explains some of her choices. I am sure that live this was even better than hearing a video.
@@AleksReacts Fado is another fascinating territory to explore, if you are really interested I recommend watching in modern times (apart from the sacred monsters of the past) the beautiful interpretation of "Gente Da Minha Terra" by the fascinating Mariza (the new queen of fado). Far from the phenomena that have emerged from the various talent shows around the world that to me seem more like circus phenomena. Mariza's interpretation might require the use of handkerchiefs. ua-cam.com/video/S2Ip-uUhaoI/v-deo.html
I believe I have heard Fado before, but usually in passing. Perhaps, at your recommendation I could for one listen to it for real. It would be generally a very new style to me, but based on it never catching my attention before I am not sure what my reaction would be. Then again, that is the point of listening to something for the first time and exploring things one's not familiar with. It's on the list now and I'm pretty sure I will get to it. Mainly because I remember you to know quite a lot about music and since you have heard many of the songs I reacted to, I'm going to assume you might be able to guess what I would be interested in. Thank you!
@@AleksReacts yes, i agree, everyone has different approach with arts in general, music in particular. I am curious, i search, listen and have opinions, basically like/don't like, 😆 but if i like i have to know everything about the artist 👍
And now we wait for your reaction to Llora ❤️. it's another very sad song . If you watch the video from Mademoiselle Zhivago short movie, it's really touching..😢
@@AleksReacts yean that's happening when a singer is so good... People wants you to react to every songs😊.. If you want to make me happy as an Italian .. I would love you to react, when it's possible for you of course, to "La Solitudine", her duet with Laura Pausini (Live Piazza di Spagna, Roma 22 agosto 2002). It was the first time I saw her live.. (that evening she did also sing "Caruso" and "Aimer Deja") And I was just blown aways from her beauty and voice. It's a song of Laura Pausini.. And people don't know that duet so much. ❤️
Ah, people do know it. In fact 3 more people requested it. I honestly plan to react to every song ever recommended by Lara. She was one of the first singers recommended to me and she has indeed proven to be amazing over and over. It may take a while, as I am not a fan of making promises I do not deliver on, but it will happen. Kind regards to Italy! ❤❤❤
@@AleksReacts Thanks🙏 Saturday I'm flying to Bucharest and watch Lara live at the Unforgettable Festival.. I hope to make some good quality videos and send them to you ☺️❤️🤗
Oh, thank you so much for thinking of me! I will listen to only the ones I already reacted to - I don't want to spoil the surprise with the ones I'm yet to hear. Have a GREAT time! Actually, I'm sure you will. ❤
Dear Aleks, you're right, Mercedes sings parts of it more like a lullaby, as an old folk tale, Lara sings it more forcefull like a it is happening today, Maybe because she is more using the voice of Alfonsina. Like she is voicing her voice instead of that of the storyteller. Maybe a tip for a new song to react to (besides Lara with Maurane - Tu es mon autre) Henning May from AnnenMayKantereit with Giant Rooks Tom's diner (original from Suzanne Vega). His voice is incredible. Also songs like Oft gefragt and Barfuss am klavier.
Thank you, I am so glad to hear that I'm not the only one hearing the same things from Mercedes and Lara in this song. Yes, I also thought like she was singing AS Alfonsina, rather than ABOUT Alfonsina. Oooook, never ever heard of AnnenMayKantereit, but I have added all 3 suggestions. I remember Tom's Diner well, so I will likely at least listen to the cover of that song, if not more. I don't believe I've reacted to any German singers, it might be interesting.
@@AleksReacts Lara seems (and I believe really is) most of the time so empathetic, like it is her second nature to fanthom what someone, in this case Alfonsina, is going through and literaly gives that a voice. Reacting to Henning would be great. A fair contrast to all other songs you reacted to. In my opinion the Tom's Diner cover 1000% surpasses the original. Bacause I'm Dutch, I can speak English, German, French and Spanish, some Catalan and Portugees. So I listen to a lot of diverent songs. German seems like a harsch language, but there is a really heartfelt meaning and sound in his songs.
Wow, the list of languages you speak is quite lengthy. I only speak two and a half. Serbian, of course, English as you can see and I'd say I used to speak French. Re-learning it a bit, especially listening to Lara. German is like Greek to me, but with the Internet I'm sure I'll find a translation prior to listening to the actual song. 😊
I will have to hear it on my own as I already have 2 versions I reacted to uploaded, while 2 more are yet to come that I promised already. The two I plan yet to cover are Natalia Lafourcade's and Pelageya's version. Dulce Pontes' I will hear offline. Thank you so much for that! What did you think of Lara in this version?
@@AleksReacts As I wrote in the other post, Lara's interpretations are very personal, different from the original and even different in the concerts she performs, this is her strength and what makes her interesting (I lost count of how many different versions she sang of Je suis malade). The song is taken from the Prague concert 2015 that I listened to in full, she has always surrounded herself with very good musicians and even when she changes the formations she always manages to find the right empathy to give her best in the performance. Each concert is a discovery precisely because it is never the same as the previous ones. I find this one in Prague similar to "En tout intimitè" in Paris (my favorite), soft lights, four musicians, very intimate and with a very good percussionist. I don't want to make comparisons between the versions, they are different, and they are choices of the artist that I appreciate. Mercedes Sosa's is classic and reference (even more dated in time), Dulce Pontes I find more similar to Lara in the performances, she uses her body a lot and all the inflections of her voice, I haven't heard Natalia Lafourcade's version yet and I plan to do so.
I understand what you mean and I'm sure you know by now that I read your other post as well. It might be that I have a flaw. I fall in love with the first version I hear or not at all. Then all others are doomed to be compared to it. Lara managed twice already to enchant me with a version of a song I was already in love with. I sincerely wonder if Natalia or Pelageya will keep my focus the way Mercedes and Lara did. This is not an easy song to sing, let alone make your own after someone else has already done it.
@@AleksReacts Luckily, we are all different and react differently to the same facts. I also tend to get attached to one version of a song, but I am still fascinated by the differences and that is the only reason why I can accept a cover. I admit, I try to be objective, but with Lara it is difficult. I am writing a book called "I will marry Lara Fabian", subtitled "As soon as I can get her to divorce her husband who she is very much in love with", basically a losing battle from the start. 🤣
I have to say I can understand the temptation. I'm a woman, but I'm not blind. Every time I watch her I wonder about the guy who cheated on her ages ago, what on earth could have prompted that level of nuttiness... 🤣🤣🤣 Also, I agree with "Luckily, we are all different". It would be so boring if we were all the same person. I'd hate to be stuck with versions of me all the time. 😁
I am sad to sense that you were a bit disappointed not hearing what you were expecting, a copy of Mercedes. Well, Laura will always work her own magic.
Ah, you are not incorrect, but not entirely right either. I have heard several of her interpretations of other people's songs, including Je suis malade and Caruso and I did expect that she would make it her own. However, what took me aback here is how different it was and how the emotion changed significantly from the original. Usually, it was the way the story is told that Lara would change, add her own signature, but with no serious change to the overall sentiment. What I mean is I did not expect this much of a difference and at first listen it didn't really "have" me. Now, that has somewhat changed after hearing it more times. I am no longer "disappointed", now I'm still trying to "read" each feeling she's trying to convey. I'd now call it intriguing, I think. Is it my favorite of Lara's? Probably not. Has she had a bad performance? Definitely not.
@AleksReacts Thank you for your classy and respectful answer. I apologize for my toxicity. I understand your point, and the way you explained it was very elegant. Thank you for your reactions.
Oh, no! It's not toxicity to express an opinion. That's all I do all the time on these reactions. Give an honest opinion. Why shouldn't you? 😊 If we all agreed, we'd all be listening to the same songs over and over again. This way we enjoy different approaches, tastes, opinions. Very welcome here, indeed! Thank you as well for keeping it classy and respectful! ❤
@@AleksReacts I have to say, this is not one of my favorite songs or concerts from Lara but this tour was a kind of a new beginning for her, since she had to cancel most of her concerts 2014, after her ear accident.
@danielakeller7532 This one grew on me. First it was a bit of a surprise, but then it kind of did what Lara does - pulled me in. Agreed on not the most amazing I've ever heard her, but she's still very good and again did her own take on the song. I couldn't ask for more, especially now knowing about the accident.
Hey, Aleks. How’s the “The Prayer” reaction doing, BTW? I have seen some reactions to that performance lately, so it’s possible that it ends up working out for you. 🤞🏻🤞🏻 Some reactors are simply “blurring” the video a bit…
Oh, hun, if you only knew. The simple blurring does nothing. They do a lot more to it and even then it gets blocked. All it does is ruin the reaction video. Also, "we are not all created equal". It's a very individual thing, what does or doesn't get blocked and I don't think there is a manual. It happens or it doesn't. Long story short, we wait another 10is days for now...
Patience is key. I'm starting to think you're just a young version of me - very, very impatient. 🤣 Still, it also makes you so easy to talk to and I KNOW your sentiment is always real. ❤❤❤
A lot was happening on the Ren front, so this one is delayed by a couple of days, but the 2nd Alfonsina y el mar is now up! Thank you @Francesco71rm, @user-gi7dy1yt8p and @raquelra5878 for suggesting it and a special thanks to @raquelra5878 for providing the best link sound wise. Hope you enjoy this one.
If you haven't watched my reaction to Mercdes Sosa's original, you can watch it here: ua-cam.com/video/_9s2KH68loc/v-deo.html I simply had to refer to it a lot as it did influence my reaction to Lara's version.
Upcoming versions will be by Pelageya and Natalia Lafourcade.
❤"I don't think this is easy" . So I had to view the original as I was curios about who the audience was, interesting song, Lara's voice beautiful as always...
"Scientifically speaking" as Bruce (@Royal_BLT) mentioned, both version have merit, neither stands above the other. Both are amazing singers too. So far, you guys have never led me astray. I've only listened to the best there is out there.
You have captured the emotions of both singers, and, as you say, they are quite different and fascinating at the same time. I would highlight, as always, Lara's expressiveness and the guitar accompaniment, which I have especially enjoyed; here in Spain We have authentic legends of flamenco and classical guitar.
As I told you in the previous reaction to Mercedes...Ariel Ramirez's poem is beautiful.
Thanks Aleks
Thank you so much! I am not familiar enough with the Spanish guitar to have serious opinions, but it was very intricate and beautiful. I am very glad to hear that we felt the same emotions from both singers. Some nuances, like the guitar are more familiar to someone who's used to this type of music, but the emotions seem to be universal. Thank you again so much for listening to my reaction and my thoughts. Very much appreciated. ❤️
Magnificent performance by Lara. Her hands are so expressive! Do you notice how she shapes her mouth continually to get maximum resonance. Brava Lara!
Yes, I noticed that, but I've noticed it before - she always does that though here it was a bit more prominent, perhaps due to more frequent changes in tone, but also due to the closeness of the camera so it's hard to miss. She was true to herself, yet again. ❤
Thank you so much for bring this version of the song! In my country that song belongs to Mercedes Sosa, but Lara made such a great performance as always.❤
Hope you can react (some day) to this song ua-cam.com/video/jHqjig0_SsE/v-deo.htmlsi=S0ZkMtcsMHk8SpYx
❤🎉
I can understand why it belongs to Mercedes Sosa. I heard her for the first time and her voice was incredibly beautiful. ❤
However, it seems the song itself started travelling the world and I am glad that one of the artists who found it is Lara. Not many can do it justice, given Mercedes Sosa's performance. Lara did, made it different and her own, but that is how she did it justice.
As you know by now, the suggestion is added to the list.
Lara beautifully reinterpreted Mercedes' song. Mercedes' version touched my soul and Lara's gave me chills.
Ah, well put. Yes, that is a part of the difference it made me feel.
Lara❤
❤❤❤
Love your reactions to Lara ❤
Thank you Aleks ❤
Love Lara ❤
Love from Denmark ❤
Thank you so much, Martin! ❤❤❤ Always a pleasure to see you in the comment section.
Love to Denmark! ❤❤❤
Excellent reaction, Aleks! I agree with you in every aspect, also with the percussion, I found it somewhat puzzling 🙂 But the water in the background was a strike of genius IMO. Always nice to see that the same piece of music can be interpreted so differently, right ? Much love from Norway ♥♥♥♥♥
❤❤❤ I liked the percussion as well, but I'm very much used to Latin music... Looking forward to Natalia's version!
@@Hundhammer 👍👍👍
I am still ambivalent towards the percussions, but overall a wonderful performance. Then again, Lara's usually are. Thank you both for your comments! Much love to both Norway and Bavaria! ❤❤❤
Musically speaking, Lara's ability to make cover songs her own is extraordinary. She breathes a kind of life into them that is full of her very DNA. It's always nice to see reactions to songs that are rarely reacted to. I've only heard this song during the couple of times that I have watched this concert. I don't really care for the way the percussion is played, so it's not a concert I've gone back to very often. But as always, I appreciate your thoughtful and honest reaction, including doing the original first.
Thank you! I think it is even more fun to react to songs that aren't often covered. I agree with you on all counts. Still not sure about the percussions in this version, but I do love the guitar and you're very right to say that Lara pours a bit of herself into every song she performs.
Wow, what a performance. And you have such a great perspective. In Mercedes' version I also got deep sadness, but also a haunting vibe and a feeling of melancholy. Thank you for this.
I prefer Lara's version, but I can't deny the great emotional masterpiece of Mercedes' original. Both are great.
While listening for the first time, I sort of "fell for" Mercedes' performance, but Lara's ingenuity with this song remains undeniable. Both gave it life, both made it gorgeous! Thank you so much for listening to the original as well. It's such a pleasure to sometimes return the favor and showcase some artists I've found on my own, still thanks to all of you. This time, through a specific song. ❤
@@AleksReacts The pleasure was all mine, thank you very much 😉
Now that we have commented on the water in the background, you may be interested in hearing the official recording by Natalia Lafourcade as well, with a music video to go with it. Watch it after the reaction to the version I requested maybe 🙂 Greetings from The Sharkster😉
I can't believe you're the only one by now who doesn't know. I plan to actually react to Natalia Lafourcade's version and Pelageya's version of Alfonsina y el mar. I am making a "quartet" as I promised each one to someone. So, geographically, from Argentina with Mercedes to Canada (Belgium and a bit of Sicily) with Lara, to Russia with Pelageya and finally Mexico with Natalia. Thought it would be fun to find out how different geographical backgrounds influence this song along with each artist. Thank you for the introduction to @Hundhammer! That was really sweet of you. Love to Norway ❤❤❤
First of all, I don't like covers very much, with a few exceptions, but the music world is full of covers that are exact copies of the original (even a trained monkey can sing them). Fortunately, Lara always gives her own interpretation and it seems like the song is hers (she has a great advantage over others, she also writes her own stories). She is a great storyteller (it's not enough to write, you have to know how to tell) and humanity has always told stories and wanted to listen to stories because words are important and convey feelings and culture. If this is missing, it remains a flat sequence of notes on a staff that anyone, with a minimum of training, can sing, but that's another "story". Thank you.
I am not a great fan of covers either, but I think Lara "bought me" with Caruso. Once again, she did not disappoint and what you said is very true, the main reason is because she IS a great storyteller among other things. Thank you so much, Vincenzo!
@@AleksReacts please try her Yentl& Medley live at Centre Molson (1998-99?) it s all over UT
It's on the list, it's time will come. Thank you!
🇨🇦 We get to see Lara singing a more traditional song, with a Lara twist to it ! I enjoyed her version, although neither of them has stood above the other ! Both versions have merit ! Lara will always give us something extra to think about . . .
And . . . another appearance of a chair ! 🇨🇦
Yes, exactly! Both versions have merit, they are too different for real comparison, it mainly a matter of personal preference or rather, feelings. Even then, one can enjoy both versions almost equally, might even be the mood of the moment to determine which one to listen to. ❤
I will ignore the chair, yes, intentionally. 😜
@@AleksReactsOh God! Are you giving up on it? Seriously? Please don’t… Are you, at least, going to watch it? If yes, don’t be shy and tell us about your experience later… 🔥🪑🔥
No, no, don't worry, Raquel! I'm just ignoring the chair that made an appearance in Alfonsina y el mar that Bruce is alluding to. 🤣
@@AleksReacts 😅 I really thought you were too afraid of it. 😂 You can take your time, but don’t you dare giving up on the other 🪑 It’s a really worthy experience. Just saying… 😉 And if you’re brave enough, watch it again afterwards, this time with your husband… I did it! 🤣 And it was hilarious to watch his face expressions… 🤣 I’m just gonna say that he finally became a fan after that. 🙌🏻
My poor husband is stuck having to listen to everything I react to after the reaction is done. I keep asking his opinion each time as if it's going to change anything, so he's always the first to hear each reaction and each song. I already told you I woke up the other day to him singing the chorus of Tango (without the words, though). 🤣
Moving her hands is normal she has sicilian blood in her veins. 🙂🙃😉😊
So, you're saying if she couldn't have moved her hands, we'd never hear her sing? 🤣
@@AleksReacts Absolutely! 😃😆😅
Concise as always. Very much enjoyed. TY.
Thank you kindly, Donald! So confusing, so beautiful. Typical of Lara. 😉
Very nice reaction, you are a very sharp observer! Subbed, peace and love from Bavaria! Poolhallshark sent me here...
😊🔥♥
Sharkster, what are you doing? Introducing unsuspecting people to me? How could you be so mean to your friend? 🤣😉
@Hundhammer Well, given who recommended my channel, I am very glad to welcome you! Based on your comment (which is flattering, btw), I'm also glad to welcome you. So in line with all of the above: welcome and love to Bavaria! ❤❤❤
@@AleksReacts That must have been one of the nicest personal welcome posts I ever received, thanks a lot, I think we'll have a lot of fun together... "Sharkster" (lol) and моје скромно ја got to know each other and made friends on behalf of Angelina Jordan (being familiar with PHS you would not have guessed that one, hehe?), but over time we shared a lot of musical favorites and new discoveries, and it works because we basically share the same taste (We're men of simple tastes, we're easily satisfied with the very best...) - individual spleens and weird deviations on both sides are being handled with a smile by the other party... So my buddy must have been completely aware it would be inevitable that I would топло вам препоручујем MY favorite artist right now, or at least the one I'm currently most obsessed with, as soon as I would open my mouth here...
So here we are, I'm hoping that thanks to Sharkman's (that's his real call name, rofl...) introduction you will trust me and I need not give any explanations, I'd love to watch you go into this totally blind...Pls. react to:
RAYE - Brit Awards Medley
ua-cam.com/video/OiKbKRcsBCw/v-deo.htmlsi=pmS1zlNW5MMtqAPd
Thanks a lot in advance!
Peace and love from Bavaria!
Very happy to hear that, Dominik! Yes, it does sound like we'll have fun. 😉
It also sounds like Sharkman got himself into a fix, rather than you, by bringing you to this channel. All secrets are being divulged. I wonder now if I should once again change his moniker to Sharkman, PHS or something totally different... 🤣🤣🤣
You will soon find out that even though this is a small channel, I've got so many requests that I never promise anything, but do write everything down. In fact, right now there are 700+ requests on my list. However, through luck of the draw and female moodiness which at this age is rampant (woohoo), new songs move from the request list into the reaction recording list. So, let's hope my mood takes me to Raye (yes, had to open the link to write it all down).
Hope you do enjoy this place. Over and out with Love to Bavaria! ❤❤❤
@@AleksReacts I'm confident, female intuition will guide you right... Over and out!
What a wonderful song, I love hearing different interpretations. And hats off to you for your keen observations! Rita Payes does a lovely version with her mother (brilliant guitarist Elisabeth Roma) accompanying on guitar. It's very introspective and somber.
Me too, but I will have to hear it on my own as I already have 2 versions I reacted to uploaded, while 2 more are yet to come that I promised already. The two I plan yet to cover are Natalia Lafourcade's and Pelageya's version. Rita Payes' I will hear offline. Thank you so much for that!
@@AleksReacts yes Rita Payes and mother worth, she is so young, so beautiful and a good trombone player 😆
I listened to it a few minutes ago actually. Quite a beautiful voice. 😊
Well done Aleks.. So good to see you back.. I guess someone here said the right thing.. She is singing straight to you..with all her soul and body... Not to an audience, making her performance actual even if is a old video. . This is on of her best quality.. How she gets into you.. Straight.. With her look and her voice..whatever is the story she wants to tell you..
This reaction was one of the harder ones. She told Alfonsina's story so differently from what Mercedes did that she confused me... But she does keep one's attention steadily and irrefutably, you just cannot not get engrossed.
@@AleksReactsua-cam.com/video/oGBl00Wq8U8/v-deo.htmlsi=zLwWKqfHW8Prg-Z4
That was yesterday at the Unforgettable Festival in Bucharest.. You already reacted to this song.. Caruso.
It was windy and cold and she had to wear a scarf... But she was gorgeous as always ❤
Thank you so much, Francesco! I've only seen Bucharest once, but it was a wonderful place to visit. I slightly envy you for being there and for listening to Lara live. Caruso is one of my favorite songs of all time, so I can never tire of hearing it - thank you for sharing it!
Many thanks for reacting to our beloved Lara once again, Aleks. This song is incredibly sad, beautiful and difficult to sing (specially with Spanish not being the singer’s mother tongue), but Lara, as she always does, did an amazing job. Very respectful to the original, but imprinting her very distinctive and gorgeous mark. A tribute, not only to the marvellous Mercedes Sosa but, mainly, to Alfonsina Storni. Said that, and not wanting to sound disrespectful in any way, I must admit that anything sung by Lara, hits me differently and deeper, which, at this point, might be a “me thing”, since the woman has bewitched me or something… 🤷🏻♀️
You're more than welcome, Raquel! In fact you did provide a link where I could hear her clearly. I found both versions beautiful, but to be honest, this time Mercedes has my slight preference. Then again, that might be a "me thing" as well. If I fall in love with the original it's hard for me to "cheat" on it. Still, Lara's version was her own. She does that with every song. Both are beautiful, just very different from one another.
@@AleksReacts I, obviously, understand you. Mercedes owns this song… but , you know, my heart beats for Lara. 🫣 Anyway, I ought to say that it’s “Yentl Medley” time, girl! I can’t believe you haven’t reacted to that glorious performance yet… Seriously… 😉
Listen to my final thoughts on this one, if you haven't already and it will explain a lot. Not sure yet which one is the next one. Still a ton to choose from and I intend to keep going. 💕
@@AleksReacts So many songs (mostly my fault 🫣)… So little time… I can image. Anyway, whatever Lara performance you choose to be the next, will be perfect, so I trust your guts! 🤗
Oh, if you see Daniela please tell her to email me. Nothing came yet and she might have missed my message. I will be on the lookout, too. 🙂
When I've heard this song in her concert I didn't knew the original and I can tell you that her version with the water and percussion sounded transcendental. It was a sensorial experience- when he was hitting that bowl you could hear/see the splashes, so the percussion sound was always accompanied by the sound of water. She sang from Alfonsina's perspective- Fado on a Flamenco rhythm.
Ah, so this is in fact sung in a different style. The water sounded so in place, so did the guitar, but the percussions were a bit confounding. It did feel like it was sung from Alfonsina's perspective, I believe I even commented on that in the end, but I had no idea that this was Fado or that the rhythm was that of the Flamenco. Thank you! That explains some of her choices. I am sure that live this was even better than hearing a video.
@@AleksReacts Fado is another fascinating territory to explore, if you are really interested I recommend watching in modern times (apart from the sacred monsters of the past) the beautiful interpretation of "Gente Da Minha Terra" by the fascinating Mariza (the new queen of fado). Far from the phenomena that have emerged from the various talent shows around the world that to me seem more like circus phenomena. Mariza's interpretation might require the use of handkerchiefs. ua-cam.com/video/S2Ip-uUhaoI/v-deo.html
I believe I have heard Fado before, but usually in passing. Perhaps, at your recommendation I could for one listen to it for real. It would be generally a very new style to me, but based on it never catching my attention before I am not sure what my reaction would be. Then again, that is the point of listening to something for the first time and exploring things one's not familiar with.
It's on the list now and I'm pretty sure I will get to it. Mainly because I remember you to know quite a lot about music and since you have heard many of the songs I reacted to, I'm going to assume you might be able to guess what I would be interested in. Thank you!
@@AleksReacts yes, i agree, everyone has different approach with arts in general, music in particular. I am curious, i search, listen and have opinions, basically like/don't like, 😆 but if i like i have to know everything about the artist 👍
And now we wait for your reaction to Llora ❤️. it's another very sad song . If you watch the video from Mademoiselle Zhivago short movie, it's really touching..😢
It's among many other planned. There are 140+ requests for Lara's songs (including duplicates). One by one, they will almost all get their turn.
@@AleksReacts yean that's happening when a singer is so good... People wants you to react to every songs😊.. If you want to make me happy as an Italian .. I would love you to react, when it's possible for you of course, to
"La Solitudine", her duet with Laura Pausini (Live Piazza di Spagna, Roma 22 agosto 2002). It was the first time I saw her live.. (that evening she did also sing "Caruso" and "Aimer Deja") And I was just blown aways from her beauty and voice. It's a song of Laura Pausini.. And people don't know that duet so much. ❤️
Ah, people do know it. In fact 3 more people requested it. I honestly plan to react to every song ever recommended by Lara. She was one of the first singers recommended to me and she has indeed proven to be amazing over and over. It may take a while, as I am not a fan of making promises I do not deliver on, but it will happen. Kind regards to Italy! ❤❤❤
@@AleksReacts Thanks🙏
Saturday I'm flying to Bucharest and watch Lara live at the Unforgettable Festival.. I hope to make some good quality videos and send them to you ☺️❤️🤗
Oh, thank you so much for thinking of me! I will listen to only the ones I already reacted to - I don't want to spoil the surprise with the ones I'm yet to hear. Have a GREAT time! Actually, I'm sure you will. ❤
Dear Aleks, you're right, Mercedes sings parts of it more like a lullaby, as an old folk tale, Lara sings it more forcefull like a it is happening today, Maybe because she is more using the voice of Alfonsina. Like she is voicing her voice instead of that of the storyteller.
Maybe a tip for a new song to react to (besides Lara with Maurane - Tu es mon autre) Henning May from AnnenMayKantereit with Giant Rooks Tom's diner (original from Suzanne Vega). His voice is incredible. Also songs like Oft gefragt and Barfuss am klavier.
Thank you, I am so glad to hear that I'm not the only one hearing the same things from Mercedes and Lara in this song. Yes, I also thought like she was singing AS Alfonsina, rather than ABOUT Alfonsina.
Oooook, never ever heard of AnnenMayKantereit, but I have added all 3 suggestions. I remember Tom's Diner well, so I will likely at least listen to the cover of that song, if not more. I don't believe I've reacted to any German singers, it might be interesting.
@@AleksReacts Lara seems (and I believe really is) most of the time so empathetic, like it is her second nature to fanthom what someone, in this case Alfonsina, is going through and literaly gives that a voice.
Reacting to Henning would be great. A fair contrast to all other songs you reacted to. In my opinion the Tom's Diner cover 1000% surpasses the original. Bacause I'm Dutch, I can speak English, German, French and Spanish, some Catalan and Portugees. So I listen to a lot of diverent songs. German seems like a harsch language, but there is a really heartfelt meaning and sound in his songs.
Wow, the list of languages you speak is quite lengthy. I only speak two and a half. Serbian, of course, English as you can see and I'd say I used to speak French. Re-learning it a bit, especially listening to Lara. German is like Greek to me, but with the Internet I'm sure I'll find a translation prior to listening to the actual song. 😊
@@AleksReacts the link to Barfuß Am Klavier - AnnenMayKantereit ua-cam.com/video/tERRFWuYG48/v-deo.html
Oh, no worries dear, I dug it up to ensure I spelled it correctly right away. 😉
LAra
Aha, you found her! I'm glad you did, good to see you. ❤
Apart from Mercedes, Dulce Pontes' performance is also remarkable.
I will have to hear it on my own as I already have 2 versions I reacted to uploaded, while 2 more are yet to come that I promised already. The two I plan yet to cover are Natalia Lafourcade's and Pelageya's version. Dulce Pontes' I will hear offline. Thank you so much for that! What did you think of Lara in this version?
@@AleksReacts As I wrote in the other post, Lara's interpretations are very personal, different from the original and even different in the concerts she performs, this is her strength and what makes her interesting (I lost count of how many different versions she sang of Je suis malade). The song is taken from the Prague concert 2015 that I listened to in full, she has always surrounded herself with very good musicians and even when she changes the formations she always manages to find the right empathy to give her best in the performance. Each concert is a discovery precisely because it is never the same as the previous ones. I find this one in Prague similar to "En tout intimitè" in Paris (my favorite), soft lights, four musicians, very intimate and with a very good percussionist. I don't want to make comparisons between the versions, they are different, and they are choices of the artist that I appreciate. Mercedes Sosa's is classic and reference (even more dated in time), Dulce Pontes I find more similar to Lara in the performances, she uses her body a lot and all the inflections of her voice, I haven't heard Natalia Lafourcade's version yet and I plan to do so.
I understand what you mean and I'm sure you know by now that I read your other post as well. It might be that I have a flaw. I fall in love with the first version I hear or not at all. Then all others are doomed to be compared to it. Lara managed twice already to enchant me with a version of a song I was already in love with. I sincerely wonder if Natalia or Pelageya will keep my focus the way Mercedes and Lara did. This is not an easy song to sing, let alone make your own after someone else has already done it.
@@AleksReacts Luckily, we are all different and react differently to the same facts. I also tend to get attached to one version of a song, but I am still fascinated by the differences and that is the only reason why I can accept a cover. I admit, I try to be objective, but with Lara it is difficult. I am writing a book called "I will marry Lara Fabian", subtitled "As soon as I can get her to divorce her husband who she is very much in love with", basically a losing battle from the start. 🤣
I have to say I can understand the temptation. I'm a woman, but I'm not blind. Every time I watch her I wonder about the guy who cheated on her ages ago, what on earth could have prompted that level of nuttiness... 🤣🤣🤣 Also, I agree with "Luckily, we are all different". It would be so boring if we were all the same person. I'd hate to be stuck with versions of me all the time. 😁
Who would not fall in love immediately with this beautiful woman with a marvellous voice, who just pours out emotion with her body?
Beats me. I think it's very easy to fall in love with Lara. 🙂
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I am sad to sense that you were a bit disappointed not hearing what you were expecting, a copy of Mercedes. Well, Laura will always work her own magic.
Ah, you are not incorrect, but not entirely right either.
I have heard several of her interpretations of other people's songs, including Je suis malade and Caruso and I did expect that she would make it her own. However, what took me aback here is how different it was and how the emotion changed significantly from the original.
Usually, it was the way the story is told that Lara would change, add her own signature, but with no serious change to the overall sentiment. What I mean is I did not expect this much of a difference and at first listen it didn't really "have" me. Now, that has somewhat changed after hearing it more times. I am no longer "disappointed", now I'm still trying to "read" each feeling she's trying to convey. I'd now call it intriguing, I think. Is it my favorite of Lara's? Probably not. Has she had a bad performance? Definitely not.
@AleksReacts Thank you for your classy and respectful answer. I apologize for my toxicity. I understand your point, and the way you explained it was very elegant.
Thank you for your reactions.
Oh, no! It's not toxicity to express an opinion. That's all I do all the time on these reactions. Give an honest opinion. Why shouldn't you? 😊 If we all agreed, we'd all be listening to the same songs over and over again. This way we enjoy different approaches, tastes, opinions. Very welcome here, indeed! Thank you as well for keeping it classy and respectful! ❤
@@AleksReacts I have to say, this is not one of my favorite songs or concerts from Lara but this tour was a kind of a new beginning for her, since she had to cancel most of her concerts 2014, after her ear accident.
@danielakeller7532 This one grew on me. First it was a bit of a surprise, but then it kind of did what Lara does - pulled me in. Agreed on not the most amazing I've ever heard her, but she's still very good and again did her own take on the song. I couldn't ask for more, especially now knowing about the accident.
Hey, Aleks. How’s the “The Prayer” reaction doing, BTW? I have seen some reactions to that performance lately, so it’s possible that it ends up working out for you. 🤞🏻🤞🏻 Some reactors are simply “blurring” the video a bit…
Oh, hun, if you only knew. The simple blurring does nothing. They do a lot more to it and even then it gets blocked. All it does is ruin the reaction video. Also, "we are not all created equal". It's a very individual thing, what does or doesn't get blocked and I don't think there is a manual. It happens or it doesn't. Long story short, we wait another 10is days for now...
@@AleksReacts 😢 Anyway… I’m still rooting for you to succeed … 🤞🏻 I really want to watch your reaction! 🤎
Patience is key. I'm starting to think you're just a young version of me - very, very impatient. 🤣 Still, it also makes you so easy to talk to and I KNOW your sentiment is always real. ❤❤❤
@@AleksReacts I just really want to know your thoughts! 🤎