Released on 9 April 9, 2001, "Jessico" was the sixth studio album by the Argentinian band Babasónicos. The album propelled the band onto the list of Argentina's most important groups, at a time when the country was experiencing the infamous crisis of December 2001. Four singles were released from the album: "El Loco," "Rubí," "Los Calientes," and "Fizz."
To understand the context of the album's release, 2001 was a chaotic year for Argentina, as the country was going through an economic and political crisis, leading many Argentinian citizens to emigrate to other parts of the world.
On this album, the band showcased an innovative, fresh, and trendy sound, which, interestingly, remains a benchmark for Ibero-American rock to this day. It is said that their departure from Sony at that time and the loss of a member motivated them to create something great. The band had just released "Miami," the album that marked the end of their contract with Sony.
Now this wasn't just another album; it was clearly intended to be, in its own unique way, the pop album that would cement their success. It offered a varied and playful sound, with hints of sensuality and a certain modern sensibility. Although somewhat disorganized, with too much irony and information overload (elaborate orchestrations coexisting with samples, rancheras, instrumental passages, and ballads), it was difficult for the general public to digest it according to the band's expectations, and this is what would ultimately define the album.
With "Jessico," they had it all: a danceable, joyful, edgy, and sensual album. "Jessico" ushered in a new era and revolutionized the Argentine pop scene in a powerful and spectacular way. The band, then formed by Adrián Dárgelos, Gabo Manelli, Diego “Uma” Rodriguez, Diego “Uma-T” Tuñón, Diego “Panza” Castellano, and Mariano Roger, was about to make a breakthrough.
From the very beginning, its quality was evident, starting with the opener, the magical and unusual "Los Calientes," a mellow rock track enveloping playful lyrics that put them back at their peak and which would become the fourth official single. Next came the playful and somewhat DEVO-esque "Fizz," followed by the odd track—perhaps due to the fish video featuring "Delectrico"—which would be the third single from the set. The album showcased their essence more than ever; the drums sounded better than ever, seasoning the rhythm and shaping the central sonic concept. Furthermore, Dárgelos' lyrics were better than ever, focused on seduction, hedonistic characters, and suggestive body language.
Of course, special mention must be made of the bizarre and brilliant "El Loco," the album's first official single, which is probably the song that best reflects this spirit, introducing the sound of the koto to all Argentine radio stations. A strange ballad of metaphysical helplessness that positioned them at the top with both the public and critics. Also worth mentioning is the sensual "Rubí," which released two videos featuring a girl and a boy pleasuring themselves, as well as other tracks like "La Fox," "Tóxica," and "Atomicum," which gave flavor and vibrancy to an album that became a reflection of an era and which, 25 years later, is still widely discussed.
The album undoubtedly stands out as the defining moment that separates two distinct periods for the band, both in terms of continuity and creation. It demonstrates their awareness of what was happening and how they used it to their advantage to create this masterpiece. This is why it was ranked as one of the best not only in the Argentinian scene but also across much of Latin America. Its reception was excellent, both from critics and listeners who continue to love it to this day.
Jessico Track List:
1. Los Calientes
2. Fizz
3. Deléctrico
4. Soy Rock
5. Pendejo
6. El Loco
7. La Fox
8. Tóxima
9. Yoli
10. Rubí
11. Camarín
12. Atomicum
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