Venezuelan singer-songwriter Marcelo Rubio makes his mark in the Latin pop scene with his heartfelt debut album, Lo que escribí mientras no estabas :). This deeply personal work goes beyond a collection of songs; it’s a chronicle of emotions laid out in three distinct phases: nostalgia, anger, and new beginnings. Each track tells a chapter of Rubio’s journey through the aftermath of a breakup, offering listeners a raw and intimate look into his heart and mind.
A Diary Set to Music: The Emotional Phases
Rubio’s album is a carefully structured narrative, with each song representing a stage of his healing process. The opening track, “Luna (pag. 1),” sets the melancholic tone of the first phase, capturing the pain and confusion of those initial weeks following the end of a relationship. The slow, haunting beats are interwoven with synthesizers, creating a modern yet familiar soundscape that resonates with listeners experiencing similar heartbreak.
As the album progresses, the listener is drawn into the emotional complexities of “Cómo hacer pa que no duela?,” the focus track that represents Rubio’s search for peace amidst the sorrow. With its poetic lyrics and soothing melodies, the song captures the essence of this chapter: the struggle to move forward while still grappling with loss.
Collaboration and Musical Depth
One of the album’s standout tracks, “Pídeme a las 11:11,” takes a hopeful turn. Rubio clings to the possibility of reconciliation, invoking the universal belief in wishes made at 11:11. His vulnerable delivery adds to the emotional weight of the song, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love and loss.
Rubio's storytelling continues with "Collar de estrellas," an introspective piece that reflects on four months of silence and the emotions that linger long after a relationship ends. Featuring a collaboration with Puerto Rican artist Robi in “Vas a volver?”, the song encapsulates the longing and hope for reunion that marks the end of the first emotional phase.
A Darker Turn: Exploring Anger and Reflection
The second phase of the album brings a shift in tone, diving into feelings of anger and self-reflection. In “Qué será de mi,” Rubio confronts his frustrations and questions his place in the world post-breakup. The production becomes darker, with sharper lyrics and deeper melodies reflecting the emotional turbulence within.
Tracks like “Besos desechables” and “Puede que esto no mejore :/” continue to explore these themes, highlighting Rubio’s willingness to examine the painful moments of his life. His collaboration with Noreh in "Puede que esto no mejore :/" adds a different dynamic, showing the complexities of moving on and the internal battles faced during the healing process.
A New Beginning: Love and Renewal
In the final chapter of the album, Rubio begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. “Me gustas full” marks the beginning of a new romantic chapter, expressing the excitement and uncertainty of newfound love. The album closes with “5 letras, 2 palabras,” a tender, courageous declaration of love, showing that despite the hardships, healing and growth are possible.
Lo que escribí mientras no estabas :) is more than just an album; it’s a universal story of love, loss, and resilience. Through his debut, Marcelo Rubio positions himself as not only a talented musician but also a powerful storyteller, weaving his personal experiences into songs that resonate with a wide audience. His ability to transform raw emotion into a relatable, musical journey sets him apart as an artist to watch.