When Los Tigres Del Norte first heard the song "Un Consentido de Dios," a song written by Roberto Fausto for Vicente Fernández that was sent to the group last year, they knew that they not only had to record it, but that this was an opportunity to produce something bigger and pay tribute to the mariachi icon.
"We figured that one song wasn't enough to say and sing everything that Vicente Fernández represents, his legacy and what he has done for ranchera music," Los Tigres Del Norte's Hernan Hernández tells Billboard. "We decided to record a whole album after the song inspired us to create a project of this magnitude."
The 15-track album, titled Y Su Palabra Es La Ley … Homenaje a Vicente Fernández, was released Friday (Jan. 31) under Universal Music Group. It includes some of Fernández's greatest hits such as "Hermoso Cariño" and "Mujeres Divinas."
Taking into consideration Fernández's extensive music catalog, choosing the 15 songs wasn't easy, Hernan says, but "we started looking at what were some of his most popular songs on social media to get an idea of the ones people like. We also chose some that we personally love or have a special meaning to us individually."
Los Tigres was in constant communication with Fernández, who announced his retirement in 2016 after a 51-year trajectory, during the whole process of making the album, according to Los Tigres' Luis Hernández. "We wanted him to participate in the making of the album and for him to tell us how he wanted mariachi music to be fused with our style. There was always communication between us because not only does music unite us, but also a friendship between the Fernández and Hernández families."
Y Su Palabra es la Ley has a special meaning for Los Tigres del Norte, whose career has been inspired by Fernández's legacy. "To sing this tribute to Don Vicente brings us so much joy and so much honor. He has always been an example to this institution."
Bellow, Luis and Hernan break down five essential tracks on Y Su Palabra Es La Ley.
"La Ley del Monte"
Hernan Hernández: Los Tigres Del Norte has never recorded a song by composer José Ángel Espinoza “Ferrusquilla,” who is from Sinaloa like us. I, particularly, had been wanting to record one his songs, and “La Ley Del Monte,” aside from being one of Vicente Fernández’s greatest hits, was written by “Ferrusquilla.” I wanted to make that dream come true for myself and so I chose that song personally and I also sing it on the album. It also brings me many memories, and I’ve loved it ever since it was released.
"Mujeres Divinas"
Luis Hernández: This is a very popular song of Don Vicente’s. Wherever you go in the world, people will sing along to this song. In this case, Los Tigres Del Norte made it into a duet with my brothers Jorge and Eduardo singing it. Making it a duet gave it a different touch, and their voices sound great together. This song is heard everywhere. It makes you happy and it makes you cry. It’s a song we wanted to do to give it that Tigres Del Norte touch.
"El Último Beso"
HH: What makes this song even more special is that it was written by Joan Sebastian and it was one of Vicente's greatest hits. It’s also different to what Vicente was used to recording in terms of rhythm. Eduardo is the one that sings this song on the album and it was as if it was written for Eduardo to sing because he loves to sing these types of songs and he truly feels the lyrics and the music. This is a special song for Vicente … and now it’s also a special song for us as well.
"Hermoso Cariño"
LH: This song can be dedicated to your mom or to your partner, and it’s a staple in Don Vicente’s repertoire. It’s also a song that has that Los Tigres Del Norte norteño bass accompanied by an accordion and a six-string bass. The song adapted very naturally to our style. The fusion of both genres, norteño and mariachi, worked so well. It just had to be included in the album because it’s loved by many in around the world.
"Un Consentido de Dios"
HH: This is probably the most special song because thanks to this song, our dream of wanting to pay tribute to Vicente came true. And, most importantly for Vicente to be able to enjoy this tribute. This song perfectly describes what Vicente represents, the legend he is and continues to be. This songis the one that allowed this project to happen, that's what makes it so special.
This year, Los Tigres Del Norte is confirmed for an exclusive panel conversation at the 2020 LatinFest+ by Billboard and Telemundo, taking place April 20 to 23 in Las Vegas.
