11:34 PM | 0 Cloud(s)

El Mal Querer: Rosalía’s Masterpiece and Its Hidden Story~~~Feb 10, 2025

When I first heard Malamente, I was instantly obsessed. The hypnotic beat, the haunting flamenco claps, and Rosalía’s voice pulled me into a world that felt both ancient and modern.

"Malamente" is a Spanish word that roughly translates to "badly" or "in a bad way." In the context of Rosalía's song, it suggests something ominous, a warning that things are going wrong or heading toward trouble.

 As I listened to the rest of the El Mal Querer album, I realized this wasn’t just an album—it was a story. A story about a woman trapped in a toxic marriage, fighting to reclaim her freedom. That’s when I learned about Flamenca, the 13th-century novel that inspired the album. I searched everywhere for the original text, desperate to read it, but it was almost impossible to find.

Even without the full novel, I pieced together its story and how Rosalía transformed it into music. But before we dive into that, let’s talk about the artist behind this masterpiece.

Rosalía is a Spanish singer, songwriter, and producer who has revolutionized modern music by blending traditional flamenco with contemporary sounds like reggaeton, electronic, and R&B. She first gained international attention with El Mal Querer in 2018, an album that not only showcased her powerful vocals and deep understanding of flamenco but also redefined what Spanish music could be.

Since then, she has collaborated with several popular American artists, proving her versatility and global influence. But what makes Rosalía stand out is her ability to tell stories through music. With El Mal Querer, she didn’t just create songs—she crafted a cinematic, emotional experience inspired by a medieval novel.

The Story of Flamenca

Written in the 13th century in Old Occitan, Flamenca is a medieval novel that tells the tragic story of a young woman trapped in a toxic, possessive marriage. The main character, Flamenca, is a beautiful noblewoman who marries Archambaut, a powerful but deeply jealous man. Despite their love, his insecurity grows, and he locks Flamenca away, allowing her to see no one.

Over time, she finds ways to secretly communicate with a knight named Guilhem. Through coded messages and clever tricks, she starts planning her escape. Unlike many medieval stories where women remain victims, Flamenca is about a woman who refuses to give up hope, outsmarts her oppressor, and reclaims her freedom.

How El Mal Querer Recreates the Story

Rosalía takes this centuries-old story and transforms it into a musical journey of resilience. Each track of El Mal Querer represents a different chapter in Flamenca’s life—from love to imprisonment, suffering, and ultimately, liberation.

1. Malamente (Cap.1: Augurio) – “Badly” (Chapter 1: Omen)

This is the beginning of the story, where Flamenca’s fate is sealed. She marries Archambaut despite warning signs. The eerie claps and hypnotic beat reflect the sense of doom.

2. Que No Salga La Luna (Cap.2: Boda) – “Don’t Let the Moon Rise” (Chapter 2: Wedding)

A haunting song that represents the wedding. Flamenca’s world is now controlled by her jealous husband, who begins isolating her.

3. Pienso En Tu Mirá (Cap.3: Celos) – “I Think About Your Gaze” (Chapter 3: Jealousy)

This song perfectly captures the suffocating paranoia of jealousy. The lyrics describe the way Archambaut watches Flamenca, seeing threats everywhere.

4. De Aquí No Sales (Cap.4: Disputa) – “You’re Not Getting Out of Here” (Chapter 4: Dispute)

A dark, intense song representing Flamenca’s captivity. The sound of motorcycles revving symbolizes the anger and power struggle in the relationship.

5. Reniego (Cap.5: Lamento) – “I Renounce” (Chapter 5: Lament)

A painful, sorrowful moment where Flamenca mourns her situation. The flamenco influence is strongest here, emphasizing raw emotion.

6. Preso (Cap.6: Clausura) – “Imprisoned” (Chapter 6: Confinement)

The deepest moment of isolation. Flamenca is completely trapped, and the song’s atmosphere reflects her despair.

7. Bagdad (Cap.7: Liturgia) – “Baghdad” (Chapter 7: Liturgy)

A turning point. The song, inspired by Justin Timberlake’s Cry Me a River, shows Flamenca’s suffering but also her growing strength.

8. Di Mi Nombre (Cap.8: Éxtasis) – “Say My Name” (Chapter 8: Ecstasy)

A sensual and rebellious song. Flamenca begins regaining control, hinting at her upcoming escape.

9. Nana (Cap.9: Concepción) – “Lullaby” (Chapter 9: Conception)

A dreamlike moment where she envisions a different life, symbolizing hope.

10. Maldición (Cap.10: Cordura) – “Curse” (Chapter 10: Sanity)

Flamenca starts breaking free, realizing her own power.

11. A Ningún Hombre (Cap.11: Poder) – “To No Man” (Chapter 11: Power)

The final moment of freedom. She declares her independence, saying no man will ever control her again.

A Story of Strength and Hope

Rosalía took Flamenca, a story from the 1200s, and turned it into an emotional, modern musical experience. El Mal Querer isn’t just an album—it’s a journey through fear, hope, and ultimately, freedom.

For me, this album isn’t just something to listen to; it’s something to feel. It’s about breaking free, holding onto hope, and refusing to let circumstances define you. No wonder I was obsessed from the very first note of Malamente!