Rising in the late '90s as a moody, intense singer/songwriter who seemed to be a one-woman orchestra, capable of playing almost any instrument you can think of on her albums (and doing so), Julieta Venegas underwent a major shift after her second album, delivering much sunnier--though no less poignant or technically accomplished--pop music that has turned her into a beloved superstar in her native Mexico. The rest of Latin America, as well as the United States, have taken notice in recent years as well.

Venegas' albums were critically acclaimed from the start, but it's little wonder considering her artistic pedigree. Born to two professional photographers, she seemed artistically gifted from a young age, learning piano as a child and studying at professional music colleges before she had even graduated from high school. Though her late teens and early twenties were fraught with musical experimentation, including a number of different bands (and collaborations with other Mexican musical note-worthies like Cafe Tacuba), Venegas got her first big break when she debuted her solo career in 1998 with the album Aqui. The cover, which portrays Venegas looking somewhat pale through a blue filter, hinted at the more morose and angry songs within, which stunned critics due to the range of instruments used, including the piano, accordion and processed beats, all performed by Venegas herself.

After making such a splash, her follow-up, Bueninvento, was no less eclectic and impressive. But on 2003's Si--sporting a cover with Venegas smiling in a white wedding gown--the sound changed, including all the talents of her past works, but with a much more pop feel to it. Subsequent releases, including 2006's Limon y Sal and 2008's live album MTV Unplugged, would continue that trend. But on her live album and at shows, Venegas still plays the emotional songs that she debuted with, suggesting she hasn't turned her back on the music that introduced her to fans.