By all indications, Ricky Martin's Unplugged opus should be an easy, effortless sell. The charismatic singer is in fine vocal form, backed by a tight band. He makes some interesting set list selections ("Gracias Por Pensar... more » En Mi," "Asignatura Pendiente"). But Martin is also coming off 2005's commercially disappointing Life, which didn't even reach gold status (sales of 500,000 copies). That's a long way down from his Loca peak. It gives Unplugged, then, the whiff of an artist grasping for old glories. Martin was wise to include standouts "Perdido Sin Ti" and "Vuelve," which still shimmer with a lush pop sheen. Both are from 1998's Vuelve disc, still Martin's strongest effort to date. But new tracks "Con Tu Nombre," "Tu Recuerdo," and "Pegate" come off like unremarkable rehashes of past hits. Instead of looking back, this talented singer should be searching for real ways to reinvent his sound and to make his music exciting again. --Joey Guerra« less
By all indications, Ricky Martin's Unplugged opus should be an easy, effortless sell. The charismatic singer is in fine vocal form, backed by a tight band. He makes some interesting set list selections ("Gracias Por Pensar En Mi," "Asignatura Pendiente"). But Martin is also coming off 2005's commercially disappointing Life, which didn't even reach gold status (sales of 500,000 copies). That's a long way down from his Loca peak. It gives Unplugged, then, the whiff of an artist grasping for old glories. Martin was wise to include standouts "Perdido Sin Ti" and "Vuelve," which still shimmer with a lush pop sheen. Both are from 1998's Vuelve disc, still Martin's strongest effort to date. But new tracks "Con Tu Nombre," "Tu Recuerdo," and "Pegate" come off like unremarkable rehashes of past hits. Instead of looking back, this talented singer should be searching for real ways to reinvent his sound and to make his music exciting again. --Joey Guerra
Michelle J. from PITTSBURGH, PA Reviewed on 9/27/2012...
Big Ricky Martin fan---I loved the intimate setting. The musicians and the singers were terrific and of course Ricky is a great performer. He showed that he has real talent and is not just a manufactured star. The arrangements were great and showed more authentic Latin flavor as opposed to the versions that had more of a pop sound in order to get radio airplay. The last song, Pegate is great, shows the African roots of Latin music.
Vamos, Ricky!
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CD Reviews
Fantastic
Fleseastorm | USA | 11/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I never listen to this kind of music. I don't listen to Spanish language music because I don't understand it. I don't listen to acoustic music because I find it boring. I don't listen to live music because it never sounds very good. This CD was way too good to let myself not love it because of my pre conceived ideas. The songs are great, the language is beautiful even if I don't understand it and Ricky has a great voice. I love Alicia Keys but this was much better than her unplugged album. I am looking forward to what he might come out with next time. the highlight tracks are Con tu nombre and Vuevle."
Passion that transcends idioms!
Hector J. Seda | Brooklyn, NY | 11/11/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD showcases Ricky's true voice, rhythm and creativity. Don't expect to hear catchy pop songs catering to the Anglo-Saxon wallet. But do expect to hear, and perhaps discover (if you know Ricky only from his "Living La Vida Loca" days, that is), the soulful voice of an artist on a real path back to his roots. And what a passionate journey that is! Listen closely to this CD, and you will learn why Spanish is one of the Romance Languages, whether you speak it or not."
You wanted him to be real? Here it is!
Alonso J. Pacheco | San José, Costa Rica | 12/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is by far the best Ricky Martin Album he ever recorded. This is him in his natural state and does not dissapoints for a second. New versions of his old hits (thanks God we dont have his "vida loca" here) and 3 brand new songs. Tu recuerdo, Pegate and Con tu nombre are some of his finest work so far. Id definately recommend any fan of this guy to get this record asap. Get the DVD as well, cause you will see lots of more of things on there. His record "life" was good, "sound loaded" was fine and his english debut was ok. This one, however, outshines all of those 3, together. You wont regret it...and NO, you do NOT need to know Spanish to feel this album. Ricky Martin music is just getting better, something I never thought Id say someday, keep it up man. Higly recommended."
EXTRA IMPRESIONANTE
Alejandro Morillo | Santo Domingo | 11/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excelentísimo trabajo por parte de Ricky Martin y Tommy Torres. Aquí vemos a un Ricky más adulto y cómico. Las canciones tienen un arreglo bien natural, me gusta mucho y les gustará."
Way to Go Ricky
Colleen Kasperek | Tampa Bay, FL -USA- | 11/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had the honor to be present when Ricky recorded this CD and DVD. What a treat it was to really "hear" Ricky sing without the distractions of studio electronics or concert fans. He has a wonderful rich and lush voice. He said he chose these songs because they were important in his life. He considered singing "Living La Vida Loca" and had even rehearsed an Unplugged version but decided against it. Good choice--because what you hear is the real Ricky, not the hype. The songs are all in Spanish because it was recorded for MTV TR3S--the Spanglish MTV. But you do not need to understand Spanish to appreciate this music. Some songs will make you smile; some will make you cry and, of course, some will make you want to get up and dance!! Just listen to "Pegate," a new song, and you'll know what I mean. Ricky--you done good man! Bravo!!!"