Search - Various Artists :: 2002 Latin Grammy Nominees

Great Intro to Today's Hottest Latin Acts

Jose R. Perez | Yonkers, NY USA | 10/13/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A solid compilation of recent Latin Grammy nominees - the 3rd release in as many years - this album is a terrific way to "test drive" the myriad sounds and styles of the broad category that IS Latin Music. While language unifies these songs - all sung in Spanish or Portugese - stylistically, they represent everything from salsa to vallenato, from samba to rock. To be sure, many of the undercurrent themes are borrowed from the latino-songwriting triad of topics...love, laughter and drama...but the sounds themselves are unique and a fun, practical way to catch up with the current latin-music craze. Among the Award winners here are the inimitable Celia Cruz, who enjoyed an out of the box merengue-hip-hop hit with "La Negra Tiene Tumbao," Alejandro Sanz' Record of the Year "Y Solo Se me Occure Amarte" - a lush, sweeping whispered ballad - and the world-wide sensation Shakira's Video of the Year "Suerte." Top efforts from Miguel Bose ("Morenamia"), Marc Anthony (the brilliant, multi-layered "Celos") and "Me Libere" from el Gran Combo (THE original salsa superstars) which add fresh dimensions showcasing the broad expanse Latin Music across the borders, oceans and political climates.While several tracks on the 17-song set sound sappy alongside Celia and Anthony, the set deserves to succeed for sampling the myriad styles, voices and rhythms emanating from Spain and the rest of the Spanish speaking universe. EVEN BETTER - it includes defining moments from two of today's finest Latin musicians, who both happen to be from Colombia (birth home to Shakira as well. Juanes' "A Dios Le Pido" - which he performed with Nelly Furtado on the recent awards show - is bottled recorded joy, plain and simple - a refreshing, literate and immediately likeable piece of Latin-rock at its best. Mana - as great as they are - ought to start looking over their shoulder, because Juanes is poised to become THE Latin rock artist of our first 21st century decade.Finally, Carlos Vives shows off his unique vellenato sound on "Dejame Entrar" from the like-titled album, winner of 2 Latin Grammys this year. Although the track isn't even the strongest entry from the superb "Entrar" album ("Carito" - a bilingual epic for the ages gets the nod!), the song "Entrar" will put a smile on your face. It's fun, gorgeously arranged and sung to perfection. To be sure Spanish speakers will be extra-inspired by an imaginative chorus, and verses that speak to the grit, grime and grandeur of unconditional love. But - anyone with a pulse will be shaking their shoulders within 10 seconds! As on "Fruta Fresca" - the artist's last hit song -- Vives again proves that there's plenty of room at the table for songwriters who deliver innovative lyrics, catchy hooks and consciousness-raising themes. Give this a listen before running to buy the "Dejame Entrar" album, and you'll hear a startling assortment of songs that testify to Vives' unique sound and natural talents. He is a superstar in the making who makes an indelible impression on the very first listen...and sounds even better after the 50th! The set is worth it's weight - kudos to NARAS and the labels for supporting "nuestra musica!""