Search - Various Artists :: Gold Star Ballroom Series: Cha Cha

Grossly Mis-Titled

Robert M | Clawson, Michigan | 09/23/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has songs on it which attempt to imitate Madonna, the Bee Gees, the Doobie Brothers, etc. The problem is that not a single track on it is in what I would call a Cha Cha rhythm. Perhaps in the rarified atmosphere of ballroom dancing dancers might be able to do a Cha Cha step to these tracks, but if you're looking for something that sounds like an update of Perez Prado, Edmundo Ros, or Xavier Cugat, as I was, then you will be grossly disappointed with this title. In addition, the "orchestra" is electronic throughout. I'm glad I didn't pay a lot for this because I'm throwing it out."

Some fun "1970 style" cha chas

J. Wakefield | SLC, Utah | 09/15/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, I agree with an earlier reviewer that this is not first-rate Latin America cha cha. In fact, it isn't even the best of the best for ballroom cha cha. The vocals aren't by the original artists. I agree especially that the last two tracks are not very useful. But it is NOT all synthesized or "electronic."



Speaking from the "rarified atmosphere" of ballroom dancing, this album has some fun cha chas that are at least decent for practice. The tempos are appropriate and much of it is kind of seventies-style funky. You may hear some of these tracks played at dances. Ballroom hosts and DJs will find several of these will fill holes in their playlists. Maybe three and a half stars is a better rating?



There are several edition of this disc (2003, 2005, 2006). Search on "Gold Star Ballroom" and take the least expensive option.



Here are the titles, durations, tempos (measures per minute), and voice:



Hardrock Café, 3:21, (31 mpm), female vocalist

Historia de un amor, 2:17, (30 mpm), instrumental

It's so easy, 2:26, (31 mpm), female vocalist

Last Christmas, 4:38, (Cha cha or rumba, 27 mpm), mixed vocals

Finally, 3:31, (30 mpm), female vocalist

Listen to the music, 3:10, (32 mpm), female vocalist

Madonna medley, 3:30, (31 mpm), female vocalist

Don't talk just kiss, 2:16, (31 mpm), mixed vocals

On the beach, 3:56, (32 mpm), male vocalist

Quantanamera, 2:34, (30 mpm), male vocalist

So in love with you, 3:25, (32 mpm), female vocalist

Stand by me, 3:12, (31 mpm), male vocalist

Todo, todo, todo, 3:16, (32 mpm), mixed vocals

Venus, 3:15, (31 mpm), female vocalist

When will I see you again, 2:42, (31 mpm), female vocalist

YMCA, 3:40, (32 mpm), male vocalist

Have you ever seen the rain, 2:29, (31 mpm), instrumental

Jennifer Eccles, 2:44, (31 mpm), instrumental"