Search - Various Artists :: I Like It Like That, Vol. 1: Music From The Motion Picture

Salsa, Urban Music, and a Lot More

Luis Hernandez | New York, New York, USA | 08/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With a mixture of urban and Latin stars, the first volume of the "I Like It Like That" soundtrack is an excellent collection of songs that will give the listeners an idea of the music scene in the Bronx. Since the film's plot revolves around a young Latina struggling to raise her three children in the South Bronx after her husband's arrest, the soundtrack has a myriad of Latin and urban tracks to represent that borough's large Latino population and its' mean streets.The title track, `I Like It Like That,' which made Tito Nieves during the summer of 1994, brings a number of Latin recording artists collectively known as the "Blackout AllStars," (the film was originally titled "Blackout") to bring out the rhythms in this song. Artists such as Sheila E, the late Tito Puente, and Paquito D'Rivera are a few of the stars who join Nieves in singing the title track. For you urban music fans, rap group Cypress Hill contributed a remixed version of their hit song, "Latin Lingo" to the soundtrack. "Come Baby Come," by Bronx-native K7 and "Like Father, Like Son," by Main One: The Ghetto Child are also two other tracks that illustrate that the urban aspects that film wants to convey. For you salsa lovers out there, both Marc Anthony and Jerry Rivera also appear on this collection. Marc Anthony's stirring "Si Tu No Te Fueras," is a vibrant, moving song with an excellent beat. "Eres Tu," by Jerry Rivera (who also plays singing sensation Pablo Perrera in the film) also sounds great. Finally, there a re couple of love ballads that rounds up this soundtrack. "Forever" by C&C Music Factory is one of my favorite tracks on this album, due to its' new jack swing, and smooth vocals. Finally, "Try A Little Tenderness," by the Barrio Boyz (they play the Mendez brothers in the film) is an excellent cover of an old-time classic. The only negative thing about this soundtrack was that two songs, most notably the `banana song" that is played while Lisette is going to the modeling school, as well as "L-O-V-E" by the great Nat King Cole were not included at all. They were great songs that deserved to be on this soundtrack. Due to the variety of the film's music, the filmmakers decided to release the soundtrack on two volumes. If you are much more into Latin music, then give Volume II a try as well. Overall, this is one of my favorites soundtracks to come out in 1994, and due to the film's location and theme, I can relate to it a lot. Give a try and discover the variety of musical styles that bring this film to life."