Rating:
Genre:
Latin
Release Date: 11/01/2005
Jerry Rivera makes another strong step forward toward
Latin pop stardom with
Ay Mi Vida. Though perhaps a step away from his
salsa career and the fans whom he left behind, the strength of this 2005 release begs the question, "Has this been
Rivera's true identity all along?" His
pop performance is so confident and seamless that it's easy to forget the heritage of this onetime heir to
salsa's throne. Thanks in part to longtime collaborator and producer
Ramon B. Sanchez, the sonic quality of
Ay Mi Vida is simultaneously shimmering, clear, and yet warm. From a production perspective, this is as fine a record as can be found anywhere in the
pop world. The tracks on the title cut,
"Right on Time," and
"Como Duele" are funky and grooving without overshadowing
Rivera's vocal performance. The
salsa remixes present seem a bit like an afterthought. Only adding a few
salsa elements to the sample-driven title cut and
"Sobre Tu Piel" makes their inclusion feel like lip service. In a genre filled with mediocrity,
Rivera and his team have produced a pleasingly sophisticated and listenable project. Subtlety and taste are very precious commodities, and they abound on
Rivera's debut album for the mighty
Norte label.
~Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
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