Rating:
Genre:
Latin
Release Date: 07/27/2004
If there's anything made clear by the growing number of albums by
Latin artists that are conceived with mainstream English-speaking audiences in mind, it's that something essential gets lost in translation. There's no doubt that the reigning king of Nuyoriquen
salsa,
Marc Anthony, has the musical chops and vocal talent to churn out hits regardless of genre -- but it's also true that not all of his efforts merit the same consideration. In English, as on
Mended in 2002,
Anthony's lyrics sound schlocky and overwrought, sort of like
Air Supply tunes -- early favorites of the young New Yorker -- turned up to 11. Or, sung in Spanish in mainstream romantic
ballad style, as on
Amar Sin Mentiras, they embody the suffering of a
Latin lover trapped in a geek's body. You'd feel a little sorry for the guy if you didn't know that he was nonetheless managing to tap into a whole new pool of swooning fans. Fortunately, every so often
Anthony decides to stop fooling around and records an album showcasing his genius in its natural habitat.
Valió la Pena, named Best
Salsa Album of 2005 at the
Latin Grammys, is one such album. Featuring the same set as on
Amar Sin Mentiras, only put to
salsa like the good señor intended it to be,
Valió la Pena was produced by keyboard player and sometime vocalist
Sergio George, last heard behind other top-shelf
Marc Anthony records like
Todo a Su Tiempo. With the screaming hot brass and relentlessly sexy percussion to match the love-crazed lyrics, and the love-crazed lyrics to match
Anthony's screaming hot vocals and relentlessly sexy
improvisation,
Valió la Pena captures the drama and excitement palpable in New York's best
salsa clubs. It's not the perfect dance album -- there are a few too many rhythm breaks and sudden changes of dynamics for that -- but it is guaranteed to get
hasta el geek más lamentable del mundo in the mood. And isn't it time you got in touch with your inner
Latin lover?
~Jenny Gage, All Music Guide
Cart 0 items
Listen
