Disco de Ricky Martin: “Almas del Silencio”

The hip-shaking, Latin superstar Ricky Martin returns to the music scene after a 2-year self-imposed hiatus with a new album that undoubtedly will propel him back to #1 status in Latin America and all over the world. After writing and recording 36 songs for his upcoming English CD, Ricky decided to stop in his tracks and make a comeback in his native tongue first. This album contains 13-tracks, including a Spanglish version of his second single, "Jaleo" which is sure to get airplay in Top-40 stations across the country. The lead-off single, "Tal Vez" which debuted on the Hot Latin tracks chart at #1 and stayed there for 7 weeks consecutively, has crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100 this week as it debuted at #74, a tremendous feat for a song recorded in Spanish. On this album, Ricky enlisted a few of his "friends" who also happen to be the best songwriters in the Latin music industry such as Alejandro Sanz, Juanes, Ricardo Arjona, Jon Secada, and Tommy Torres. In addition, Ricky co-wrote the 3rd single to released from the CD, titled "Nadie Mas Que Tu" a beautifully performed ballad that will move you emotionally. Other standout tracks include the highly-rhythmic "Besos De Fuego, the emotional "Y Todo Queda En Nada" and "Si Ya No Estas Aqui" which was produced by Emilio Estefan. "Almas Del Silencio" will go down as the top-selling Latin album of 2003 and will surely break many sales records before its run on the charts is complete. Do I see another Grammy next year for Ricky? A resounding YES! DA-ME JA-LE-OOO!!

When this CD was released, I expected it would be good because Martin gets better with each release. But, this is REALLY good!

It's a great collection of different tempos and styles; there's something for everyone's taste. It doesn't matter which country you come from, if you like Latin music, or more importantly, think you might, buy this CD - you won't be sorry.

I love his emotional ballads but "Besos de Fuego" ("Kisses of Fire") which is not a ballad, has that sexy yet traditional sound and dance tempo I love. So does "Jamas" ("Never"), but to a lesser degree. "Asignatura Pendiente" is a pensive song pretty much about his life. What more can I say that hasn't been said about how good this CD is. Except...

A word to the obvious haters (not the reviewers who actually don't like a particular CD):

I don't understand much Spanish, but Martin's voice is absolutely wonderful here! The ballads are VERY romantic and the "pop" style songs are very upbeat without being clubby.

I've listened to more than a few Latin artists (Sin Bandera included), and a lot of them are good at 1 or 2 styles of songs, but there's something about how Martin comes across on both ballads and the "pop" style songs. You can hear the feeling in his voice! I seriously can't say there's a bad song here!

Interestingly enough, when I heard the Spanish/English version of Jaleo it really sounds awkward. The words don't seem to mesh as well as when he sings it all in Spanish.

I have Martin's english albums and I like some of the songs on them, but he seems to put more feeling into his Spanish songs, and it comes across.

I've ordered the rest of his Spanish albums, and can only guess how good they'll be! Ok, now I've got to learn more Spanish!

So he's finally back. Back with a good production that took, instead of Mr. Robi "Draco" Rosa, a handful of Latin America's most acclaimed songwriters and his still-fresh compratiot, the great (in my opinion) producer Tommy Torres.

There is definitely much to say about the long-awaited "Almas del Silencio". Let me start by the first single "Tal Vez", penned by Ricky's buddy Franco de Vita. "Tal Vez" stayed untouchable in the number one position of the latin section of Billboard for seven weeks straight since its debut. And no, that doesn't necessarily say that "Tal Vez" is the best song out there, this event, is most-likely a sign of the arousal and excitement that Ricky's fans went through when they heard of his come back. By now, we should all have an idea of the many fans Ricky has... or don't we? My opinion: "Tal Vez" is a decent song with a very nice message, performed with feeling and this time in a raspier, easier-to-sound-good-live voice format. The orchestral arrangements I would say, are wonderful.

Jaleo, as the word runs, is the pending single for America... the only thing I could say about it is that everybody seems to love it and I will not exclude myself. It has a unique blend of Middle East sound influences with percussions that make our body's rock.

Moving on to the third track of the album, "Jamas" is catchy, and very hard to dislike.

"Si tu te vas" by Juanes is a track that Juanes had written for his self-titled album and left out for "x or y reasons". In my opinion it stayed out because of the lyrics... not Juanes' best, but still good. The melody and musical arrangements are beautiful, thus still making it a hit.

"Nadie más que tú", partially written by Ricky is a beautiful ballad, that maybe was a little bit biased when it came to producing it since it was in part, his lyrical creation. Ricky gives voice to it with passion... but there is a little down to the song. Apparently Ricky Martin is not that good of a writer. Sorry I am a great Ricky fan and I love him, but writing is not his talent. "Clara como cristal", "Más allá del sol" and "Sin ti nada es igual" are lines that I could almost assure where written by Ricky, and boy they're trite and weak lines.

"Besos de Fuego" is a great track... very nice fusion of sounds and arrangements.

"Asignatura Pendiente" is a masterpiece in all senses. From Arjona's great lyrics, to Tommy's great production, to Ricky's great performance. A classic.

"Juramento"... Danny, I know you like how that title looks but the name of this song is "Así es que te quiero yo"... just kidding, you do whatever you want, but you know what I mean. Great job though. This song showcases Danny Lopez' talent.

"Y todo queda en nada" is a song that I really like. It gets caught in my head all the time. And yes, it is probably one of the most commercial track on the album, but it is a track everyone will like. Ricky breaks a new singing techique in while performing this song. I love it.

"Si ya no estás aquí" another great fusion with a touch of commercialism thanks to the fact of Emilio Estefan producing it.

"Raza de mil colores" is really, really good. Very latin folk. Quality work.

"Las almas del silencio" = Alejandro Sanz using Ricky's voice... not the worst thing ever. Nice lyrics Mr. Sanz. Tommy, where do you get all the imagination?

Well, there could be a lot more to say... but I don't think anyone would regret buying this production. Reason why I give it a 5/5 (plus the fact that I'm a Ricky Martin fan).

No, you don't have to speak spanish to enjoy the album... they made sure to give the universal touch to it.

Peace!

What can I say???? This album is pure genious. Ricky delievers stunning vocals on this album.Every song is just beautiful. His upbeat songs rock. You'll dance so hard you will never stop. The ballads are over the top. Ricky sounds soooo good on them. He expresses his feelings and you can hear it through his singing. This is a true artist. Ricky once again proves why he is the world's number 1 superstar. I can't wait for his English C.D which is supposed to be realeased this June 2004. I heard it is going to be good. Bring it on Ricky and show all the world what you can do.