International music reviews

Growing up during the time that Willie & Ruben were together is problably one of the best things I enjoyed of my childhood.
Only Willie can write songs as good as Ruben.

God bless the old salsa and the ambassadors that make them in this case Willie from Puerto Rico and Ruben from Panama.I am from Puerto Rico and the Puertorican salsa are the best like Tito Puente,Willie Colon,Hector ''El cantantes de los cantantes'' Lavoe and Rey Barreto.!Long Live the Old Salsa!

When I first get the CD I put it once and another because the old salsa is the best music in the world!!I am from the Enchanted island Puerto Rico and that music for us is like the 2nd national anthom for us.Artists from my Puerto Rico like Tito Puente,Willie Colon,Rey Barreto,Marc Anthony and last but not least ''El Cantante de los Cantantes''Hector Lavoe are the pride of the Puertorican Salsa!

En este CD Chayanne canta varias canciones que ya hab?amos escuchado con otros interpretes, creo que todas le van muy bien y algunas que no me gustaban con los otros con ?l las adoro, no pueden dejar de comprarlo se los recomiendo.

The title itself is a give-away Influencias, which means Influences. This excellent compilation of songs is a way for Chayanne to express to his fans what music and which singers have impacted and influenced his life. The first song La Vida Sigue Igual is the creation of none other than the Spain-born Julio Iglesias (Enrique's father), who is considered by many people the best Spanish singer of all times. The song deals with the fact that no matter what happens in this world, life will continue its course. Roberto Carlos, who many say is Brazil's best singer, originally sang the second song Amada Amante. Una Muchacha Y Una Guitarra, this is all Sandro (El Idolo de America - America's Idol), supposedly, needed to sing. During the 70's his voice and his music took control and expanded everywhere from Argentina (where he was born) to the rest of the Americas. With Yo Soy Aquel, Chayanne recognizes Raphael's influence in his life. The native of Spain (Raphael), most experts claim, is said to possess one of the best voices in the world. Chayanne's more upbeat music, yes the one that makes you move and dance, has been influenced by Jose Luis Rodriguez -El Puma, who originally sings Pavo Real/Agarranse De Las Manos. The next two influences on Chayanne's music, we find through his next two interpretations, are both from Mexico. First, it's the Mexican bohemian Jose Jose who first sang Gavilan O Paloma; Jose Jose's romantic music can take a guy or a girl to complete delirium if love is not reciprocated - his music is beautiful, sad, soft and harsh, all at once. The second is Mexico's premiere voice, Juan Gabriel, and Chayanne chose Querida to reflect that. This is an incredible song, but I am surprised he did not choose Abrazame Muy Fuerte, which is (in my terms) the best song I have ever heard. I am also glad to see that my favorite singer in the whole world, Camilo Sesto, has also influenced Chayanne. They both have soft romantic voices, and with Amor Libre Chayanne does an incredible job since the version is a little different but the passion remains. His compatriot, Jose Feliciano, has also contributed, musically speaking, to Chayanne's music and career development. Paso La Vida Pensando is one of many themes interpreted by Jose Feliciano, and Chayanne also does a wonderful job to demonstrate his admiration for Jose Feliciano. The last song, Pedro Navaja, and its original interpreter, Ruben Blades, does not do much for me, but with 9 out of 10 I should not be complaining. It's an unbelievable CD with well-chosen songs; it creates a window for the fans to penetrate Chayanne's world so we can understand where his coming from when he is singing, and to know what he listens to when he is not.

If you've decided to check out Chayanne's music, this is the CD to start with!

If you like the golden oldies, feel good happy songs, you'll love this CD. Pretty much every other song is a re-make of an oldies tune, except for "Corazoncito, Ven a Mi", which is a re-make of the 80's hit, "SuperFreak". That particular song has a good sound to it, and Pena brings out a more sassy, almost nasal tone, mimicking the former version. best songs: "Corazoncito, Ven a mi","Fallaste Tu", "Yo te Vi", and "Si no me Quieres Dimelo". Suprisingly enough, it seems as if Pena has toned down her vocals a bit since "Dulzura".

THis cd is very good and everyone in the world should have it. Please visit my website for exclusive pictures I took of Jennifer Pena:

sites.netscape.com/antoniotxusa

I just want to say that this girl has the talent, the voice and the positive image that our youth needs. Keep up the good work! Jennifer is the Christina Aguilera of the Tejano Music. She displays natural talent and a very mature and strong voice.

Julio Iglesias has this unique and amazing ability to make all his songs sound so smooth and calm, yet so energetic and active. Need examples? Try tracks 3 and 4 (Baila Morena, Derroche). Me gusta mucho la musica de Julio Iglesias!

Well, to me this is one of Julio�s best cd�s. I own it in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. Baila Morena has a great cumbia beat, and it is great to dance to. The rhythm runs through your body making you want to explode if you don�t get up and dance.

I've herd of Julio's music (in spanish & english) and I have to say that this is one of his best recordings. This CD wakes me up in the morning. If you have never bought a Julio Iglesias CD and you are trying to decide, don't hesitate on this one, GET IT!

Outstanding music from the past to present. Awesome memorabilia set. There are songs on this CD that goes down in history forever.

Vicente's voice is smooth, expressive and passionate. All his music delivers his convictions of love in your ears.

A great CD to own. Pick up the second half of this two CD set, and get more from Do� Vicente Fernandez and just lay back and listen.

This is the one Chente Cd you would want to have left in your car if your house burned down. This is the one you'll always come back to after staying out all night with those other 'viejas'. By the way I really wish they would put more info in the sleeves like lyrics or some nice sombrero poses. Please Don Chente, have someone 'fix' your website too, please?

A wonderful compilation of the most popular songs sung by the the legendary Vicente Fernandez. This album and Historia de un Idolo 2 is a must have for anyone that loves Vicente, musica ranchera or love Mexican music. His voice is incredibly beautiful, and powerful. I went to see him live in Madison Sq. Garden and he sounds exactly the same. His voice as beautiful as ever. He sang for 2 and a haft hours without intermission. Chente is in a class by himself. Incomparable !

una ves mas chente la hace con es ta bonita grabacion la cual contie ne un duo con alejandro. lo recomi endo a cualquiera.

This album contains some of his best and popular songs. Lastima, the title song is beautiful and his voice is as powerful and beautiful as ever. My favorite song from this album is Nuestro Juramento, a very emotional and beautiful song. Also a treat is Perdon, which he sang live with Alejandro, you can see the differences in their voices but equally beautiful. You can see that Alejandro had developed into a true artist, not just another copy of his father. This is a great CD, really worth having, for any Vicente Fernandez fan or those who love Mexican music.

I got this CD from a friend who spent her holidays in Mexico. It was the best present i got in years. Beautiful voice, beautiful music.

This is really dynamic. The latin rhythms are always to the fore and the brass section has a powerhouse blast - a la Kenton. From the exciting Tequila! to the sensual Perfidia this Cd is great to listen to and equally great for dancing.

Mr. Elgart is a consumate entertainer and performer. His dedication to perfection is impeccable... This album is exemplary of his enormous skill as a musician and "leader of the band" ... I know... it is an orchestra. Larry is the best..buy this wonderful piece of music, & enjoy it for yourself.

we have all of Mr. Elgarts music, Latin obsession is grand and it makes us happy

Lack of talent. Childish songs.

Someone should tell the Argentine reviewer who said this CD is a ' lack of talent ' and childish songs to REALLY listen to it, maybe again and draw a more educated conclusion. It is very good, and represents an excellent version of one of Chile s better groups of contemporary work

It isn t very complex music, like Yes, or Chile s Los Blops ( really recommended from 1970, 71 & 73 ) or the melodic Lucybell of now and the 1990 s

But it is a very personal account of music that was creatd when Chile was in a reduced state of expression: MIlitary dict. This isn t the place to talk about that period of time. There are many books to document one s self on that. but the most important thing - and this is what really surprises me of the very negative review I read below - is that Prisioneros reunited in 2001 for a blow out tour of Chile, South america and the US, that N one ever thought they would do. It surprised even the most naive.

This cd is an excellent compilation of their music, which being a very straight ahead 4 / 4 type of rock, has grooves and melodies that only THEY did, and have put Chile in a state of ecstasy since they returned in 2001. Now, they split again in early 2005, and they are pursuing intriguing solo careers. Cheers to them. Salud amigos

J G

This is one of the best cd's I've ever had the pleasure of listening to, it's a great introduction to these legendary Chilean rockers. If you're into 80's synth or just 80's music, you should give this a listen.

Gordon just tries way too hard to sound American - take it from me (an American), it doesn't always work. My advice to him: don't try to be a chameleon on a piece of Scotch plaid - they burst themselves trying! Having said that, it's not a bad record at all - especially "Someone I Knew", "How Wonderful You Are" and "There Goes My Heart Again" are decent songs. If you can find this CD for less than $15.00, you might as well get it.

I JUST picked this one up in Rome while on vacation. I happened to hear the CD at a internet cafe/bookstore/cultural center and asked the people at the cash register who the artist was. It being Italy and all, they didn't speak English and I didn't speak Italian, so either they didn't understand me or didn't want to pop the CD out of the player to check. I went back later that night, hoping for a friendlier lot and was rewarded with the name and title of the CD. Of course, they said I could buy the used, open CD for 20 Euro, but I played stupid and said I didn't have the money on me. I went to two record stores before I finally found it (and not after one clerk told me "no way"). I'm extremely happy with it. I popped it in the player after less than two hours back in the States and haven't taken it out yet. I'll seek out others by Mr. Haskell for sure.

This CD has a permanent place in the CD changer in my car. The title song caught my attention the first time I heard it and I promptly ordered the CD. It became an instant favorite; after two months, I still play at least parts of it every day, matching the songs to my moods. Everyone who's heard it wants to know who the artist is. I normally listen to Progressive Rock, big band and jazz music; this has elements of all three. I also like the straightforward presentation -- there are no over-produced, electronic gimmicks -- just great music and wonderful arrangements, beautifully performed.

Don't waste your money. This is repetitive and boring. Didn't fuel my workout.

I have played this CD now plenty of times - sometimes for workouts but more often to keep me motivated enough to finish my Saturday am house cleaning session! Either way I love the rhythms and divine drumbeats - it is fun and groovy and keeps me going when I would rather stop! For anybody looking for something a little different, you can't go wrong here. Are you dong another one Mr Eric Wilson??

This CD will keep you walking until you slim down! I have lost one size and feel awesome! I have been using it for the past 2 months and look forward each day to get moving! You will love it.