If Gloria Estefan is Cuba's leading musical export, then Albita is still the country's best-kept secret. Wildly popular with cosmopolitan musical connoisseurs and traditionalists, the fiery, androgynous singer is largel... more »y unknown to mainstream America. That's a shame, because Albita has released an array of albums that explore and expand the sounds of traditional Cuban music. On Son, she sticks closely to her roots, expounding on a simple way of life and the eternal joys of living. The simmering rhythms of "Corazon Adentro," one of four self-penned tunes, kick things off gloriously. The party simply never stops as Albita carouses through intoxicating tunes such as "El Manisero," "Comentario de Solar," and the concert favorite "Melon Colorao." The album closes with the lush strains of "El Duende," bringing a thoughtful and romantic end to the soulful street party. --Joey Guerra« less
If Gloria Estefan is Cuba's leading musical export, then Albita is still the country's best-kept secret. Wildly popular with cosmopolitan musical connoisseurs and traditionalists, the fiery, androgynous singer is largely unknown to mainstream America. That's a shame, because Albita has released an array of albums that explore and expand the sounds of traditional Cuban music. On Son, she sticks closely to her roots, expounding on a simple way of life and the eternal joys of living. The simmering rhythms of "Corazon Adentro," one of four self-penned tunes, kick things off gloriously. The party simply never stops as Albita carouses through intoxicating tunes such as "El Manisero," "Comentario de Solar," and the concert favorite "Melon Colorao." The album closes with the lush strains of "El Duende," bringing a thoughtful and romantic end to the soulful street party. --Joey Guerra
"You don't have to be Cubano, or even Latino, to find this woman's music amazing. I'm as WASP as they come with MINIMAL spanish language ability, and I can't help dancing whenever I hear Albita. I just saw her last night at the Hollywood Bowl (and got my "Son" CD signed!). I've loved her since I saw her at a little supper club in Miami called Yuca (Great Cubano Nuevo food, by the way) in 1995. Prior to this my favorite CD was "Dicen Que...", but this one's as good or better.Cubanos already know and love her....c'mon Anglos, show a little soul and listen to Albita!"
Albita's Best
Timothy H. Tobish | 06/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In a few words, this is the best CD Albita has recorded. She has managed to pack plenty of punch while retaining the traditional style of Cuba's soneros. Probably the most authentic of her recordings, it takes me back to my Cuban roots. I have a large collection of Cuban music and this one is one of the best."
A must for Cuban music fans.....
Vivian Guzman | Miami, FL aka Little Havana | 05/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Albita returns to her musical roots for this CD. If you think the best Cuban music is in Cuba, you have not heard Albita. She has a powerful, soulful voice that will capture you, spin you around and leave you breathless. This CD is a combination of original music written by Albita and some old Cuban standards...wonderfully redone by this mesmerizing performer."
"Son" was well worth the wait!
Mike Walker | Savannah, GA, USA | 09/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As far as I know, "Son" is the first album Albita has released since 1997, but this was well worth the wait. I love Albita's music and have everything she did with the Estefans's Creasent Moon lable between 1995-1997. "Son" is a little more traditional, but still in the style that has made Albita much-loved by lovers of Latina music the world over. It's a shame that she's not better known outside of the Cubana ex-pats than she seems to be, because she's a great vocalist and songwriter. I only wish that there were dance remixes from this album, like there were for her first state-side album."
Can't stop listening
Mike Walker | 07/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this album. It has a nice mixture of slow & uptempo songs. If "Melon Colorao" and "El Manisero" don't get you moving, nothing will. She has a beautiful voice thats like no other I've heard. It especially shines in one of her own songs "Ni tu, Ni yo". The recording quality is first rate. This is my first Albita album but don't expect it to be my last."