Dance pop-merengue star Elvis Crespo shot to the top of the charts in Billboard with his feverish and horn-fueled mix of nonstop merengue, as best exemplified by the anthem "Suavemente." Even if you don't know Spanish, the... more » tribalistic grooves connect solidly enough that suddenly even merengue dance steps seem instinctive. The tune has been such a smash that label reps released a "Spanglish" version that was included in the movie musical Dance with Me. Also instantly hypnotic is "Tu Sonrisa," another blitzkrieg-paced merengazo propelled by bewitching horns and relentless percussion. These two tunes alone are worth the cost of the CD. Elsewhere, there are more merengues and the occasional romantic bachata--especially noteworthy are "Llorando" and the flamenco guitar-fueled "Te Vas." Another bachata, "Nuestra Cancion," is classic bachata, reminiscent of the great singer-songwriter Juan Luis Guerra. --Ramiro Burr« less
Dance pop-merengue star Elvis Crespo shot to the top of the charts in Billboard with his feverish and horn-fueled mix of nonstop merengue, as best exemplified by the anthem "Suavemente." Even if you don't know Spanish, the tribalistic grooves connect solidly enough that suddenly even merengue dance steps seem instinctive. The tune has been such a smash that label reps released a "Spanglish" version that was included in the movie musical Dance with Me. Also instantly hypnotic is "Tu Sonrisa," another blitzkrieg-paced merengazo propelled by bewitching horns and relentless percussion. These two tunes alone are worth the cost of the CD. Elsewhere, there are more merengues and the occasional romantic bachata--especially noteworthy are "Llorando" and the flamenco guitar-fueled "Te Vas." Another bachata, "Nuestra Cancion," is classic bachata, reminiscent of the great singer-songwriter Juan Luis Guerra. --Ramiro Burr
"I first saw Elvis Grespo on Telemundo (a spanish, broadcast TV station)and was so taken with the song, Suavemente and Elvis' manner that I wanted more of his music right away. He has such positive energy and such a rapport with the audience, that is difficult to ignore. Every bit of that same energy comes through on this album. There isn't a single track that I don't like and there are many that I like a lot. Every time I play it, I end up turning it up loud and dancing the whole time. Not only is Elvis great, but the backup singers are wonderful as well. It almost gives me chills sometimes to hear that group of male voices singing with him. The general musical style is definatly modern or pop, but with much more of a traditional rhythm or flair than say Ricky Martin or Enrique' Iglesias. Memorable tracks are : Luna Llena, Princesita, Tu Sonrisa, and (ofcourse) Suavemente. And last, but not least, Elvis Grespo is such a cutie that how could you help but like him? One tiny complaint: As a person who is learning Spanish by studying on my own, I was very disappointed to find that there are no lyics in the sleeve. Most Latin music I buy does. But, you can't have everything."
La bomba!
angelwoo_2000 | Carolina del Norte, Estados Unidos | 02/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Wepa! " Tres hurras por fulano Elvis Crespo! I must say I disagree with Alex, Elvis Crespo is a great merengue composer and performer, and I think he is the best thing to happen to merengue since............, well there you go. Congratulaciones on the Grammy Elvis, keep up the good, work."
One of the best through-and-through merengue CDs around
Alejandra Vernon | 04/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Elvis Crespo was popular when he was with Grupo Mania, and his first solo CD has been a total smash. He has kept his signatures in both music and lyrics (the ever-present "pequeña, echate pa' 'ca"). Even without signatures, his throaty, sexy voice is too distinctive to mistake.After the fabulous title cut, my favorites are Luna Llena and Princesita, followed by Tu Sonrisa. However, there isn't a bad one on the disc; the pace is a bit slower than many merengues, and it's a pleasure to dance from the first song to the last.My only negative comment refers to the Spanglish version of Suavemente found on the single CD... it is unfortunate that a professional song translator wasn't consulted for this effort. The translation is literal, with no attempt made to match words having the appropriate number of syllables to the musical phrasing, e.g. "laaabios" is replaced only with "liiiiiips." It sullies a terrific song."
Dance your heart out !
Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 07/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This fabulous merengue CD is a non-stop exhilarating delight...if you don't feel the irresistible urge to get up and dance, check your pulse. You don't even have to know how to merengue, this CD will teach you how ! The smash hit title track and "Luna Llena" are my favorites, but the entire CD is excellent...there are no "fillers" here. Crespo shows his writing talent here with "Suavemente" and "Tu Sonrisa" and his infectious, energetic voice is perfect for this type of music. The man has soul...and don't forget to read the "agradecimientos" after amazon.com has rushed this CD to your door, they're lovely."
This CD is excellent overall!!
Alejandra Vernon | 10/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Elvis is happening!! This CD contains catchy and danceable tracks that anyone whom listens to dance music will truly enjoy this CD. My favorite tracks are: "Suavemente", "Luna Llena", "Princesita", and "Tu Sonrisa". If you have yet to experiment with Merengue music-then go out and purchase Elvis'"Suavemente"-you'll never put down the CD!"