Search - Gloria Estefan :: Oye Mi Canto: Los Exitos (Spanish Version)

A Latin Queen's Crowning Achievement

John B. Valeri | Portland, CT USA | 10/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
The English translation of Gloria Estefan's "Oye Mi Canto" is "hear my voice," and this collection of Spanish essentials showcases an instrument more infused with passion and conviction than is often evident in the artist's mainstream output. The set opener, "Mi Tierra," is a nostalgic tribute to Cuba, and sets the tone for an album that makes quite an artistic statement. The eighteen songs here encompass the last twenty years of Gloria's career, from front-woman of the Miami Sound Machine ("No Te Olvidare" and "Si Voy A Perderte") to emerging solo artist (an inspired, gospel-fueled "Desde La Oscuridad," the Spanish counterpart to 1991's "Coming Out Of The Dark") to Latin songstress (the majority of the songs, culled from her three Grammy-Award-winning albums, 1993's "Mi Tierra," 1995's "Abriendo Puertas," and 2000's "Alma Caribena"). Also included are a sampling of non-album tracks, the most noteworthy being the #1 single "No Pretendo," a sultry ballad driven by flamenco guitars, and an alternate, more danceable version of "Hoy." The material blends a wide variety of styles and rhythms, from traditional Cuban balladry (the signature song "Con Los Anos Que Me Quedan") to salsa (the club anthem "Oye," "No Me Dejes De Querer," and "Hoy") and regional Mexican (the bubbly "Abriendo Puertas"). And while there are some glaring omissions here-namely, the beautiful ballads "Mas Alla" and "En El Jardin," both of which were chart-toppers, and the infectious "Corazon Prohibido," which peaked at #2-this album, as a whole, presents a striking and impressive array of sound and substance, with its singer resonating both maturity and confidence. Simply put, her voice is undeniable."

A latin sensation!

tak1 | 10/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been waiting for a compilation like this from Mrs. Estefan! I always believed that she was one of the few female latin pop singers who really has something to offer! I'd dare to put her right next to the classics such as Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Willie Colon, and even La Lupe!

Yes she's dabbled with pop quite extensively but you cannot deny that she's recorded some brilliant latin tracks from albums like Abriendo Puertas and of course Mi Tierra-an album that is already a classic in the latin music world.

This compilation offers the best of her spanish language recordings and it's worth checking out!"

Que bueno!

N. A. Jones | swansea, wales, uk | 07/14/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Gloria a su mejor. Gloria at her best. Siempre sera la reina latina. She'll always be the Latin queen."