Really terrific album
bilahn | USA | 04/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The men from Grupo Mania are an exteremely talented group, and this is perhaps their best album yet. The songs and arrangements, by themselves and others are original and of the highest caliber. They definitely stand above most of what is out there. All four of these guys have different sounding voices, each lending varied sounds to the material. Moreover, each song is very distinctive and unlike the others. It is a less intense, "serious" album than the previous three they released (for dedicated merengue/salsa fans check out especially Mania 2050). So it has a very broad appeal. Yet the quality of the material is in no sense diluted for popular consumption.The opening Un Beso is a really cute and humorous song. The following Tu Mania Y La Mia is a great high energy outburst. Qusisiera Poder Olivdarme De Ti is just plain terrific; a really beautiful and uplifting song. Seria Demasiado Pedir is another good merengue, albeit with an odd introduction. Caminare Por El Mundo is a reggae, which I don't care for, but undoubetedly fans will appreciate it. Nina is cheesy and derivative for sure, but Oscar's inimitable singing makes it worth it. The exhilirating Amor Latino just soars. Son Problemas de la Vida is wild, with all four men intertacting together (and shouting!)Finally a nice salsa, Lo Que Has Hecho de Mi, and best of all, a really wonderful bachatta, Cuenta 1,2,3, superbly sung. Latino won the Grammy for Best Merengue album, and while I would have liked to have seen it go to Fernando Villalona, Latino is definitely not undeserving. It is that rare album that will appeal both to experienced and sophisticated listeners, as well as those who may not have seriously listened to merengue/salsa before. Bound to increase your enjoyment of this CD is the fact that these chicos are muy calientes! So if you are interested enough to be investigating this ablum, I would definitely say not to hesitate in trying Latino. It is a real winner."
El Ultimo Exito
peachpecan | Orlando, Florida | 09/09/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I absolutely love this group! They never cease to amaze me with their talent! The CD is fantastic! All songs are good, well written and produced. It has a little bit of something for everyone. Salsa, (Banchy swings on Lo Que Has Hecho De Mi), Bachata (Duo), Reggae (Collaboration with DJ Nelson) and their infamous Mania Merengue Swing which will get you dancing in a heartbeat. Alfred rocks on Tu Mania y La Mia. I love the charismatic Oscar opening with Un Beso and Chino's wonderful vocals on Amor Latino. Buy this one, you won't be disappointed!"
True Talent
peachpecan | Orlando, Florida | 09/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This group never ceases to amaze me. True talent in every sense of the word. This CD has a little something for everyone. A little Salsa (Lo Que Has Hecho De Mi), a little Bachata (Cuenta 1, 2 y 3), a little Reggae (Caminare Por El Mundo) and that infamous Mania Merengue Swing (Tu Mania y La Mia)that will get you jumping in heartbeat! Although under many trials in the last few years,(New record Company, etc.) Groupo Mania never loses sight of what's important to them. Their music. Always coming up with fresh ideas. Buy this one! A definite must have in your Grupo Mania Collection!"