It's impossible to dislike Puerto Rican superstar Marc Anthony, even if his English-language material sits safely in pop's middle road. Mended, Anthony's follow-up to last year's sweltering salsa collection Libre, feat... more »ures the same midtempo grooves and emotive ballads that made his 1999 crossover effort a smash--and a textbook example of how record labels sometimes water down passionate Latino artists for U.S. audiences (see also Shakira). Nothing on Mended is particularly unlistenable or offensive, but there isn't much to get excited about either. The lilting pop gem "I Need You" (also included in Spanish) and the sweet sentiments of "Everything You Do" are nice diversions, but producer Cory Rooney has candy-coated everything for mass consumption. Anthony is a powerful, fiery vocalist, and he deserves better than run-of-the-mill arrangements and puppy-love lyrics. On Mended, he's barely able to break a sweat. --Joey Guerra« less
It's impossible to dislike Puerto Rican superstar Marc Anthony, even if his English-language material sits safely in pop's middle road. Mended, Anthony's follow-up to last year's sweltering salsa collection Libre, features the same midtempo grooves and emotive ballads that made his 1999 crossover effort a smash--and a textbook example of how record labels sometimes water down passionate Latino artists for U.S. audiences (see also Shakira). Nothing on Mended is particularly unlistenable or offensive, but there isn't much to get excited about either. The lilting pop gem "I Need You" (also included in Spanish) and the sweet sentiments of "Everything You Do" are nice diversions, but producer Cory Rooney has candy-coated everything for mass consumption. Anthony is a powerful, fiery vocalist, and he deserves better than run-of-the-mill arrangements and puppy-love lyrics. On Mended, he's barely able to break a sweat. --Joey Guerra
More Adult Conteporary Than The First English Album
Luis D. Vargas | Ponce, Puerto Rico | 06/01/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Nothing wrong with being more Lite Rock and possibly parting ways the mainstream top 40, but even artists like Chicago or even a Richard Marx and others alike, before and after, their songs were not as monotone or sleepy. His voice is still great, no question about that. But I have to agree with a recent review on this site that he needs a heavier hitter producer. Nothing against Corey Rooney and others that worked on this disc, but someone that has a voice like Marc Anthony should have someone like Quincy Jones and even Mutt Lange to put in better musical arrangements to accompany Marc's voice. The current song that is being played on the radio (track 3) and its Spanish version (track 13) are the best songs on the CD. Catch the other songs at your nearest elevator or dentist office, except "Tragedy". The voice alone does not make the album!"
A Must Have For the Summer.
J. Martin | Woodside, NY | 06/28/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is no doubt that Marc Anthony has one of the best voices in pop music today, and his second english language album proves it once again. There is nothing new on his second effort, its basically an exact replica of his debut, but why mess with a good thing. Where Marc Anthony shines is his ability to deliver a gorgeous ballad with a lot of power and emotion. Songs like I Need You, Mended, and Everything You Do are stunning. His voice sounding better than ever. Of course there are the latin flavored dance tracks like Tradgedy, I Swear, and the first single I've Got You. Songs that need to be played at full volume. They are funky and exciting. Marc Anthony fans won't be disappointed, and hopefully new fans will embrace him and learn to appreciate his superior voice. A must have for the summer."
A Pretty Good Follow-Up to HIS ENGLISH DEBUT!
David | Davis, CA USA | 05/21/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have been waiting for a long time for this new English release by Salsa star Marc Anthony.....it was well worth the wait except for a minor complaint. The complaint first is that many of the upbeat songs on the album sound alike and are so similar in theme. But, he is a newlywed and a happily married man now so he deserves to let his love show!! Anyways....the standout tracks are I'VE GOT YOU with an addicting hook and melody, TRAGEDY which is another song you will be singing along with in no time at all, DO YOU BELIEVE IN LONELINESS, a gorgeous ballad, and I WANNA BE FREE.....the best song on the album which has an awesome last chorus complete with his belting it out and a major key change. Few artists have the emotional range and technical perfection that Marc Anthony possesses.....he is a world treasure.....way to go Marc! Keep it up!"
Loooooooooove this one
Vicki Licata | Northvale, NJ United States | 06/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought the CD for the two most popular songs (I Need You and I Got You). I listened to the entire CD the first time and was immediately hooked on ALL of the songs. I was a little surprised by how much I enjoyed all of them. I have to admit that I've listened to this CD in my car for over a week now without ever listening to anything else.I would definitely recommend this CD to anyone who likes even ONE of Marc Anthony's songs. You'll like the rest of them too."
"I'm a Marc Anthony Fan, I enjoyed his past albums, specially the spanish ones (Libre it's to me his best album in spanish) and without discussion, Mended it's a better album than his first english release called like him, but not better than Libre or Contra La Corriente. Clearly mended was made in a period he was in love of his ex-husband, so if you are in love, you will enjoy a lot this album, especially songs like She Mends Me, I Need You and I've Got You. Even there are a new version of the song Tragedy (I like this version, but I prefer the radio version). In general, the album is good, and if you are a Marc fan, you will enjoy the power of his voice."