Search - Ricky Martin :: Sound Loaded

Bummer---Barely Average

Brian Himes | 10/13/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Well, I gave this CD its first spin after a two year absence of ANY Ricky Martin music in my life. After his 1999 self-title CD, I pretty much went head over heals for Ricky. When this CD came out in November of 2000 I was really excited. Upon first listening to it, I thought it was better than his 99 CD but no where near as good as Vuelve. It would take 2003's Almas Del Silencio to really wash way the bad taste in my mouth that this CD leaves.



As several folks know, Ricky was under pressure from his managers, producers and the record company to deliver a follow up to his 1999 CD. Sound Loaded is what we got. This album was obviously rushed and it sounds like it. Weak lyrics and over saturation of musical gimicks is utilzed to keep the 'Livin La Vida Loca' fever burning. Ricky's voice just sounds tired and worn out. It's easy to tell that he was way over due for a vacation.



There are a few standout tracks on the disc. 'Amor' by far out shines every song by a mile. Had Sound Loaded had more great tunes like 'Amor' on it, the CD would have been a hit. As it is, the CD is mediocre at best."

Thick, Slickly produced Dance-Pop with Latin flavour

koolrico | New York, U.S. | 10/23/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"1. "She Bangs" 9/10

2. "Saint Tropez" 10/10

3. "Come To Me" 9/10

4. "Loaded" 9/10

5. "Nobody Wants to Be Lonely" 8/10

6. "Amor" 10/10

7. "Jezabel" 10/10

8. "The Touch" 8/10

9. "One Night Man" 9/10

10. "She Bangs" (Spanish Version) 9.5/10

11. "Are You In It for Love" 8/10

12. "Ven A Mi" (Come To Me) 9/10

13. "If You Ever Saw Her" 7/10

14. "Dame Mas" (Loaded) 8/10

15. "Cambia La Piel" 9.5/10





Ricky's sophomore English album (sixth solo album overall) picks up where "Ricky Martin 1999" left off. The thick, slick production with aggressive beats work well with Ricky's voice. Songs like "Amor", "Saint Tropez", "Cambia La Piel" and "Jezabel" are where things gel together the best and he sounds assured. There are a few dull spots such as "If You Ever Saw Her" and the original version of "Nobody Wants to Be Lonely." It's a mystery why the massive hit duet version with Christina Aguliera wasn't included. It should have been included. Luckily, he projects enough charisma to make those moments listenable. Aside from that, there are enough good moments to please most Pop fans. The other two ballads "Come To Me" & "The Touch" revel Ricky's more sensitive side and are quite pleasant. This album is well suited to fans of Dance-Pop, Latin-Pop and Club/Dance. This album would not appeal to you if you don't like those styles."