"Having known (and loved) Si Se's work since their self-titled debut work a few years ago, I had high expectations when I learned of their "More Shine" album. While I can't say I am totally dissapointed, I don't feel the same way about their sophomore production as I did with their first album. Carol C's voice still retains that seducting quality that made her so special, but their overall sound has fallen a bit behind the times. For the most part it still has that lounge flavor with a touch of bossanova that characterized ensembles such as Zero 7, Koop and Kruder & Dorfmeister in the early 2000's. Yet it throws in songs (such as "Changes") with a reggae feel or "Karma" (which makes me feel like I am listening to Santana playing disco music) that fail to work with the band's sound, and even more make them come accross like Sade-wannabes at times.
With the title track, "Agua" and the beautiful instrumental "Noche Azul" as the best songs, the album as a whole fails to impress me. I will stick with "Si Se", as the best of their two albums and give only three stars to this one."
Always Fantastic
ba | New York, NY United States | 10/20/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album is not as amazing as their first album, but mainly because their first album is like nothing you have ever heard before, and this is sort of a continuation of that. Less electronic and more of a live feel compared to their second album. They've been playing many of the songs from this album for at least 2 years (more shine, amiga, karma, changes, sometimes), and one has appeared on DJ Nicodemus' album, but appears here in a totally remixed fashion (mariposa). Label problems delayed the release of this album, so for me it was great to finally hear the songs on wax, as they tend to sound radically different from the live versions.
Si Se is always great, and if you liked their first album (which means that either way, you should buy their first album), you will definitely like this one."
Evolution
alurazero | houston, tx | 04/07/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"the first offering from si*se was phenomenal in it's unique beauty. this second production, more shine, is definitive of the groups admirable evolution. what was the target of the first self-titled record is accomplished with great style, strong rythms and much better vocal arrangement. these songs are simply deeper, smoother, and sexier than the previous record. more shine is a testament to evolution."
Let It Shine
Chubb Hottie | Austin,Texas | 10/22/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have to say that this is album is good. Very good. Having stumbled across the group via David Byrne's Luaka Bop Records site, I have taken some time to really explore the music. I just bought this album today. At this point I have played it at least 3 times. Every track on this album is great. With Carol C.'s vocals soothing you into a relaxed state along with the laid back sound of the track itself makes this album perfect for driving, working around the house, and playing at a party. If you are a fan of Sade I am sure that you will like this album. With the fusion of jazzy beats, electronic hints, and sultry vocals how could you not. I have yet to see this group live, but I imagine that it would blow the album experience away. Do yourself a favor and get this album immediatley. Might as well pick up the first album too. I know that I will"
Another goal for si se
Cesar A. Garcia Garcia | El Paso, TX United States | 02/26/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"excellent music, one more time si se proves that its sound is unique and give to latin music a tremendous switch."