Latin Mix Usa 2

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This disc was made with two purposes--to give an overview of the emerging Latin influence in the Top 40, and to get people dancing. The one problem is that many tracks have been remixed with the congas, Latinized drum machine, and handclaps up front, knocking out lots of the originals' character. Yet the production on a song that we've heard too much of, like Ricky Martin's "Livin' la Vida Loca," is an improvement over the radio mix. MDO, a millennial Menudo redux, upholds Menudo alumnus Martin's tradition competently with "Groove with Me Tonight"--it's certainly better than anything to come out of the Backstreet Boys or N Sync camps. Shakira was subjected to the remixing treatment once before on the album Remixes, but her strong songwriting and vocals saved the day, as they do here on "Ciega Sordomuda." It's obvious why so many people are betting she'll be a huge crossover star. Jennifer Delgado's "Que Tu Tienes" is perfectly mixed for dance radio, but you won't be hearing it on your station soon--it's in Spanish. Elvis Crespo's "Suavamente" made the airwaves big-time last year after he cut a Spanglish version, which is another highlight here. "Suavamente" is twice as catchy as "Livin' la Vida Loca" and makes better use of Latin beats and instrumentation. In a just world, Elvis would be mopping the floor with Ricky. --John Sanchez

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