Abrazame Muy Fuerte

Gabriel,Juan ~ Abrazame Muy Fuerte

Since his ascendance as an international Latin pop star in 1971 with "No Tengo Dinero," Juan Gabriel (born Alberto Aguilera Valadez) has used his songs to define the contemporary sentiments and concerns of Latinos around the world. With simple, to-the-point themes and truths, Abrazame Muy Fuerte takes him back to the days when he ruled Spanish-language pop with inspiring poetics. The beats and sonic atmosphere are contemporary on songs like "A Mí Me Gusta Soñar," which grooves with a mellow funk vibe and cool background singers who accent his lyrics and delivery. You won't find rancheras or other traditional Mexican styles on this album, but in spite of the modern mood, Gabriel's insatiable romanticism pours out on his balada duo with Tamara on "El Amor de Nosotros." Dance-happy auras permeate tunes like "Padre, Dame Tu Consejo," "Catalina," "He Me Aqui," and others. With the emotional quiver of his voice intact, Juan Gabriel scores again with a pop masterpiece perfect for the new millennium summer. --Jesse "Chuy" Varela