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From the Vault...
08/11/2002
#798 |
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info
Ricky Martin
"A Medio Vivir"
© Sony Latin Records
Rating:
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track listing
Fuego De Noche,
Nieve De Dia
A Medio Vivir
Maria
Te Extraño,
Te Olvido, Te Amo
Donde Estaras
Volveras
Revolucion
Somos La Semilla
Como Decirte Adios
Bombom De Azucar
Corazon
Nada Es Imposible
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Ricky Martin related sites:
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Ricky Martin
"A Medio Vivir"
Ricky Martin is no stranger to the music scene. As a youngster, he was
one of the members of Menudo. Yet his biggest break occurred as an adult,
in 1999, when his self-titled English album featured the #1 smash "Livin'
La Vida Loca." It also launched a popular Latin craze, with the likes of
a huge comeback for Carlos Santana, and new stars, such as Enrique Iglesias,
Jennifer Lopez, and Christina Aguilera.
As to the much excitement and popularity of the Latin craze, and to the
music world itself, it was curious to hear Ricky Martin's previous Spanish
albums, before he became a household name.
Note: Since I am not familar with the Spanish language, I used
http://www.dictionary.com/translate
to attempt to translate Spanish to English. This website states
"The translator will not produce a perfect translation. In most cases it
should adequately convey the general sense of the original; however, it is not
a substitute for a competent human translator."
His third album released in 1995, A Medio Vivir (translated:
Means To Live) is a blend of Latin pop rhythms, New Age Jazz, and Rock.
For the New Age and Adult Contemporary fan, most of the songs on A
Medio Vivir easily matches this particular format: "Fuego De Noche,
Nieve De Dia" (translated: Fire At Night, Snow Of Day), the title track,
"Te Extraño, Te Olvido, Te Amo" (translated: You Extrano, I Forget
To You, I Love To You), "Como Decirte Adios" (translated: Like Decirte
Good bye), and "Volveras."
On a more Latin-flavored style, "Maria" has a heavy Latin sound,
where in others has a more pop-Latin sound as heard in the music of
Jennifer Lopez ("Donde Estaras"), and most especially Enrqiue Iglesias
("Corazon" [translated: Heart], and "Nada Es Imposible"
[translated: Nothing Is Impossible]).
Interesting tunes such as "Revolucion" (translated: Revolution) has
a Latin-hard rock approach with its guitars. Pop/Rock is best described for
"Somos La Semilla" (translated: We Are The Seed); it could also be
compared to Lenny Kravitz, in a light pop rock sort of a way. "Bombom De
Azucar" has a 1970s nostalgia sound; as it is easily compared to the Rock
of Carlos Santana, and Malo (Jorge Santana, Carlos' brother). The guitar work
definitely has the '70s touch, as in the tune "Sweet City Woman" by The
Stampeders. Very impressive tune, with its hard rock guitars towards the end
of the song.
Different musical styles makes A Medio Vivir a very interesting
album. If someone were to play any of the tunes without mentioning the name
Ricky Martin, you will be surprised that it is him, and it's easily determined
that the music contained on this release is that of when he wasn't well-known...
yet.
In some cases, it is interesting to hear the albums before an artist or
group became famous in their own right. Perfect example is the group Journey:
Members of the group Santana formed Journey in their beginning years, releasing
albums with the continuing sound of their former band. Yet when they introduced
a new singer by the name of Steve Perry, it changed their style of music, and
their popularity. In comparing A Medio Vivir, it can easily be seen
that Ricky Martin was identifying himself with his own music, and would later
be recognized to emerge to the next level in becoming part of the 1999
Latin-craze style, that would open a new door in popular music.
By the way: What ever happened to Ricky Martin these days???
© WSVNRadio.net. All rights reserved.
Review or any portion may not be reproduced
without written permission. Cover art is the
intellectual property of
Sony Latin Records
and is used for reference purposes only.
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