The Bottom Line
Ricky Martin really shines in this new album. Putting aside the adventurous musical variety of Life, Ricky Martin MTV Unplugged delivers acoustic versions of music from previous albums plus 3 new tunes, including the breakout hit "Tu Recuredo". Eminently approachable and satisfying, this is an album that will appeal to Martin fans as well as gain him new ones.
Pros
- Great selection of tracks from previous album
- "Tu Recuerdo" best of three new tracks
Cons
- None
Description
- 12 tracks of Spanish-language acoustic music ala MTV Unplugged
- Three new songs: "Tu Recuerdo", "Pegate", "Con Tu Nombre"
- Produced by Tommy Torres
- Released on Panda Local label
- Concert performance also available on DVD
Guide Review - CD Review: Ricky Martin - MTV Unplugged
Following his last album Life, which experimentally moved in innovative directions but was poorly received, with Unplugged Martin goes back to his roots, delivering an acoustic album of oldies from previous albums along with three new tracks. Martin's voice is in fine form, smooth and strong, and there's a large, tight band backing him up, making the overall effect colorful and lush.
While the track selection is not a simple compilation of all his hits - for instance, "Livin La Vida Loca" is not included - the songs work well together and the end result is musically cohesive and pleasing. Four of the tracks, including "La Bomba" are from Vuelve and three others are from A Medio Vivir. Of the three new tracks, "Tu Recuredo' is by far the strongest new offering.
Ricky Martin has spent a lot of time experimenting with different world sounds in Sound Loaded and Life. While there's little doubt that he'll continue trying out different musical fusions and sounds in the future, it's gratifying to have an album that does a great job of showcasing the music that boosted him to superstardom.