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Latin
music is hot right now--without a doubt. Ricky Martin started the
trend and it's been fueled by a string of Latin cross-over acts.
Popular music is shakin' it's bon-bon to music from
south-of-the-border like never before. Noticeably missing from that
mix, though, is a |
hot
Latina to shake her hips and make us dance the salsa. Enter
everyone's favorite alternative to Britney fever and certified
pseudo-Latina, Christina Aguilera.
Adding
one part American pop confection and an equal part Latina sensation,
Aguilera calls on her mixed Ecuadoran background to capitalize on the
trend with a Spanish-language album: "Mi Reflejo." Complete
with Spanish guitars for effect, red streaks (a la Latin superstar
Shakira) added to her bottle-blond hair, and trademark blue eyes
considerably darkened on the album cover, diva-in-training Christina
Aguilera is ready to fill that void.
"Mi
Reflejo," named after the translation of her "Mulan"
track "My Reflection," positions Aguilera as the first of
the current teen queens to tap the market. The move is as perfect as
it is formulaic. The album is so patently and deftly crafted that
listeners are likely to overlook the fact that, prior to recording,
Aguilera spoke not a word of Spanish. Aguilera's voice and a
collection of sappily delectable cuts carry this project handily.
The
disc blends new tracks like "Pero Me Acuerdo De Ti," a
plaintive, beautiful ballad in any language, and "Falsas
Esperanzas" with "old favorites." (Is there such a
thing from an artist that debuted just last spring?)
Fans
will certainly enjoy Spanish translations of Aguilera's back-to-back
#1 singles "Genie in a Bottle" and "What A Girl
Wants" ("Genio Atrapado" and "Una Mujer,"
respectively). Aguilera is prepared for a multi-language attack for
future hits. Recent smash "I Turn To You" kicked off the
trend as "Por Siempre Tu" here. Current top 10 pop track
"Come On Over (All I Want Is You)" is here as "Ven
Conmigo (Solamente Tu)."
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The
belly-flashing, hip-gyrating teen took home a Grammy last year for
"Best New Artist" based largely on the fact that, unlike
some of her peers, this girl can belt out a tune. And that fact is
very evident here, since it is again the selling point of the album.
The fact that it's in Spanish is truly secondary--especially since
there's only one "traditional" Spanish track to be found
("Contigo En La Distancia").
If
you're looking for a "true Latina," turn to rump-shaker
and Puffy's girl Jennifer Lopez. If you want true Spanish flair and
power, pick up Shakira's "Donde Estan Los |
 |
Ladrones."
Aguilera would probably be the first to admit this is nothing more
than R&B-flavored American pop in Spanish.
Don't
discount her on that alone, though. It's good R&B-flavored
American pop in Spanish. Remember, Taco Bell isn't "Mexican"
or "Spanish" either, but it certainly does hit the spot sometimes!
Click
here to purchase this CD from Amazon.com, or
Click
here to purchase books about Christina from Amazon.com
Click
here to purchase the Christina Aguilera fashion doll
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