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Like her compatriot
Thalia, the Mexican-born,
grupero diva Pilar Montenegro is a popular recording artist and actress. Since 1996, this ex-member of the pop band
Garibaldi has recorded two CDs,
Son del Corazón and
Desahogo. Now on a new label, Montenegro gives her fans the regional sounds they know and love, and seeks to win over Anglo listeners. Co-produced by Rudy Pérez, Montenegro's
Gloria Estefan and
Jennifer Lopez-like vocals, illuminate the ballads like the
José José hit "Vamos a darnos Tiempo," and the
Julio Iglesias number, "Lo Voy a Dividir." "Se me Hizo Fácil," swings with a
Norteña groove, while the English language "Love is All You Need," bounces to an R&B beat. Montenegro's Middle Eastern, ballad, and
cumbia-influenced versions of "Prisionerá" the theme song of the new telenova, will generate the most radio airplay and it might help her crossover all borders, musical and otherwise.
--Eugene Holley, Jr.