Regalo Del Alma

Celia Cruz | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 29, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony U.S. Latin
• ASIN: B0000AGWIJ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #102,074 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The cries of "azucar" are unmistakable on Regalo del Alma, the posthumous album from salsa queen Celia Cruz. Though she was battling cancer at the time of its recording, Cruz sounds positively electric throughout the 11-track collection, which effortlessly melds native Cuban rhythms with soulful grooves and pop sensibilities. She teams with rap star El General on album opener "Ella Tiene Fuego," an irresistible call to the dance floor. The album's first single, "Ríe Y Llora," simmers under a Santana-esque guitar lick; and the bittersweet, deceptively cheery "Diagnóstico" finds Cruz visiting her doctor because she is homesick for her native country. Cruz's strength lies in her ability to personalize every song she sings; she makes every lyric, every word important. Anchored by her weathered, one-of-a-kind vocal delivery, Regalo del Alma stands as a glittering testament to a woman whose talent, spirit, and grace continue to carry the music straight to the hearts of anyone willing to listen. --Joey Guerra

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The soul of Dona Celia Cruz., August 9, 2003

By 

Marianopolita2005 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Regalo Del Alma (Audio CD)

It is a great joy to be able to say a few words about this CD and the late Celia Cruz who left behind her heart and soul in the name of "salsa" and"son" two genres of tropical music that she mastered over an incomparable fifty year musical career. Regalo del Alma is a true gift. The gift of soul, cubanismo, sentimentalism and showcase of true love for tropical music and rhythms. I expected this album to be a platinum production just because of the circumstances under which it was initiated and finished. Once again Celia dared to be different but yet contemporary at the same time. Undoubtedly this is a salsa album but as usual Celia's albums always incorporate songs with other rhythms which shows her diversity across the genres. I liked the whole album. This is another one of hers where you can listen to whole cd and hit repeat afterwards. However, I would like to highlight a few songs that really made me laugh and just reminded that life is to be enjoyed (which is her philosophy). They are: Me huele a rumba, No estes amargao and Pa'la cola. In terms of the musicality just like "La negra tiene tumbao" this album has a lot of sounds that are more associated with Cuban salsa in particular. Especially the noted use of the "maracas" and la "clave" two instruments that distinguish Cuban salsa. This album is a treasure and not because I am a loyal fan of Celia Cruz but because this is just downright terrific salsa. Celia has left her footprints and this final album has a message from Celia which is: Rie y Llora because that's what life is all about. I will always be a fan of her music- high respect!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will LOVE this CD, November 16, 2003

By 

Juana "Juanita Beasley" (Baltimore, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Regalo Del Alma (Audio CD)

I bought this CD because I was curious about Celia Cruz¡¯s music. I had read a lot about her, but never seen her perform, or heard anything other than "Azucar!"

Before my purchase, I thought, "Well, here is another legend. I wonder if her reputation is all hype."

Well, I listened to the samples on Amazon, and picked this CD as my "Celia Cruz 101¡± After my first listen, I found that Regalo del Alma is truly a GIFT. If you love dance music, if you love Salsa, if you love good songs with great arrangements and great lyrics, Regalate REGALO DEL ALMA.

Here is my summary of the Best Things about this CD:

* Amazing Music

Wow, who would think that a lady who is old enough to be my granny can make such modern, lively HOT dance music?

Not only are the beats good, but the arrangements, backup singing and lyrics are wonderful, fun, interesting and meaningful. Celia Cruz's voice is also great. It¡¯s kind of rough and smooth at the same time. Unique and won-der-ful.

* Lovely Lyrics

Hey, Sony put all of the lyrics in the jacket of this CD. This is always a PLUS when I plunk down more than 5 bucks for a CD. KUDOS to SONY for including all of the lyrics!

* Other Fabulous Extras

In addition to good music, buyers of this CD get great Full Color pictures of Celia, and a sincere message from Ms Cruz at the end of the Insert.

If you are a fan, you will cry when you see the great Pix of your IDOL that are scattered throughout the CD Insert. Again, thanks to SONY for that.

If you are not a fan (like me, you will be after you hear this CD), you too will CRY when you read the heartfelt message written by Senora Cruz at the end of the insert.

In conclusion, if you purchase this CD, you will have years of singing and dancing enjoyment ahead of you! If Spanish is your Second Language, you will really appreciate the lyrics included in the CD jacket. Also, if you are a fan, you will definitely love the "extras" that come with these marvelous songs.

I whole heartedly recommend this CD. I guarantee that you will love it.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This one was made for dancing!, August 5, 2004

By 

L. Hawkins "Laura Wilde" (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Regalo Del Alma (Audio CD)

I buy all my Salsa CDs for dancing so I rate them based on the "danceability" of the songs. Celia's recordings are always the best because nearly everything she produced was made for dancing! She wasn't the "Queen of Salsa" for nothing! You could also pop this one in for listening enjoyment, but why would you want to do that when you can shake it, shake it, shake it! Here is the breakdown:

1. "Ella Tiene Fuego" is a hot, danceable Salsa with a modern infectious groove!
2. "José Caridad" is also a great danceable Salsa that is still modern in sound but more traditional sounding than the first track.
3. "Ríe Y Llora" is a sassy danceable Cha Cha Cha. One can't help but sing `Na na na na na na!" along with Celia. It's very contagious!
4. "Ay, Pena, Penita" is similar in feel to track two on the CD. This is also a danceable salsa.
5. "Diagnóstico" is slightly more up tempo than the previous tracks and is a danceable Salsa.
6. "La Niña De La Trenza Negra" This song is great to listen to, but it's a little harder to dance to than other tracks on the CD. It utilizes some voice distortion technology for Celia's voice that is interesting and very modern.
7. "Me Huele La Rumba" Don't let the word "Rumba" in the title fool you; Celia kicks it up a notch with this song! It's a fast, but still danceable Salsa. It's great for your very tight and tiny moves. The breakdown in the middle is great for showing off.
8. "No Estés Amargao" Not the best song to dance to on the CD due to a constant change in tempo and rhythm but still fun for listening.
9. "Pa' La Cola" is a danceable Salsa.
10. "María La Loca" is one more danceable salsa.
11. "Yo Viviré (I Will Survive) is a cover of the Gloria Gaynor disco classic. This one is a little too fast to Salsa to but makes a quick Cha Cha Cha. It's a fun track, so you may be tempted to try to Salsa anyway. If you do, you'll definitely need a break afterwards.

Summary: A great album for dancing! There are 7 danceable Salsas, and two Cha Cha Chas. It's also great album for listening. Not a "skip that one" track on the whole CD. I don't know how you could possibly keep your seat while this is playing. While writing this review, I kept getting up to dance myself! A great buy and "must have" in your Salsa and Celia collection.