Valio La Pena (Jewl)

Marc Anthony | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 27, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony U.S. Latin
• ASIN: B0002IQNV0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,770 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #75 in Music > Latin Music > Tropical > Merengue

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Singer/songwriter Marc Anthony gets back to the basics here, rewarding his main fanbase by recording salsa versions of the Spanish-language pop ballads on his Amar sin Mentiras CD. Beyond "Lamento Borincano," the old folk-salsa standard by the legendary Puerto Rican songwriter Rafael Hernandez, there isn't anything new. The other seven tracks are simply horn-fueled and percussion heavy retakes. But even those who already have Amar can find new juice here. Valio La Pena vibrates with new sonic urgency as Anthony describes the risks sometimes necessary in finding romantic happiness. The pop version of "Ahora Quien" was dramatic and anthemic. Here, it's speeded up and filled out with melodic pianos and horns. Even "Escapemonos," the tepid duet with actress/singer Jennifer Lopez, gets a recharge in the salsa version thanks to percolating percussions. Anthony's strength is his strong, plaintive vocals. On ballads he's ok, but it's in fiery salsa tunes where the music and the vocals really complement each other. Did we really need two Anthony CDs? Probably not, but his hardcore salsa fans will appreciate the extra effort. --Ramiro Burr

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new Salsa fan!, February 16, 2005

By 

A. valk "mary" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Valio La Pena (Jewl) (Audio CD)

O.K., I don't know anything about Salsa. I saw Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez on the Grammy's and thought their balad was beautiful. It's the first time I have liked anything Jennifer Lopez has sung. I decided to buy the CD, and the clerk brought me the Salsa version, little did I know. Whoa! I can't understand a word of Spanish, but for the last three days, I have been driving my long commutes with this CD blaring on my stereo. It's done a lot to make driving a couple hours a day more enjoyable. I have become a Salsa fan. Now, if I could only dance...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Money!!, July 15, 2005

By 

GIO (GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Valio La Pena (Jewl) (Audio CD)

It took a while for me to buy this cd, but just kept hearing more and more songs from this cd on the radio and they were all great! My faves are "Se esfuma tu amor" and "valio la pena", but must say...this is probably Marc's best salsa release!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Marc shines through the standard sound of this salsa album.., September 14, 2004

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D. Pawl "Dani" (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Valio La Pena (Jewl) (Audio CD)

When it comes to Marc Anthony, he is truly a living legend and a shining example of true Nuyoriquen salsa. Combine this with the magic touch of Sergio George's production style on several numbers and the wonderful supporting musicians and this is an unbeatable combination.

I was glad to see that "Escapemonos" was re-recorded as a salsa version with JLo--far more catchy and well-produced. I found myself dancing in the music store. "Tu Amor Me Hace Bien," "Volando Entre Tus Brazos," "Amigo" and "Se Esfuma Tu Amor" were definitely danceable and "Ahora Quien" was so much better as a salsa song than a pop ballad. My favorite song was "Lamento Borincano" which was done in the traditional folk style. It sounded beautiful, and though it was similar to "Preciosa" from his earlier album, it was still beautiful to listen and full of soul.