Alma Caribena - Caribbean Soul

Gloria Estefan

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 23, 2000)
• Original Release Date: May 23, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00004TB7R
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,882 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Gloria Estefan's third Spanish-language album, Alma Caribena ("Caribbean Soul"), provides proof that Cuban music is where this household name does her most impressive work. With arrangements pitched lower than those for her often-flyweight pop ballads, the disc finds Estefan singing in a register that allows for a richer range of expression. The smart melding of traditional and cosmopolitan styles also speaks to a desire on Estefan's part for more creative sounds than the average Diane Warren tune can support. A cameo by the great Celia Cruz on "Tres Gotas de Agua Bendita" is as much a symbolic triumph as a musical one, but again demonstrates that Estefan's instincts are in the right place. A Latin-pop crossover star more than a decade before Ricky Martin, she makes a declaration on Alma Caribena for the true music of her heart. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Third Time's a Charm for Gloria on this Lush Album, May 25, 2000

By	Corey Reid (Gaithersburg, MD USA) - See all my reviews

The two words that come to mind when listening to this album are "rich" and "lush". This is Gloria Estefan's third Spanish-language album, and with this album she re-asserts herself as the originator of the 'resurgencia' of Latin music in the last twenty years. Unlike "Abriendo Puertas", which featured the musical styles of Central and South America, this album stays closer to the rhythms and instrumentation of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, with deft touches of violin, flute and conga. By far the best song on the album is not the first one released, "No Me Dejes De Querer" (a very good song indeed), but "Tres Gotas De Agua Bendita", a duet with legendary Celia Cruz. Also good is "Por Un Beso", a song so Cuban, you can smell the cigars and daiquirís of 1950's Havana. Another treat is "Tengo Que Decirte Algo", which strays into Mexican territory with hints of Mariachi guitar and trumpet, and the great voice of José Feliciano. The general feel of the album is slower and more romance-inspiring than that of both "Mi Tierra" and "Abriendo Puertas". A plus for "Anglo" buyers is the inclusion of English translations of the lyrics in the liner notes (found in MT, but not AP). You will find this album a good listen, as Gloria's voice is very much at home in these songs. If you have enjoyed the recent re-emergence of Ibrahim Ferrer and the Buena Vista Social Club artists, then this album is for you. I highly recommend it.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Salsa "Diva" strikes 3!, May 25, 2000

By	Kevin Martin Murnane "spookycooky" (Donnybrook, Dublin 4 Ireland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In '93 Gloria Estefan pleasantly surprised the world; With her Grammy award winning, all spanish album "Mi Tierra" she celebrated her Cuban heritage and drove the Globe Salsa crazy. She then followed it up with her 2nd Grammy winner in '95, "Abriendo Puertas" which not only unleashed more Salsa, but combined it with the rhythms of hispanic countries worldwide to create a unique and highly danceable fusion. Now she has revealed "Alma Caribena/Caribbean Soul". In what has to be her most accomplished work to date, Gloria seamlessly blends the rhythms of Cuba with those of Panama, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. But the biggest surprise of all is how confident and passionate she sounds here. Gloria not only reveals a more sexy style with her vocals, she embraces it and really lets loose on such tracks as "Por un Beso" (For a Kiss) where her lush voice drips with sensuality and attitude as She confronts her partner for betraying their love. Then on the Salsa driven "Tres Gotas de agua bendita" (a duet with Salsa legend Celia Cruz) her honey soaked vocals dance over a bed of propelling latin percussion complimented by a swooping horn section. However one of the highlights of the album has to be the tropical ballad "Como me duele perderte" where Gloria has never before sounded so genuinely sad as she reflects on a lost lover. Accompanied by a beautifully melodic spanish guitar, enveloping percussion and a touching violin solo, this track is sure to be a worldwide smash when it's released as a single. The lyrics on this whole collection are cutting edge and poetic, most evident on "Tengo que decirte algo" the duet with Jose Feliciano where she confesses to him her act of adultery and begs for forgiveness. Another clever aspect of the album is in it's complex production. Just when you think the Salsa rhythm has stopped for a ballad, suddenly the arrangement whirls into a Salsa surprise and once again the beat never really lets up. Perhaps Gloria planned the trip from "Mi Tierra" to "Abriendo Puertas" to "Alma Caribena/Caribbean Soul" as a trilogy in her Spanish language albums but unlike most trilogies of cinema, this third outing is her best piece of work to date. Even if you're not a fan of Ms Estefan, you should include this in your collection as "THE" Salsa album.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gloria shows her alma, May 25, 2000

By	SEC (NY) - See all my reviews

Although it does lack the traditional upbeat/dance numbers that Gloria fans are used to, this album is still an outstanding collection. The first play may leave you confused as some of the songs sound similar, but on the second listen, themes like "Como Me Duele Perderte","Te Tengo A Ti", "Tres Gotas De Agua Bendita", and of course the phenomenal "No Me Dejes De Querer" really stand out. It's no huge party album that fans come to expect, but still an album well worth buying. Gloria es la reina!