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Mexican crooner Jaime Camil has plenty of competition to wade through if he wants to make a real impact, but
Para Estar Contigo seems a promising start. Camil is clearly being marketed as the latest Latino heartthrob via lush balladry and the various beefcake shots that decorate this CD's booklet. He has also no doubt studied the work of international idol
Luis Miguel. Camil has a rich, deep voice that recalls Miguel's confident delivery throughout
Para Estar Contigo. The handsome singer nicely wraps his swooping vocals around ballads such as "Nada es Igual Sin Ti" and "Nunca Dejarte Ir," which benefit from lush instrumentation. But whereas Miguel falters when he attempts to tackle upbeat numbers, Camil remains in control. He showcases a sexy swagger amid blaring horns, pulsing rhythms, and rousing choruses on "Fiesta de Amor," "Me Llego el Amor," and "Encadename." Camil may be another pretty face, but his voice should entice at least a few people to listen.
--Joey Guerra