Music, soul & a sexy Ricky Martin

Musica + Alma + Sexo by Ricky Martin is one of those instances where one is utterly happy that there remains some of the Spanish in us to enjoy his kind of music. Come to think of it though, after a couple of spins of the CD, the guy is such a fantastic artist that his singing brings down language barriers.

I know there are times when he does wrong like wearing those ridiculous leggings to the Grammys. That was foolish and defies explanation. More so for somebody like Martin whose very decision to shave or not to shave results in elegance.

But whether one understands Spanish or not, it is clear that there are no missteps in Musica + Alma + Sexo. This is his first studio album in six years and his first after his admission that he is gay rocked the world. A risky decision but Martin got everything right with that one and also with his new CD.

Together with producer Desmond Child, Martin has crafted his best album to date. There is nothing sensational here like during his Livin’ La Vida Loca and She Bangs days. What he offers instead are varied pop songs that grow on you because he performs them with so much soul.

I admit, I had doubts that Martin can be this good as a singer. He made a cute Menudo. Remember that Latino boy band that took the Philippines by storm in the ’80s? He can really move on stage. His sexy, live performance of La Vida Loca is a Grammy classic. I had a feeling back then that fans did not care how he sounded, only how he looked.

So when I want to hear great Spanish singing I go to Luis Miguel and those timeless boleros. Listening to Musica now gets me dreaming of boleros but sung by this matured Ricky Martin. Given how richly textured is his voice and how he sings with so much passion and confidence, I am sure the result will be beautiful.

That is of course a dream for the future and only if Martin decides to do the classic route. I hope he does. For now here is Musica + Alma + Sexo, couldn’t they have thought of a better title?, but you can disregard that and still enjoy the album. It is I believe is a very clever reintroduction for Martin into the hit charts race.

Can you just imagine how light he feels now that he has gotten the load of keeping his sexuality a secret off his chest? Very relaxed and blissful, I presume. Now I do not know if it has anything to do with his state of mind but instead of going for the dance crowd, he surprisingly chose as the first single a happy duet with a jaunty beat that comes in two versions.

The Spanish is Lo Mejor De Mi Vida Eres Tu featuring Spanish pop star Natalia Jimenez and in English as The Best Thing About Me Is You with British soul sensation Joss Stone. Martin sounds great with both girls and this is the sort of tune that everybody, even kids will enjoy singing.

More typical of early Martin hits are the dance cuts, Mas, which opens the album and the driving Te Vas. He goes into R&B with a touch of hip-hop with Frio which also comes in English featuring rap tracks by Wisin and Yandel.

However, it is with the Spanish ballads that Martin is at his best. Cantame Tu Vida with its flamenco guitar is what got me dreaming of Martin boleros and if you like power singing, there are the enchanting Tu Y Yo, the impassioned Basta Ya and the rocking Te Busco Y Te Alcazo.

 There are also Sera Sera and No Te Miento which are sure to be concert crowd pleasers. I also like the Europop appeal that Te Vas got in its English translation. All very good stuff, well-chosen, well-produced.

I also love how Martin deftly skirted having to do the usual love songs and went instead for introspection, a look into himself and the listener and celebration of life where one can be free to be who one is.