Todo Por Ustedes [2 DVD & CD] - David Bisbal

Latin pop can take on a variety of regional flavors. There are Puerto Rican pop singers who incorporate salsa and Afro-Cuban elements (Marc Anthony). There are Mexican pop singers who incorporate norteño, Tex-Mex, or ranchera elements (Ana Bárbara). But when all is said and done, they are still pop singers first and foremost -- Anthony isn't pretending to be Tito Puente or Beny Moré any more than Bárbara is pretending to be Lola Beltrán. And in 21st century Spain, David Bustamante and David Bisbal have epitomized pop singers who incorporate flamenco influences at times but are still Latin pop above all else. Todo por Ustedes (Everything for You) will never be mistaken for a document of a Paco de Lucía or Tomatito concert -- this three-disc set (two DVDs and an audio CD) is very pop-oriented, and Bisbal's sizable following knows that going in. Todo por Ustedes offers an abundance of live material and spotlights, among other things, 2004 concerts in Madrid and Barcelona. Bisbal is in good form on enjoyable performances of favorites like "Bulería," "Ave María," "Corazón Latino," "Dígale," and "Esta Ausencia," and the Spanish singer clearly maintains a strong rapport with his audiences. The first DVD really underscores his talents as a showman; a Bisbal performance is a visual treat thanks to all the choreography (enough choreography to give John Ashcroft a seizure), but even without the visuals, Bisbal would shine on-stage. For those who aren't among Bisbal's really hardcore fans, a three-disc set might be too much; casual listeners would probably be better off starting out with Bulería or Corazón Latino. But for Bisbal's truly devoted fans, Todo por Ustedes is a generally pleasing document of his talents as a live performer. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide