Celia Cruz Albums (51)
'Dios Disfrute a la Reina'
Release Date 7/13/2004
Tracks 16
Label Universal Latino
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What The Critics Say
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the passing away of Celia Cruz, Universal Music Latin dug into its vault and unearthed some previously unreleased vocal tracks by the Queen of Salsa that presumably date back to her stint with the Universal-affiliated RMM label in the 1990s. These performances were then dressed up with present-day productions to sound thoroughly contemporary and released as Dios Disfrute a la Reina. Thankfully, a lot of love, care, and respect were put into this posthumous album, with producer Oscar Gomez at the helm of the project. Gomez had worked with Cruz on many of her latter-day albums such as Siempre Vivire (2000), La Negra Tiene Tumbao (2001), and Regalo del Alma (2003), and he also had worked with her during her '90s stint with Universal/RMM, including her debut for the label, Azucar Negra (1993). In fact, many of the songs on Dios Disfrute a la Reina were penned by Gomez ("Cuando Volverá," "La Cuba Mía," "Vámonos de Aqúi," and "Estrella Dulce"). Consequently, Dios Disfrute a la Reina doesn't sound too much different from the other latter-day Cruz albums helmed by Gomez, except for the vocals, that is, which at times do sound like leftovers. Even if Cruz isn't in great voice here, generally because of the sometimes-murky quality of the tracks rather than on account of her performance, it's nice to hear her sing once again. Curiously, there are a handful of attempts here to spice up the music with rap/reggaeton remixes, namely the versions of "Son de la Loma," "Cuando Volverá," and "El Muerto Se Fue de Rumba." For the most part, these are poor-fitting, if not just plain bad, songs on an otherwise fairly good album. Dios Disfrute a la Reina overall falls well short of matching the quality of La Negra Tiene Tumbao and Regalo del Alma, which were both fine latter-day efforts, but this posthumous album is nonetheless a welcome addition to the Cruz catalog. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
'Regalo del Alma'
Release Date 7/29/2003
Tracks 10
Label Sony International
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What The Critics Say
The final recording of the mighty Queen of Salsa's career, Regalo del Alma was certainly in keeping with the exuberant, joyful tone that her enormous fan base has come to expect from her. With stylistic influences and production value a bit more modern than one might expect from a legend whose recording career has spanned 45 years, this album will hook yet another generation on Celia Cruz's regal, earthy presence. Cruz is joined by a cast of consummate professionals including producer Sergio George, percussionists Marc Quiñones and Luis Quintero, and many of the usual suspects that one might expect to find on a record of this caliber. These contemporary masters bring a freshness to the project that is invigorating. There are several loop-driven tracks like "Ella Tiene Fuego" and "La Nina de la Trenza Negra" that propel Cruz and her loyal fan base into the 21st century. There are times when this production masks the subtle richness of Celia's vocal performance. For this reason, there could be some Cruz purists who are turned off by the new approach. The final track on the album is a creative rendition of the disco classic "I Will Survive." Like a declaration from beyond, chilling lyrics and a gorgeous arrangement hit their mark with force. "In the soul of my people, in the skin of the drums, in the hands of the conga player, in the feet of the dancer, I will live on." ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
'Las Estrellas de la Sonora Matancera'
Release Date 7/29/2003
Tracks 12
Label Orfeon
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'La Incomparable Celia'
Release Date 7/28/2003
Tracks 12
Label Absolute
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What The Critics Say
Another early classic from the queen of salsa. One of her first for the important New York salsa label Seeco, La Incomparable finds Cruz backed by the equally incomparable Sonora Mantancera and his big band. The mix is a classic offering of mambo, guarachas, and danzons, which Cruz commands with her usual strength, flexibility, and inventiveness. And in addition to several fine solo outings here, she also teams up with various Mantancera singers for standout duets like "Madre Rumba." Not necessarily a better first disc than a roundup like Rhino's 100% Acuzar, La Incomparable still will delight fans in need of more of their favorite Latina star. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
'La Reina de la Musica Cubana'
Release Date 7/8/2003
Tracks 14
Label Discos Dco
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What The Critics Say
Few have impacted both the artistic direction and public credibility of Cuban music as much as the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz. Because of the broad scope of her popularity and influence, there are many collections of her work to choose from. The 2003 release of Candela Pura offers, as the name implies, pure and uncut Celia. Released only a few short weeks after the tragic passing of this landmark artist, the Fania label waded through Cruz's enormous catalog and compiled 15 simmering-hot tracks. Starting in 1958, Cruz recorded nearly 60 albums in her career, establishing herself early as the foremost female vocalist in the male-dominated salsa world. Included in the play list are not only some of her many studio successes such as "Bomboleo," but also tracks demonstrating her enormous presence as a live performer, like "Bemba Colora." Throughout the disc, Cruz demonstrates her masterful improvisation. She had a vocal sensibility firmly rooted in rhumba, an element that is becoming sadly rare, but can be heard clearly on "Ritmo en el Corazon." There are innumerable transcendent musical moments to be cherished from throughout Cruz's lustrous career. Music coordinator Victor Gallo deserves much credit for his discriminating taste. Though all Cruz recordings invariably reveal her genius, the material on Candela Pura makes for a particularly delightful collection. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
'La Negra Tiene Tumbao'
Release Date 10/2/2001
Tracks 9
Label Sony International
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What The Critics Say
Forever the innovator, the undisputed Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, has topped the charts with her 2001 CD release, La Negra Tiene Tumbao. Mesmerizing tumbao rhythms permeate this recording that has captivated critics and fans alike. The warm and zesty music appeals to both younger and older audiences. Cruz, in her eighh decade of life and fifth decade of recording, is also hot with the young set. At her historic appearance at the 2001 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the audience was jammed with young people who came to pay homage to the living legend. She did not disappoint, dressed in dazzling sequins and belting out tune after tune in her vibrant and seasoned voice. Keeping up with the times, the title track of the CD features a long rap sequence that has made it wildly popular with not only young Latino fans, but English-speaking audiences as well. The song and album that are up for a Latin Grammy can be heard not only on the big Latin American stations in L.A., New York, and Miami, but on many English-speaking stations as well. While "La Negra Tiene Tumbao" may be the CD's biggest draw, there are many other outstanding selections on the recording. Backed by a big sound of trumpets, trombones, and percussion instruments, Cruz puts out a musical feast of Afro-Cuban sound, such as on "Tatia Bilongo" and "Sin Clave No Hoy." The latter tune features a wonderful piano solo by Isidro Infante. Cruz sings a couple of great duets with musical colleague Johnny Pachecho. "Dejenme Vivir" and "Tararea Kumbayea" are a happy union of the voices of these longtime friends. From start to finish, the CD swings, as the electrifying and indefatigable Celia Cruz proves once again that being young is a state of mind. ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer, All Music Guide
