Gilberto Santa Rosa Albums (21)
'Una Navidad con Gilberto Santa Rosa'
Release Date 10/14/2008
Tracks 8
Label Norte
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Contraste'
Release Date 11/20/2007
Tracks 17
Label Sony International
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'Auténtico'
Release Date 8/24/2004
Tracks 15
Label Sony International
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What The Critics Say
Furthering his long career as a heavy hitter for Sony International, Gilberto Santa Rosa brought a strong release to the salsa listening world for 2004, Auténtico. After many years as one of the most respected vocalists in salsa, and one with the greatest fidelity to tradition, there are few who could doubt his authenticity, but just to make sure, Auténtico is packed with gusty, men-from-the-boys style salsa. A slight deviation from his more pop-oriented direction of late, this record is dancehall-style salsa from beginning to end. Santa Rosa sounds as strong as ever, with a distinctly Blades-esque tone to his voice and phrasing. The likeness is startling at times. There are few bands on the scene today who are as dedicated as Santa Rosa is to the performance of traditional salsa with double-barreled enthusiasm. Perhaps only paralleled by salsa great Oscar D'León, Santa Rosa seems dedicated to the aesthetic of salsa's 1970s heyday. Auténtico features a great variety of styles, including guajira, plena, rhumba, and of course, the mambos that won him the superstar status that he enjoys today. The writing is good, yet not outstanding. Though the performances are strong, there isn't a single on the record. Instead, the record is best enjoyed as a whole. For those who like their salsa straight up, Santa Rosa and Auténtico have the recipe for clave con swing, no chaser. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
'Viceversa'
Release Date 8/27/2002
Tracks 13
Label Sony International
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What The Critics Say
Puerto Rican Gilberto Santa Rosa, known as "El Caballero de la Salsa" (the salsa gentleman), turned into a more intimate and romantic style with Viceversa, one of his most ambitious projects produced by José Lugo. Anticipated with the hit single "Por Mas Que Intento," written by arranger/producer Kike Santander, this 13-track album features the sentimental and highly emotive bolero "Si Te Dijeron," composed by Victor Manuelle, and "No Pensé Enamorarme Otra Vez." In addition, this full-length record delivers a passionate ballad titled "Por Más Que Intento," and Domingo Quiñones' "Como El Que No Quiere la Cosa." However, Viceversa mainly comprises salsa, the popular tropical dance music style that made Santa Rosa one of its biggest stars. ~ Drago Bonacich, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Intenso has been accurately considered a salsa album; however, it is appropriate to mention Gilberto Santa Rosa's music influences while making this record, from Spanish flamenco to Cuban son and bolero, and even Latin rock. Intenso features traditional salsa: "Advertencia," "Alguna Parte de Ti," the hit single "Pero No Me Ama," written by Puerto Rican Rafy Monclova, a romantic song called "Mentira," and "Si No Lo Digo Ahora," composed by Cuban Jorge Luis Piloto. Intenso's hybrid sounds turn it into an interesting, experimental tropical album. ~ Drago Bonacich, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Traditional salsa, ballad, funk, and even hip-hop are the ingredients in another excellent Gilberto Santa Rosa production. Imagination runs wild as everything in this recording clicks with excitement. Watch out for "Si No Me Ven Llorando" (arranged by Bobby Valentín) and the lyrical, bittersweet "A la Distancia de un Te Quiero" (arranged by Jeremy Lubbock). ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., All Music Guide
'Salsa Sinfónica: En Vivo Teresa Carreños Caracas'
Release Date 11/24/1998
Tracks 12
Label Sony International
See Album Tracklist and Review
'De Corazón'
Release Date 12/9/1997
Tracks 10
Label Sony International
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Gilberto Santa Rosa continues with more fireworks in another diverse production. Not as eclectic as the preceding Esencia, and more inclined toward his familiar romantic style, but an interesting effort nonetheless. A treat for Santa Rosaphiles. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After the breakup of his regular band, Gilberto Santa Rosa still maintained his usual, traditional-cum-romantic style. Esencia, however, is peppered with electronic music to spare, string accompaniments, and a superb ballad ("Para Vivir" by the legendary Cuban composer Pablo Milanes); even rap is thrown into the mix ("...Y Eso Duele," with help of rappers Memo and Vale). Unquestionably, Santa Rosa's most eclectic (and unusual) production to date. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., All Music Guide
