India Albums (7)
What The Critics Say
Following the '90s, a decade in which she rose to iconic status amid the contemporary salsa scene, India was relatively quiet, releasing an album every few years or so, without all the fanfare she enjoyed during the '90s. Soy Diferente is one of those post-'90s albums, and like its predecessor, Latin Songbird: Mi Alma y Corazón, it arrived after a few years of inactivity. Its modest release belies its exceptionality, however. Soy Diferente isn't just another India album. It's different -- well, a little different. For the most part, the album does include the kind of slickly produced, exuberantly sung salsa that had long been India's stock-in-trade. For instance, "Solamente una Noche," one of the album's standout songs, would fit nicely on one of her many greatest-hits albums, where you likely wouldn't presume that the song was from 2006 rather than 1996. So, from that standpoint, the bulk of Soy Diferente is sure to please longtime India fans, who generally are happy to have more of the same. What makes this album a little different from past ones is the integration of reggaeton on a few songs. Perhaps it was inevitable, given reggaeton's sweeping popularity among young urban Latinos, but still, those trademark galloping beats do sound striking within the context of an India album. And they strike you right away, in the opening minute of the very first song: the "Salsatón" version of the title track. The fusion of reggaeton and salsa on this song is tastefully done, rest assured. And following this opening song, the subsequent numbers are mostly straight salsa like you'd expect, until the latter quarter of the album, that is, when India reprises the title track in a straight reggaeton version and the aforementioned "Solamente una Noche" likewise. These straight reggaeton versions don't work as well as the "Salsatón" fusion of the album opener, but they do work and they are mighty interesting to hear. If anything, you must credit India for trying something new. Lastly, it's worth singling out another highlight, "Cuando Hieres a una Mujer," which boasts a feature from reggaeton superstar Ivy Queen that kicks the song into high gear, accompanied again by those infectious galloping beats. It's moments like these that make Soy Diferente a relatively exciting latter-day India release, which is saying quite a bit, given her numerous high-quality albums over the years and her decade-plus of overall activity. Above all, it's nice to hear her still sounding vibrant and willing to try new sounds and approaches. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
'Latin Songbird: Mi Alma y Corazón'
Release Date 11/26/2002
Tracks 14
Label Sony International
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What The Critics Say
With collaborations in her past that would make even the most seasoned veteran stand an inch taller, this Nuyorican songstress has set a high precedent. Having past works written and directed by such greats as Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri, her fans certainly have their expectations. The record warms slowly, and it takes a few tracks before arriving at the searing heat that has made India the star that she is, but arrive it does. While Mi Alma y Corazón resides happily within the borders of salsa with straight-ahead tunes like "Soy Mujer" and "Razones Tengo," India is not embarrassed to pay a visit to Latin-flavored R&B with, among other tracks, "El Hombre Perfecto," a soaring and stirring melody, no matter the style. Though India herself is a delight to the ears, the arrangements often do not do her justice. "Sedúceme" appears twice on the record (as does almost half the material), the first time in a string-filled sensual salsa, a less than strong opener for this overall quite strong album. Especially evident in the keyboard-soaked intros and overly emotive balladry is that the production got away with itself in places. The strength of India herself more than makes up for any other inconsistencies. Neither the dedicated fan nor the first-timer will be disappointed with this record. India displays the improvisation and burning vocal quality that has made her this generation's heiress to Celia Cruz's throne. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This is India's most challenging recording, as she attempts a foray into ballad form in a tribute to La Lupe, one of the singer's primary influences ("Que Te Pedí") and tries to veer into the pop side of the house. No mean feat, but this vocalist's scathing style will amaze those who can't envision the artist as anything other than just a salsa singer. Arranger/producer Isidro Infante assembled a first-rate team for this noble effort. The standouts include "Sola" (including a ballad version), "Hielo," and "Déjame Volver Contigo." ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
India's Sobre el Fuego is a dynamic set of traditional New York salsa. The fact that India doesn't shake things up much at all is actually a benefit -- her rich voice and percolating, infectious music prove that "traditional" doesn't mean "conventional." Sobre el Fuego is about as entertaining as New York salsa can get. ~ Terry Jenkins, All Music Guide
'Llegó la India Via Eddie Palmieri'
Release Date 1/1/1992
Tracks 10
Label SOHO Sounds
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What The Critics Say
It was hard to figure out just what this album was and who it was designed to reach. There were bits of fusion, dance/pop, international elements, the same type of wispy, sensual lyrics that Astrud Gilberto made famous in the early '60s, and all of it was produced and arranged in a scattershot manner that had India and company almost sounding confused at times. It confused audiences and the record company as well. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
