Jerry Rivera makes another strong step forward toward Latin pop stardom with Ay Mi Vida. Though perhaps a step away from his salsa career and the fans whom he left behind, the strength of this 2005 release begs the question, "Has this been Rivera's true identity all along?" His pop performance is so confident and seamless that it's easy to forget the heritage of this onetime heir to salsa's throne. Thanks in part to longtime collaborator and producer Ramon B. Sanchez, the sonic quality of Ay Mi Vida is simultaneously shimmering, clear, and yet warm. From a production perspective, this is as fine a record as can be found anywhere in the pop world. The tracks on the title cut, "Right on Time," and "Como Duele" are funky and grooving without overshadowing Rivera's vocal performance. The salsa remixes present seem a bit like an afterthought. Only adding a few salsa elements to the sample-driven title cut and "Sobre Tu Piel" makes their inclusion feel like lip service. In a genre filled with mediocrity, Rivera and his team have produced a pleasingly sophisticated and listenable project. Subtlety and taste are very precious commodities, and they abound on Rivera's debut album for the mighty Norte label. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
Following a trend started with his 2001 album Rivera, formerly known as a salsa singer (aka "salsero"), Jerry Rivera turned to Latin pop once again with Vuela Muy Alto, produced by Ramón Sánchez and Emanuele Ruffinengo and featuring the hit single "Vuela Muy Alto," an acoustic guitar-driven pop ballad written by Estéfano. Jerry Rivera grabs a hold of listeners' hearts while unleashing a torrent of well-crafted romantic songs, such as "Las Alas De Mi Corazón" and "Herida Mortal." However, the Puerto Rican sensation does not leave behind the sound of the contemporary salsa rhythm he started performing at a young age in his native Santurce. Vuela Muy Alto includes "Ella," a song written by his dad, musician Edwin Rivera, and "Hoy Me Juraré," composed along with his sister. ~ Drago Bonacich, All Music Guide
Jerry Rivera's most unusual experiment: a bit of pop, ballads, and sentimentality give the singer a superlative career turnaround. After a few past attempts, the singer has managed to outgrow his salsa persona and indulge himself in an entirely different setting. The standouts include "Volverás," "Muero," and "Una Señal." ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., All Music Guide
Jerry Rivera's final Sony Latin release continues the goodwill he established in his decade-long association with the label; the singer is now a full-fledged artist who wishes to move on to different arenas. As he demonstrated in the preceding De Otra Manera, he knows his way around a ballad ("Navegándote" is featured in both salsa and ballad versions). A closing chapter in Jerry Rivera's career. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., All Music Guide
One of Jerry Rivera's final Sony Latin efforts is actually a change of pace, as he demonstrates his ability as a credible ballad singer. Understatement works to the singer's advantage, as he demonstrates with conviction in the tune "Ese." Of course, he brings his own brand of contrast to an eclectic production. Jerry Rivera is maturing as an artist. The mostly romantic content certainly delivers the goods. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., All Music Guide
Jerry Rivera and his repertoire receive the treatment of the salsa style of the 1990s -- the Sergio George sound. The musical signature that dominated the second half of the decade is amply used to contrast with the vocalist's unpretentiously effective singing ways. The ballad-influenced lyrics are grist of the mill; the standouts are "Loco de Amor," "Una y Mil Veces," and the title tune. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., All Music Guide
Jerry Rivera's seventh Sony Latin production began to show the signs of sag on the singer's reigning popularity; not that there is any reason to fret, since the material is essentially the same game as his earlier productions. However, an air of sameness casts a pall over this recording; the title tune is the better-promoted one on this outing. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., All Music Guide