Luis Enrique Albums (19)
What The Critics Say
Losing his major-label contract hasn't slowed Luis Enrique, one of the young giants who made salsa romantica the hottest topic in Latin music during the late '80s and early '90s. Enrique and his 11-piece band shine on Ciclos, whether they're playing traditional salsa the way it sounded back in the '70s, integrating a few digital effects here and there ("Sonríe"), or floating the occasional Latin pop ballad ("Sombras Nada Más"). The combination of Enrique's assured delivery and a wide-ranging band makes Ciclos a success within 21st century salsa, and it became the first Luis Enrique album to reach the general Billboard album charts (and his highest scoring on both the tropical and Latin charts). [Ciclos included a bonus DVD with recording footage of all the songs on the CD portion.] ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This is Luis Enrique at his most progressive, combining elements of techno, Latin jazz, and a new, sultry version of romantic salsa. "San Juan Sin Tí" (composed by Omar Alfanno), "Lo que Pasó Entre Tú y Yo...Pasó," and the title tune helped to steer the salsa trend from the erotic to the romantic with great success. Great material featuring the celebrated Cuto Soto and Andy Guzmán on arrangements. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., All Music Guide
'Transparente'
Release Date 4/23/2002
Tracks 10
Label WEA International
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
El Principe de la Salsa returns from years of inactivity to salsa's forefront with his 2002 release, Transparente. In collaboration with Latin music super-producer Sergio George, the prince of salsa offers up eight original compositions to his growingly impatient fans. The trademark salsa/hip-hop/R&B amalgam that has become synonymous with George's name offers the perfect backdrop for Enrique's unique, sensitive vocal style. The arrangements are consistently top drawer, with memorable horn lines and time-shifting percussion breaks throughout. Sir George may be the only producer on the scene today who has the confidence and skill to integrate both raw, natural instrumentation and streetwise drum programming. In the hands of a lesser producer, the results could have been (and often are) disastrous, but here they are pure gold. Though Enrique's ornamentation can sometimes cloud a song, and can obscure the melody on certain tracks, his sensibilities by and large don't lead him astray. Hearing him sing songs that he had a hand in crafting is a refreshing change for this artist, whose name has never before appeared in the writing credits. Both the caliber of his collaborators and the depth of his involvement in the creative process denote a new level of maturity for this longtime crowd favorite. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The excellent production Genesis showcases Luis Enrique in ballad territory. The ambitious, overly sophisticated project shows an unseen side of the salsa singer. Moments like "Por Tu Amor," "Sabor, Sabor," "Como Voy a Olvidarte," "Si Hay Amor," and "Regazo" present other talents the singer explores to the fullest: producer, composer, and even arranger, an unusual feat by the popular salsa star. Ambition is something of a lucky charm in the hands of this artist. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr., All Music Guide
