From the Vault...

08/11/2002
#798

info
Ricky Martin
"A Medio Vivir"


© Sony Latin Records
Rating:

track listing
  • Fuego De Noche,
    Nieve De Dia
  • A Medio Vivir
  • Maria
  • Te Extraño,
    Te Olvido, Te Amo
  • Donde Estaras
  • Volveras
  • Revolucion
  • Somos La Semilla
  • Como Decirte Adios
  • Bombom De Azucar
  • Corazon
  • Nada Es Imposible

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    Ricky Martin
    "A Medio Vivir"



    Ricky Martin is no stranger to the music scene. As a youngster, he was one of the members of Menudo. Yet his biggest break occurred as an adult, in 1999, when his self-titled English album featured the #1 smash "Livin' La Vida Loca." It also launched a popular Latin craze, with the likes of a huge comeback for Carlos Santana, and new stars, such as Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, and Christina Aguilera.


    As to the much excitement and popularity of the Latin craze, and to the music world itself, it was curious to hear Ricky Martin's previous Spanish albums, before he became a household name.


    Note: Since I am not familar with the Spanish language, I used http://www.dictionary.com/translate to attempt to translate Spanish to English. This website states "The translator will not produce a perfect translation. In most cases it should adequately convey the general sense of the original; however, it is not a substitute for a competent human translator."



    His third album released in 1995, A Medio Vivir (translated: Means To Live) is a blend of Latin pop rhythms, New Age Jazz, and Rock.


    For the New Age and Adult Contemporary fan, most of the songs on A Medio Vivir easily matches this particular format: "Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Dia" (translated: Fire At Night, Snow Of Day), the title track, "Te Extraño, Te Olvido, Te Amo" (translated: You Extrano, I Forget To You, I Love To You), "Como Decirte Adios" (translated: Like Decirte Good bye), and "Volveras."


    On a more Latin-flavored style, "Maria" has a heavy Latin sound, where in others has a more pop-Latin sound as heard in the music of Jennifer Lopez ("Donde Estaras"), and most especially Enrqiue Iglesias ("Corazon" [translated: Heart], and "Nada Es Imposible" [translated: Nothing Is Impossible]).


    Interesting tunes such as "Revolucion" (translated: Revolution) has a Latin-hard rock approach with its guitars. Pop/Rock is best described for "Somos La Semilla" (translated: We Are The Seed); it could also be compared to Lenny Kravitz, in a light pop rock sort of a way. "Bombom De Azucar" has a 1970s nostalgia sound; as it is easily compared to the Rock of Carlos Santana, and Malo (Jorge Santana, Carlos' brother). The guitar work definitely has the '70s touch, as in the tune "Sweet City Woman" by The Stampeders. Very impressive tune, with its hard rock guitars towards the end of the song.


    Different musical styles makes A Medio Vivir a very interesting album. If someone were to play any of the tunes without mentioning the name Ricky Martin, you will be surprised that it is him, and it's easily determined that the music contained on this release is that of when he wasn't well-known... yet.


    In some cases, it is interesting to hear the albums before an artist or group became famous in their own right. Perfect example is the group Journey: Members of the group Santana formed Journey in their beginning years, releasing albums with the continuing sound of their former band. Yet when they introduced a new singer by the name of Steve Perry, it changed their style of music, and their popularity. In comparing A Medio Vivir, it can easily be seen that Ricky Martin was identifying himself with his own music, and would later be recognized to emerge to the next level in becoming part of the 1999 Latin-craze style, that would open a new door in popular music.


    By the way: What ever happened to Ricky Martin these days???


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    Previous Review: #797
    Paul Revere & The Raiders--The Legend Of Paul Revere
    Next Review: #799
    Jimmy Page & Robert Plant--Walking Into Clarksdale