Gloria Estefan – Unwrapped

Gloria Estefan
Artist: Gloria Estefan
Title: Unwrapped
Label: Sony
Rating: 6.5/10

Company Line: “Unwrapped”, lyrically resembles a photo album filled with snap shots of Gloria’s life. This is her most personal work yet. In this album, she taps into her abilities as a songwriter, producer and singer. She not only wrote most of the lyrics and music of the eighteen tracks, but also co-produced the entire CD. The music was recorded live bringing all the musicians and vocalist to record their takes simultaneously. Some of the best musicians in the world, including Manu Katache (Sting & Peter Gabriel’s drummer) and El Papa Pastor (Carlos Vive’s bassist) collaborated in this production. Leaving horns and congas out, a rich fusion of sounds was created. The integration of unexpected instrumentation such as Andean pan pipes and pedal steel guitars all while incorporating unique percussion sequences gives this CD a provocative new sound. Collaborations with world known recording artists, Stevie Wonder and Chrissie Hynde, add to the lush and powerful sound of this album.

The Good:
“A Little Rush” – At first the pop-rock track doesn’t seem to fit Estefan, yet she really wears it well.
“Time Waits” – There is very little of the old Estefan sound here and it’s refreshing that she goes beyond the usual sappy pop for something more.
“Into You” – Even an underused Stevie Wonder is better than anyone else. Estefan tries hard to hold her own.
“I Wish You” – Lovely ballad.

The Average:
“The Amare” – Lovely, just not as strong as the opener. Estefan throws in her signature sound and gives it a little Celine Dion for good measure.
“Your Picture” and “Say Goodbye” – Estefan seems to be going after a Celine Dion flavor with this ballad.
“Unwrapped” – A bit salsa and a dash of folk. It goes from a slow folk song into this full on salsa song. I’m not sure which direction was better, but it would have been better to stick with one.
“In The Meantime” – Very sappy ballad.

The Ugly:
Nothing.

Frankly: Gloria Estefan throws in a DVD with an interview and insight into her life for good measure. There is a reason Estefan has stayed so high for so long, she is talented. We have to give her slack for trying some new things like the folk sound and the grander feel. After so many years everyone gets bored, but thankfully instead of sounding bored she tries to freshen it up.

+ Rae Gun


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