Amor

I just love to listen to JON SECADA in either English or Spanish. I have collected most of his albums and have bought the Spanish versions of the English formats marked here in the States. I don't understand Spanish, but that doesn't matter as I still pull so much emotion, feeling, and pleasure from this vastly underated singer. JON's 2002 record AMANECER is gorgeous from the blessed moment your ear has the priveledge to hear the first note, till the echo of the last fateful sound leaves your memory. A Spanish language album, the lush Latin rhythms flow like a orchestrated mountain stream at times only to explode into a pulsating beat of fiery life another; either way this fine collection of songs will bring out the Latin love of music in you. I find the whole album magnificant, and also enjoyed his talented friend Gloria Estefan sharing her talents here too. There's a bonus DVD disc wish has a music video and a 5 minute Spanish language interview with JON as well. AMANECER is one of JON'S finest albums, and some say it's his best Spanish speaking vocal; his 1995 Spanish language AMOR record is also excellent, yet musically is quite contrasting to to his work here. If you appreciate wonderous diverse Latin music with one of the strongest and distintive male voices around - then let this Cuban Song God sing for you and give AMANECER a permanant place on your CD shelf.

This is Jon Secada's second all-Spanish album, that is, not a Spanish version of an English language album. Like Gloria Estefan, Jon has shown that by far his most interesting and quality work is when he explores his own roots and sings from his Latin heart.The first Spanish album, Amor, is a true singer's album; that is, a showcase for Jon's immense singing talents. It is sophisticated and subtle, clearly revealing that he is a formally trained singer. The background instrumentation takes a back seat to the artist.In Amenecer, we have something very different. Each song is a highly prouduced ensemble effort, incorporating Latin folk influences and rhythms in a way Jon has not done before. Jon and the Emilio Estefan prouduction have actually succeded in creating a rather different kind of sound, quite an achievment when you think about it, in this age where so much pop music sounds the same.There are basically two types of songs. One is a highly rhythmic, energetic, very uptempo piece, with a very funky and complex groove. There are some great instrumental touches, and interesting, almost African sounding backup vocals. These songs are more of an ensemble effort, as opposed to a spotlight for Jon's voice, per se.The slow ballads most certainly, are however, , and Jon's singing is very beautiful, even if it not quite as extraordinary as in Amor. Si no Fuera por Ti is really nice, with a lovely introduction that really engages me. Even prettier is "A Sign."A very nice bonus is the DVD included. It includes a video of Si No Fuera Por Ti, and an interview discussion (you can read English subtitles) of the album, with Jon, Emilio and Gloria. For those who consider Jon Secada The Sexiest Man Alive, as I do :)it is quite a treat to see the gorgeous images of him with beautiful South Beach backdrops. The image quality is very good, sharp and vivid.There is also a still image montage of him that can be played with the same song. The pictures of him are very beautiful and enticing; at age 40 he has never looked better.I do have one major criticism, which causes me to give Amenecer 4 stars instead of 5, and that is the duplication of material. "Ay Bueno" a duet with Fernando Villalona is on his new album. Actually it appeared on Villalona's album first, and the vocals are heavily weighted toward him. This is a really great song, but it simply doesn not belong on Amenecer. After this comes Quando El Tiempo Nos Castiga", lovely, but already released on last year's Christmas album, The Gift. Finally, the album ends with a "ranchera" version of Si No Fuera Por Ti, which really doesn't add much to the song. So these last three cuts have to be considered filler on a disk with just 11 total tracks. I have to say, unfortunately, that Amenecer comes to a somewhat unsatisfactory conclusion. The addition of one more original song at the end would have significantly helped the overall balance, impact and length of the album. Better yet, Ay Bueno and the ranchera should definitely have been eliminated.Despite this problem, Amenecer it is certainly a very fine effort, and I recommend it strongly. Jon Secada is one of the few singers who can have an expectation of a life long career, and he has plenty of time left to explore even greater avenues. I would love to see a salsa or merengue CD, and most especially, a jazz album, as I understand that is what he began as. Previous albums have occasionally revealed tantalizing glimples of his ability in that area.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love Jon Secada. I always have and it's not only because he's such a talented song writer and has fantastic songs, but his voice is so beautiful. He's really got it all and is totally underrated.This is a fantastic cd. It's a latin masterpiece. I love all the songs here but especially the fast dance track Ay Bueno and the slower ballads Una Senal, Cuando Despierto and the stunning Por Amor which is a duet with the great Gloria Estefan. That is a real treat.To be perfectly honest, I don't have a single clue what the heck he is singing about, but it is so gorgeous to listen to (with all those ballads he's definately singing about love), and it's got something for everyone - dance numbers and the stunning ballads we fans have become used to hearing from this great crooner. I love it.

Here's another overlooked and underated joy by one of the most talented singers of our time. JON SECADA'S AMOR is a romantic journey of sound that is really quite gorgeous to the ears; much like JON is to the eyes. His lush multi-textured voice soulfully croons through these thoughtful songs that would be ideal to enjoy for numerous occasions; especially a long intimate evening with someone that you truely love. The songs are beautifully constructed and are hauntingly emotive in the residue of feelings that they will inspire in your listening experience. AMORE'S another fine work from JON SECADA, and due yourself a favor and be blessed by this man's amazing voice.