Marc Anthony

Contra La Corriente

A voice yes; a sonero, no.

Review Score:

(6/10)
While I am pleased and proud to have Marc Anthony represent the beauty, richness and value of latin music, particularly salsa/cuban to the broader culture, I am disheartened at his inability to advance the very essence of salsa singing. That is the improvisational nature of el "Son" - the very foundation or root of salsa/cuban music. Yes, this album from a pure listening stand point, is quite enjoyable. However, I'd like to hear Marc improvise more between coros, not by rote but by wit. Listen to the great soneros like Ismael Rivera, Hector Lavoe, Ruben Blades, Beny More, La Lupe, Ibrahim Ferrer, Adalberto Santiago, Pete "El Conde" Rodriquez, Jose Alberto, Roberto Torres or Gilberto Santa Rosa, Machito, Celia Cruz, Miguelito Valdez, Barroso, Oscar De Leon, Ismael Quintana and Cheo Feliciano to name a few. Marc would gain so much more praise and affection from salsa and cuban music lovers if he were stop to learn to the masters and polish his "sonero" skills which to this point he has not demonstrated. Lead singers in salsa and cuban music are judged by a very different standard. That standard is not limited beauty of the voice, but the ability to improvise between coros. You would be wise to listen to "Quitate Tu" on the Fania All Stars Live At the Cheetah Vol. 1 as an example of what I wish Marc to achieve one day in order to go down as one of our great singers of salsa/cuban music. He knows exactly what I speak of since he grew up listening to every one of the artists mentioned.

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