Album Reviews: Latin

EDDIE SANTIAGO
Celebracižn
PRODUCERS: various
Sony Discos 83631
An all-star cast of Latino recording artists-including Elvis Crespo, V"ctor Manuelle, Huey Dunbar, and Charlie Zaa-teams with salsero luminary Santiago for a likable set of duet covers of the Puerto Rican idol's greatest hits. A trio of top-notch producers (Sergio George, Angel "Cucco" Pe˜a, and Jos Gazmey) offer refreshing takes on Santiago's romantic salsa chestnuts from the late '80s. The producers, with swinging backdrops, allow Santiago and compadres plenty of room for lively improvisations on such effervescent entries as "Tú Me Haces Falta" (with Crespo) and "Qu Locura Enamorarme De T"" (with Dunbar). However, a limp bolero take on Santiago's biggest hit, "Lluvia"(with Zaa), and a nondescript, millennium-themed "Celebracižn," the leadoff single (featuring Crespo, Melina Ležn, Son By 4, and Robby Salinas), ultimately prevent this album from becoming as classic as some of Santiago's featured evergreens.

VARIOUS
Directo Al Espiritu
PRODUCERS: various
Fonovisa 80787
As the contemporary Christian movement continues to gain converts in the Spanish market, this two-disc set of divinely inspired odes, paeans, and narratives offers the uninitiated a superb sampler of elegantly simple hymns set to appealing pop, ranchera, R&B, gospel, and hip-hop arrangements. Though few Latino stations rotate religious tunes, an edited version of Marcos Vidal's moving, seven-minute testimonial of troubled times, "Buscadme Y Vivir is," deserves serious radio attention. Other standout tracks on this bountiful harvest include Rosie Garc"a's pretty ranchera-laced "Yo Sžlo Quiero Estar," Melodie Joy's infectious rap/R&B anthem "Virus Del Milenio," and XXXIII D.C.'s rousing flamenco/pop take on "Salmo 96."