Various highlights include the yearning "Se Esfuma Tu Amor (Your Love Dissapears)," where the love he had once suddenly disappears with nothing left in its place, and the mystic "Volando Entre Tus Brazos," (Flying Between Your Arms) which would could very well go on to become a staple Latin wedding song. "Valió la Pena" (??? The Pain) and "Nada Personal" (Nothing Personal) also beckon the back button for repeated lessons.


Not what I was expecting---instead, it was great!!   February 4, 2005
Veggiechiliqueen
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Perhaps my fascination and admiration for the much-maligned "Amar Sin Mentiras" stems from the fact that my usual Latin musical diet consists of angst-ridden ballads by the sensual, ringlet-crowned Spaniard David Bisbal, or the fiery Italian Tiziano Ferro in his quieter moments. Sure, I've listened to and loved Marc Anthony's sizzling salsa persona for years, but there was something deliciously rewarding about "Amar Sin Mentiras" that I wasn't expecting based on the numerous negative critical reviews that dismissed the salsa god's first pop album as lightweight and limited.

The album opens with "Ahora Quien," an urgent, melancholy ode to the traces of a lost relationship. The melody is carried delicately by a piano and the soft sweep of strings. Next up is the much-criticized duet "Escapémos" with the new Mrs. Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez. The song has an old-fashioned feel and reminded me of old Mexican ballads (think Chavela Vargas or Lola Beltran). Latin guitar flits throughout, and gentle bongos and light percussion and strings add flavour without overwhelming. "Se Esfuma Tu Amor" adds elements of R&B with the layered chorus and rhythms, and Anthony's voice takes on a raw edge that sends shivers up my spine.

"Valio La Pena" makes use of R&B with the layered vocals, a mix of Latin guitar and rhythms that border on reggaeton (a genre of Puerto Rican music that blends reggae, hip hop and Puerto Rican rhythms). This is one of the more uptempo, high-energy tracks on the album. "Tu Amor Me Hace Bien" enchants with bells, guitars, and panpipes, a deliciously Peruvian ballad sung by a hoarsely passionate Anthony-you can practically see the stars in the man's eyes. This is one of my favourite tracks on the album.

"Tan Solo Palabras" verges on R&B, with its rapid-fire delivery and sensual rhythms. "Volando Entre Tus Brazos" opens with an unexpected cedar flute. Anthony's voice sounds uncannily like David Bisbal here. The chorus is layered again, slow, gentle, and dreamy. "Nada Personal" (Nothing Personal) is the most pop-radio-friendly, the chorus bringing to mind Anthony's earlier success "You Sang To Me." This song has the most "modern" sounding backing of electric guitar and synth in place of piano, acoustic guitar and strings.

"Amigo" opens with a Santanaesque electric guitar solo, and balances between the pull of strings and electric guitar. The album closes with the powerful "Amar Sin Mentiras," which sounds eerily like a Tiziano Ferro song, with its Hammond organ, piano, and a gospel choir.

The entire production is surprisingly low-key, with slower tempos, piano and strings, and dreamy Latin guitar. It does clock in on the short side, with only ten songs. In an effort to appeal to his fan base, Anthony released a salsa version of "Amar Sin Mentiras" under the title "Valio La Pena," but oddly, the blend of pop, R&B and salsa seems to work better on "Amar Sin Mentiras." This is an unexpected pleasure; romantic, passionate, and undeniably Latin.



We Lost Marc as soon as he signed wioth Sony   June 20, 2004
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Everything this man touched turned to gold until he signed with Sony. Then he started whining, shreiking, and turning out garbage like the rest of the talentless musicians of the time. When I first heard Contra La Corriente, I was blown away. Then I got more into his older stuff and continued to love his music even more-I mean is ther a better song than Nadie Como Ella?

After his first release "Marc Anthony" woith Sony, it was clear Marc was interested in only $$ and clearly had forgotten his roots and how he got to where he is. Granted Contra is impossible to top or even replicate, however this ballad laden CD full of whiny romantic mush is an absolute embarassment coming from the "King of Salsa". Fresh off of perhaps the biggest dissappointment in my Salsa life, "Libre", this one is even worse!

Face facts, Hector Lavoe will ALWAYS be the king of salsa. I never heard of Mr. Lavoe putting out garbage like this when he was alive.


I LOVE THIS ALBUM   July 7, 2004
Jessica (South Florida)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion... some of us love it some of you hate it. I am a devoted Marc fan and have been for many years. I love his music... no matter what he sings, whether it be salsa, ballads, pop... whatever - he sings the hell out of it! I went out and bought this CD the day it went on sale. I knew that this CD was going to be a latin pop album so maybe that is why some of you are disappointed. Many of you were expecting this to be a salsa album, but that one doesn't come out until late this summer. Give this CD a chance. Personally, I like it better than his 'Mended' CD. His voice is awesome! I was lucky enough to win tickets to his private concert down on South Beach 2 weeks ago. I was in the front row with my best friend. He was on stage for an hour - 9 songs. He opened with the ballad version of 'Ahora Quien'. Later he went on to sing more of his popular songs, in between all of that he sang 2 more songs off the new pop album... 'Tu Amor Me Hace Bien', and 'Valio la Pena' but he sang the salsa versions of them. They were great! He is awesome! If you truly love Marc for who he is then you will not be disappointed in this CD. I can't wait for the Salsa CD to come out it will be the BOMB!!!!!!!!!


EXCELLENT!!!   February 17, 2005
Music Fan
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I've never seen so many ridiculous 1-star reviews in my life.

If you take away the people who are angry because they got confused and didn't buy the salsa album, and chose to take out their frustration here with reviews that have nothing to do with this album, you would have a 4 to 5 star album. That's what this album is.

Excellent quality, rich arrangements, a flowing and cohesive sound. The vocals are UNBELIEVABLE.

Give it a chance, you won't be sorry!!!