MTV Unplugged - Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin has a lot riding on the success of “MTV Unplugged,” his first Spanish album in three years. Fortunately, he sounds blissfully in the moment and inspired by the euphoric live arrangements. You can almost hear him smile as he sings his way through pre-crossover favorites like “Maria,” “Vuelve” and “La Bomba.” Martin reminds his loyal audiences of the energy and charisma he’s known for, accompanied by soaring strings, classical guitar, percussion and brass. While he’s got our attention, Martin introduces new material and interprets more mellow numbers with unexpected melancholy and even restraint, most impressively on the minor-chord-filled “Con tu Nombre” and single “Tu Recuerdo.” “Pegate,” an uptempo number co-written by Martin, is the bow that wraps up a long-awaited gift. Billboard
