Eros Ramazzotti Todo Historias (Spanish) CD

Beloved Italian singer Eros Ramazzotti's reputation as an international pop star was solidified with this guitar-heavy, rock-leaning album. Several strong songs on this set include the opener "Cosas de la Vida" (which later resurfaced as a duet with Tina Turner), "A Medio Camino," and the duet "En Compania." "Nostalsong," as the name implies, has a nostalgic feel to it, and "Nada de Malo" is one of the album's catchier, more upbeat tunes. There's also a heavy emphasis on slow numbers, several of which are saved for the end of the album, resulting in an anticlimactic ending. Some, such as "Un Fuerte No," recall 1980s power ballads, this particular one complete with gospel undertones. This album's saving grace is Ramazzotti's passionate and capable singing, and a good number of powerful and catchy Latin/Italian rock songs. ~ Jose F. Promis

Arranger: Celso Valli.

Personnel: Phil Palmer, Steve Farris (guitar); Brandon Fields (saxophone); Kai Winding (piano); Celso Valli (keyboards); Steve Ferrone (drums); Luis Conte (percussion); Luca Bignardi (programming); Beth Andersen, Clydene Jackson, Luca Jurman, Aida Cooper, Moreno Ferrara, Rick Nelson, Renzo Meneghinello, Jim Gilstrap, Joe Pizzulo, Julia Waters, Maxi Anderson, Emanuela Cortesi, Antonella Pepe, Myrna Matthews (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Gordon Lyon; Luca Bignardi.