Ruben Blades Una Decada CD

Long known for his ability to incorporate a variety of styles and influences under the umbrella of salsa, Ruben Blades is one of South America's most brilliant musical ambassadors. From the experimental work of his '80s group Seis Del Solar to the world fusion of 2002's MUNDO (which featured didgeridoo and bagpipes amid Latin rhythms), Blades has shown his true colors as a musical explorer, activist, and poet (Blades's lyrics are complex and beautiful). Though undeniably a Blades effort, 2003's UNA DECADA is a more staunchly "Latin" album than much of the artist's earlier discography.

UNA DECADA sports a clean, straightforward production, with crisp emphasis on the complex percussion parts and the warm piano that drives most of the melodies. Sunny, uptempo numbers, complete with infectious vocal choruses, are on offer here (the opener, "Caminando," for example, or the Mariachi-influenced "Sin Querer Queriendo"). Blades's skill with reflective ballads is still in evidence ("Adan Garcia"), as is his command of melody, as on the undulating, minor-key verses of "Prohibido Olvidar." And Blades's rough-hewn tenor is as beautiful, textured, and compelling as ever. UNA DECADA shows a mature, superb songwriter and musician working at the top of his game.