El Amor De Mi Tierra

Colombian singer Carlos Vives continues his exploration of the sounds of his homeland on El Amor de Mi Tierra, a lush collection that also includes rumba, cumbia, and Caribbean rhythms anchored by an earthy, folksy flavor. Vives, a former television actor, polishes it with a glowing pop sheen, thanks to solid production from Latin-music mogul Emilio Estefan. The pair work wonderfully together on tracks such as "Tu Amor Eterno," "El Cante," "La Receta," and especially "Fruta Fresca," a desperately romantic moment that has become Vives's biggest radio hit. Vocally, Vives keeps his delivery suitably grounded, working within the infectious rhythms of the music instead of fighting against it or struggling to remain on top. It makes for a consistently engaging, refreshingly uncomplicated musical experience. --Joey Guerra