Marc Anthony has braved the “Latin Explosion” and proved that talent will get you a lot farther than any gimmick. With his second album in less than a year ”Mended” proves that not only is Anthony a viable Salsa singer, but he can woo the English-speaking as well.
Track Listing
1. Love Won’t Get Any Better
2. She Mends Me
3. I’ve Got You
4. I Need You
5. Tragedy
6. I Reach For You
7. I Swear
8. Don’t Tell Me It’s Love
9. Do You Believe In Loneliness
10. Give Me A Reason
11. I Wanna Be Free
12. Everything You Do
13. Te Tengo Aqui
”I’ve Got You” is the lead single from “Mended” and if you like it – the odds are that you will be equally as pleased with the rest of the album. Recently in an interview Marc Anthony said that this song was written as a gift from someone who saw the loyalty he had to his wife and was inspired: ”I could be with another girl/ And I could take a trip all around the world/ But why would I go anywhere when I’ve got you?/ I could spend my money on fancy clothes/ Meet a thousand women doing videos and shows/ But baby, I’m so glad that I got you.” And, if you really love this song you’re in luck because the Spanish language version ”Te Tengo Aquí” is included as the last track on the album.
”Love Won’t Get Any Better” is typical Marc Anthony with the Salsa feel to it and big vocals. Although this is definitely not the best song that the album has to offer, there’s something quite infectious about it, produced by Corey Rooney of Jennifer Lopez fame – the bridge is the strongest part of the track and musically it reminds me of “Ain’t It Funny” by J.Lo, so I’m sure some part of that music has been incorporated into this particular song. ”I Need You” is another song that sounds like pure Marc Anthony. One of those unrequited love songs that either moves you or makes you want to wretch. As far as music goes on this one, it may just be a little too bare and the arrangement leans toward being awkward at times.
”Tragedy” is co-written by Matchbox Twenty singer Rob Thomas and is my favorite song. If you liked “Smooth” with Carlos Santana and Thomas before, you’ll dig this one as well. My guess is this one will be the second single and rightfully so. Everything about this song is right and it shows. The background vocals enhance the strength of Anthony’s voice and it’s not so produced that is sounds formulaic. ”I Swear” is another song that has potential hit written all over it. If Corey Rooney never gets credit for another thing, someone needs to give him a high five for writing the most infectious hooks. His songs have an amazing ability to stick in your head, good thing they’re good.
”Don’t Tell Me It’s Love” has a “harder” feel to it. It sounds a lot less Latin and definitely more pop but it’s still a great song. The percussion feel is still there but you can also hear the drum and keyboard programming. ”Give Me A Reason” stays along the pop lines but the big vocals return to put the Anthony spin on things. ”I Wanna Be Free” is one of those borderline songs. When it kicks off there’s so much to like, but once the chorus drops there’s so much going on it’s really hard to appreciate the vocals and music.
Final Thoughts
While Marc Anthony isn’t really changing the face of music with “Mended”, it is nice to see that someone with real and viable talent is successful. He’s got a great voice and has managed to blend his Salsa background with Pop and R&B music and make it something unique and special. “Mended” isn’t all that different than anything you’ve heard from the singer but it’s definitely worth hearing if you like his style.
Not only has Marc Anthony sold more records than any other salsa artist, but he has earned multi-platinum status with his self-titled English language...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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