Most people have no idea who Luis Fonsi is. He is pretty big in Latin music from what I hear, but I wouldn’t know. I first heard his beautiful voice in a duet with Christina Aguilera on her Spanish album Mi Reflejo. After hearing what he was capable of doing vocally, I knew I wanted to hear more from this guy. Two years later I was anticipating his first English language album, Fight The Feeling. I had mixed feelings about the album since it was more of your typical R&B-ish album…something I was not expecting at all. One thing was clear though, this hottie was headed for mainstream fame (yeah, about that…I was wrong).

After hearing the album several times, it is very obvious that Luis’ strengths are in ballads. His voice, his writing, the music and production all come together flawlessly. The order in which the tracks go is a little off because in one song he is singing about being turned on, then the next song is a tender love song lol…it just doesn’t flow too well.

Upbeat and bumpin’
The album starts off with the title track. The production took me a while to get used to because it’s just not something I picture a Latin crossover singer to be singing. It’s a hot beat and the vocals are tight. He sings about wanting to get up on a girl, but he’s trying to fight the feeling. The song is definitely something that would have faired very well on the radio, not sure if they plan on releasing it, they should though.

A sucker for your loving
A sucker for your kissing
It’s like a heatwave in July
Everytime we’re eye to eye

It’s something I picture Justin Timberlake singing. The vocals are sensual and just make you want to throw him on the bed and have your way with him (but maybe it’s just me). If you liked Tim James’ big hit “I’ll Be Your Secret”, then you may just like Luis’ Secret. It’s kind of a remake with a nice beat and a different chorus. I personally prefer James’ version because it is more meaningful and it’s just nicer to hear it with little instruments.

Something that is off on the upbeat tracks is the production. On Turn It Up and You Got Nothing On Me, the beats and his vocals are off. The latter seems like two completely different songs clashing together. Twisted and One Night Thing sound like Michael Jackson songs. The former sounds like “Privacy” (horrible production) and the latter is vocally like Michael. Keep My Cool is my personal favorite track on the album. Like the title track, it sounds like a Justin song, again with hot beat and nice vocals. The song is about seeing someone you’re interesting in at a club and having to keep your cool as to not make a fool out of yourself.

I know a lot of other guys
Who’d like to have you in their life
But there’s no chance
Cause I will dance
Circles all around your heart
I will have you seeing stars
And falling right into my arms

Ballads and Gems
Luis’ voice on the ballads is mature and beautiful. His voice is made for ballads. I understand that he’s young and wants to have the party songs, but he should really stick to ballads mostly. Save Me is the best slow song on the album because it just sounds like a classic he’s covering. The song is cheesy, why else would I love it?

My whole life
I never had love come true
But then you came a long, long way
You came and rescued me

It’s just the way he sings it can make any woman or gay man melt…he’s got the gift. The slow jam is just as nice. If Only is about an ended relationship and the emotion he puts into this is enough to give you goosebumps. I told you, he’s a pro at this. The way he uses his falsetto is haunting here:

Tell me how I can go on now that you’re gone
All the days seem so long
And the emptiness that my heart knows
Won’t let me go

Please download this song, it’s wonderful. The best song for dumb Valentine’s Day (no I’m not bitter lol) is Tell Her Tonight. The song is about a proposal and it’s so beautiful it’s actually depressing if you’re single. The piano and strings blend perfectly with his soft voice. His voice is dripping with excitement so you almost feel nervous for him.

Don’t leave her alone in the dark
Let her feel the beat of your heart
There she is, she’s giving me that smile
The one that drives me wild
She’s taking my hand, I have to tell her now
No matter how the words come out

I Wish is a heartbreaking song about wanting to move on after the relationship is over. I am currently in this stage and it’s freaking painful. His lyrics are exactly how I feel so I of course try to avoid listening to this song a lot lol. I wish he had ended on a happier theme, but at least he ends it on a good song.

Overall Grade: B+

Luis Fonsi is a wonderful artist who still needs to be discovered by America. This debut English album is a good introduction to what is to come. I would just like it if he would decide between being a romantic or a player…the flow is just too weird throughout the album because he keeps switching. His ballads are flawless. His uptempos need work, but as long as he keeps the production in check, he should be fine. Overall the album is enjoyable, if you liked Justin’s album, you may just like this one too.



Recommended: Yes