cletta1201's Full Review: Amar Sin Mentiras by Marc Anthony
Before Marc Anthony became Mr. Jennifer Lopez he was busy being one of the most revered Salsa singers ever. With an unbelievably powerful voice that is hard to imagine coming from a man of Anthony’s stature – but his voice is crystalline and pure and having sold 8 million records worldwide, it is rare when Anthony falters.
Singing in Spanish, is Marc Anthony’s forte. Not as cliché nor as underwhelming as his English language efforts and certainly more rewarding for the listener – Spanish language Anthony is like fine wine, to be savored and enjoyed.
”Amar Sin Mentiras” (Love Without Lies) isn’t however, standard fare from the singer – it is Spanish pop (all ballads) done with an amazing amount of class and intelligence. The album launches with ”Ahora Quién” (Who Now?), a contemplative track that builds on a beautiful string arrangement to an emotional crescendo – is the type of song that Marc Anthony is so good at. He evokes power from down deep, at makes it sound absolutely effortless.
Definitely not as riveting, but not awful is Anthony’s duet with his new bride Jennifer Lopez. ”Escapémonos” (Let’s Escape) is a bit lopsided as Lopez’ vocals are fair enough, but stride for stride she is no match for Anthony. ”Tu Amor Me Hace Bien” (Your Love Does Me Good) has an underlying Flamenco sound that adds an interesting depth and texture to the whole track and when the song breaks, it is completely unexpected but a refreshing listen at some of the beautiful things Anthony is capable of doing with his voice.
”Volando Entre Tus Brazos” has a lush groove to it that tells the story of an enamored couple. Much of “Amar Sin Mentiras” is full of love/heartbreak/heartache with a bit of joy and happiness thrown in for good measure, but somehow, Anthony and crew keep the schmaltz pretty low. ”Amigo” (Friend) is a tribute to (you guessed it) a good friend, it is a sincere moment and one of the most poetic tracks on the album: ”Tú eres mi hermano del alma/realmente el amigo/Que en todo camino y jornada/está siempre conmigo/Aunque eres un hombre/aún tienes alma de niño/Aquel que me da su amistad su respeto y cariño” (You are my soul brother/ Really a friend/ Who in every path and day/ Is always with me/ Although you are a man/ You still have the soul of a child/ The one who gives his friendship and your respect and love”.
“Amar Sin Mentiras’” shiniest ballad comes in the form of the title track – which is the perfect mélange of what you’d expect in a Marc Anthony ballad. It is soulful, unrestrained and perfectly arranged.
The few not-so bright spots from “Amar Sin Mentiras” just seem a might too ambitious for even a veteran singer like Anthony to tackle. ”Valió La Pena” (It Was Worthwhile) has a synthetic almost rock edge to it that is completely contrived. ”Nada Personal” is vocally solid but musically pretty blah.
At 10 tracks, the album is the perfect length to not get bored with the fact that every song is a ballad and to want just a little more from Marc Anthony – and as the old cliché goes: leave them wanting more.
- Final Thoughts -
Most self-respecting Marc Anthony fans will love or greatly enjoy “Amar Sin Mentiras”. It is definitely a change of pace for Marc Anthony in the sense of not being Salsa and not being dance music – but the unconventional can sometimes be a refreshing break from the mundane. A balladeer in every sense of the word, Marc Anthony’s talent is rivaled by few and, even though he doesn’t need it - “Amar Sin Mentiras” solidifies that.
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