Ricky Martin : Ricky Martin : Review : Rolling Stone

Ex-Menudo member Ricky Martin's English-language debut isn't quite the international show horse that was Vuelve -- but then that platinum album was the home of "La Copa de la Vida," the song that Martin sang on this year's Grammy telecast with a world-conquering energy unseen since Michael Jackson performed on the Motown 25 special. Unfortunately for Ricky Martin, the goal of storming the U.S. means several remixes and two slick Diane Warren songs, both of which only show how well Martin, with his suede midrange, can flatter a melody until it seems important. But "Livin' la Vida Loca," with its tale of being dragged into craziness by a lovable kook, races along irresistibly, tucking adult sentiments into pop's current mania for novelty, as does another inspired lark, "Shake Your Bon-Bon." Martin and Madonna, meantime, go through the roof getting serious on "Be Careful (Cuidado con Mi Corazón)," a perfectly constructed ballad co-produced by the great William Orbit. The history of Latin pop is crowded with distinction. Yet often enough on Ricky Martin, this sudden superstar and his unsleepy producers make it into a new thrill.