Negra Tiene Tumbao
Proving that she has a special gift for picking musical directors, the  Queen of Salsa works with three high-profile producers on this highly energetic  outing, each representing a different stylistic avenue. Former collaborator  Johnny Pacheco, with whomCelia Cruzrecorded some  of the best albums of her career during the '70s, adds his old-fashioned charm  to two songs: the refreshingly simple "Tararea Kumbayea" and "Dejenme Vivir," a  tune that findsLa Reinaasking her detractors to stop criticizing her  and mind their own business instead. "Hay Que Empezar Otra Vez" and "Sin Clave  No Hay Son" are helmed byIsidro Infante, a  virtuoso pianist who represents the undying spirit of New York salsa. The  remaining six tracks are handled by Sergio George, the man responsible for  bringing a grittier, hip-hop informed aesthetic to tropical music. Fittingly,  Cruz's syrupy voice shares the spotlight with rapper Mikey Perfecto on the  album's bouncy title track. One of salsa's classiest performers, Cruz has  adapted to modern times with elegance and style.--Ernesto Lechner