Mexico en la Piel
Glorious vocals and impeccable production makeMexico en la Pielone of the best moments in superstar Luis Miguel's already-illustrious career. The album of mariachi classics is superb from start to finish, thanks in large part to the accompaniment of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Miguel's previous albums of bolero classics were polished, if predictably safe, affairs. His albums of original tunes (Aries, Amarte es un Placer, 33) were less successful, often relying on dated arrangements that made him sound hopelessly out of touch with modern music.Mexico en la Piel, however, is a revelation. It honors past musical traditions via smart, classy song selections and still bristles with immediacy and edge. Miguel's immense success could have easily found him resting on his laurels. Instead, he has delivered an often-thrilling collection that should appease old and new fans of any age.--Joey Guerra