Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Although she's been doing Latin pop sinceJennifer Lopezwas in junior high, Gloria Estefan has progressed little, as evidenced from the derivative dance and disco retreads onGreatest Hits Vol. II. Apart from a few true gems like "Reach" and "Heaven's What I Feel," the album is a boring mix of covers ("Turn the Beat Around" and "Everlasting Love") and original tracks that blend into one another--all Cuban rhythm and banal lost-love lyrics. Gloria has a one-of-a-kind voice and great style--she's a surefire talent--and her music is still fabulous in her native language (check outMi TierraorAbriendo Puertas). But if you're looking for a real sampler of her greatest hits,the first volume, released in 1992, is still the way to go.--Courtney Kemp