9
Every good pop collection has that one moment, that shimmering, seamless mix of voice, rhythm and melody, that reflects--and often transcends--the colors and styles of the entire package. On9, the first studio album in three years from Italian singer Eros Ramazzotti, it’s "No Te Prometo Nada" ("I Don’t Promise You Anything"), a bittersweet ballad that finds the singer exposing his flawed heart to his lover. This is a hushed, affecting moment. Much of the rest of9finds Ramazzotti in pleasantly familiar territory, his nasal delivery distinguishing pop ditties such as "Un Segundo De Paz" and "Piedra Pequena." Some of the silky production sheen of past efforts has been traded in for more acoustic instrumentation; coupled with Ramazzotti’s heartfelt interpretations, the result is a more intimate feel. Make no mistake, though: Ramazzotti is a pop singer by definition. And when it’s done this expertly, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.--Joey Guerra