Unglorious Estefan
There was a place and time for Gloria Estefan’s “talent” and I’m sure we all know that I am referring to the glorious days of the Miami Sound Machine.
Estefan has been on a campaign against Fidel Castro her entire life and her most recent album, 90 Millas, appears to be another kick in the stomach to the Castro Regime. Apparently she comes from one of the many Cuban families that were driven away from the island (by its own people-led by Castro) for merging with the US and taking advantage of their fellow countrymen. And since Castro has successfully developed and taken great care of Cuba since his rule, Estefan really has no argument against him. If you can look past the negative stereotypes given by the old school anti-communist American media, you will know that Cuba has better public schools than Chicago, they lead the world in AIDS research, and are fairly competitive in the Olympics! But, I digress.
And They Talk About JLO
I’ve heard many songs from Gloria and even seen many performances on TV and she always lacks in the vocal deliverance department. I’m truly surprised that she has been able to make a living off of her albums (and I’m convinced she has a good financial advisor and is still using her profits from the 80s.) I mean honestly, the only reason she does not get criticized by the Latino community is because of the producing influence her husband has on the music industry. Seriously, haven’t you noticed Jennifer Lopez gets blasted for coming out with an album with one or two ballads (that require strong vocals) yet Gloria Estefan can come out with an album with predominantly ballads, none of which are backed up by proper vocal deliverance, and not hear a single complaint. Retired legends, such as Willie Colon, are the only individuals in the industry that have the balls to speak out against the “Estefan Mafia”.
Needless to say I was not eager to hear her latest “90 Millas”, however, I thought I would go into this experience with an open mind only because one of my good friends recently bought an album of hers.
Surprise, Surprise… (That’s Sarcasm at its Finest)
Lo Nuestro has a nice old school feel to it, as far as music arrangements go. However, vocals are lacking badly. There is a goofy transition to a salsa. The jump is way to abrupt. Never heard anything like that.
Santana is bad ass of course in No Llores. Its almost worth putting up with her lack of lyrics and vocal deliverance in that song!
Overall the songs are really short (thankfully). The musical arrangements have a wonderful old school feel to them and I even like the coros. I remember when I heard the more traditional Cuban sounding Buena Vista Social Club, some of their coros sounded very odd (not necessarily bad) and yet Gloria’s album did not have this particular sounding coro.
Rating: Don’t Bother
June 9th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Are you seriously giving Castro a cookie for all the good he’s done? oh please!
JLo gives the public PLENTY of reasons to attack her (beyond singing). Gloria Estefan is a legend. JLo is NOT. maybe it has something to do with class, grace, seniority…and so many other things. Will you see JLo at the local Starbucks signing autographs?? she may not have *IT* on every single song, I’ve heard Gloria’s albums, and it’s insulting to compare her voice to that drowning-basket-of-crackhead-cats voice JLo has.
I absolutely LOVED 90 Millas. it’s a great album that features amazing beats, legendary musicians, passionate lyrics….what more could u ask for?
PS- the unflattering pic of her was a cute touch to your negative post *rolls eyes*
June 12th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Well at least we agree on one thing. Gloria has seniority!
As far as my comments on Castro go, I guess I bring that up to mention that Cuban politics is more complicated than just getting rid of Castro. Despite what we are told, he has helped more of his people than the regime he overthrew. I’m a firm believer that if the people don’t like a ruler, they run him out.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Sorry i dunno what the self proclaimed drag queen is ranting about but JLO is a legend in her own right. When they have diva shows jlo is always invited.
June 13th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
99centster, king of relevance , what does an invitation to a “diva show” mean? enlighten me.
June 13th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
umm disregard my previous comment lol
June 15th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Somebody sounds upset they didn’t get the “Diva’s Only” invite.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:43 pm
yea, maybe YOU can teach me how to be a better diva lol
December 1st, 2008 at 4:52 am
I agree completely with unglorious Estefan. It’s obvious that the only reason she’s at the top is because her husband is very powerful in the music business. Her music is boring and she’s boring everything about her is boring.
Money is Power The Estefan Mafia have this
Viva La Revolucion
check out artist: Immortal Technique
song: hollywood drive-by