I first learned about Chayanne through the movie "Dance With Me". I have a collection of his CDs, and I have been learning Spanish just to understand his songs. As a result, I am being introduced to one of the most beautiful languages in the world, Spanish. Chayanne's songs are poetry. "Influencias" is one his best recordings so far. I am looking forward to his future musical projects.

The title itself is a give-away Influencias, which means Influences. This excellent compilation of songs is a way for Chayanne to express to his fans what music and which singers have impacted and influenced his life. The first song La Vida Sigue Igual is the creation of none other than the Spain-born Julio Iglesias (Enrique's father), who is considered by many people the best Spanish singer of all times. The song deals with the fact that no matter what happens in this world, life will continue its course. Roberto Carlos, who many say is Brazil's best singer, originally sang the second song Amada Amante. Una Muchacha Y Una Guitarra, this is all Sandro (El Idolo de America - America's Idol), supposedly, needed to sing. During the 70's his voice and his music took control and expanded everywhere from Argentina (where he was born) to the rest of the Americas. With Yo Soy Aquel, Chayanne recognizes Raphael's influence in his life. The native of Spain (Raphael), most experts claim, is said to possess one of the best voices in the world. Chayanne's more upbeat music, yes the one that makes you move and dance, has been influenced by Jose Luis Rodriguez -El Puma, who originally sings Pavo Real/Agarranse De Las Manos. The next two influences on Chayanne's music, we find through his next two interpretations, are both from Mexico. First, it's the Mexican bohemian Jose Jose who first sang Gavilan O Paloma; Jose Jose's romantic music can take a guy or a girl to complete delirium if love is not reciprocated - his music is beautiful, sad, soft and harsh, all at once. The second is Mexico's premiere voice, Juan Gabriel, and Chayanne chose Querida to reflect that. This is an incredible song, but I am surprised he did not choose Abrazame Muy Fuerte, which is (in my terms) the best song I have ever heard. I am also glad to see that my favorite singer in the whole world, Camilo Sesto, has also influenced Chayanne. They both have soft romantic voices, and with Amor Libre Chayanne does an incredible job since the version is a little different but the passion remains. His compatriot, Jose Feliciano, has also contributed, musically speaking, to Chayanne's music and career development. Paso La Vida Pensando is one of many themes interpreted by Jose Feliciano, and Chayanne also does a wonderful job to demonstrate his admiration for Jose Feliciano. The last song, Pedro Navaja, and its original interpreter, Ruben Blades, does not do much for me, but with 9 out of 10 I should not be complaining. It's an unbelievable CD with well-chosen songs; it creates a window for the fans to penetrate Chayanne's world so we can understand where his coming from when he is singing, and to know what he listens to when he is not.

If you've decided to check out Chayanne's music, this is the CD to start with!

I became a huge Chayanne fan after seeing him in the movie Dance With Me so I started buying his CDs. Influencias has become my favorite Chayanne CD. I especially love Pedro Navaja (written by Rueben Blades) and Gavilan O Paloma. I play this CD over and over for hours; I just love it! I wish I understood Spanish. No matter; I still love Chayanne's music.

I thought this CD was much more recent than 1995. It has his older ballad style and I prefer his more recent work.