The two words that come to mind when listening to this album are "rich" and "lush". This is Gloria Estefan's third Spanish-language album, and with this album she re-asserts herself as the originator of the 'resurgencia' of Latin music in the last twenty years. Unlike "Abriendo Puertas", which featured the musical styles of Central and South America, this album stays closer to the rhythms and instrumentation of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, with deft touches of violin, flute and conga. By far the best song on the album is not the first one released, "No Me Dejes De Querer" (a very good song indeed), but "Tres Gotas De Agua Bendita", a duet with legendary Celia Cruz. Also good is "Por Un Beso", a song so Cuban, you can smell the cigars and daiquirís of 1950's Havana. Another treat is "Tengo Que Decirte Algo", which strays into Mexican territory with hints of Mariachi guitar and trumpet, and the great voice of José Feliciano. The general feel of the album is slower and more romance-inspiring than that of both "Mi Tierra" and "Abriendo Puertas". A plus for "Anglo" buyers is the inclusion of English translations of the lyrics in the liner notes (found in MT, but not AP). You will find this album a good listen, as Gloria's voice is very much at home in these songs. If you have enjoyed the recent re-emergence of Ibrahim Ferrer and the Buena Vista Social Club artists, then this album is for you. I highly recommend it.

In '93 Gloria Estefan pleasantly surprised the world; With her Grammy award winning, all spanish album "Mi Tierra" she celebrated her Cuban heritage and drove the Globe Salsa crazy. She then followed it up with her 2nd Grammy winner in '95, "Abriendo Puertas" which not only unleashed more Salsa, but combined it with the rhythms of hispanic countries worldwide to create a unique and highly danceable fusion. Now she has revealed "Alma Caribena/Caribbean Soul". In what has to be her most accomplished work to date, Gloria seamlessly blends the rhythms of Cuba with those of Panama, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. But the biggest surprise of all is how confident and passionate she sounds here. Gloria not only reveals a more sexy style with her vocals, she embraces it and really lets loose on such tracks as "Por un Beso" (For a Kiss) where her lush voice drips with sensuality and attitude as She confronts her partner for betraying their love. Then on the Salsa driven "Tres Gotas de agua bendita" (a duet with Salsa legend Celia Cruz) her honey soaked vocals dance over a bed of propelling latin percussion complimented by a swooping horn section. However one of the highlights of the album has to be the tropical ballad "Como me duele perderte" where Gloria has never before sounded so genuinely sad as she reflects on a lost lover. Accompanied by a beautifully melodic spanish guitar, enveloping percussion and a touching violin solo, this track is sure to be a worldwide smash when it's released as a single. The lyrics on this whole collection are cutting edge and poetic, most evident on "Tengo que decirte algo" the duet with Jose Feliciano where she confesses to him her act of adultery and begs for forgiveness. Another clever aspect of the album is in it's complex production. Just when you think the Salsa rhythm has stopped for a ballad, suddenly the arrangement whirls into a Salsa surprise and once again the beat never really lets up. Perhaps Gloria planned the trip from "Mi Tierra" to "Abriendo Puertas" to "Alma Caribena/Caribbean Soul" as a trilogy in her Spanish language albums but unlike most trilogies of cinema, this third outing is her best piece of work to date. Even if you're not a fan of Ms Estefan, you should include this in your collection as "THE" Salsa album.

Although it does lack the traditional upbeat/dance numbers that Gloria fans are used to, this album is still an outstanding collection. The first play may leave you confused as some of the songs sound similar, but on the second listen, themes like "Como Me Duele Perderte","Te Tengo A Ti", "Tres Gotas De Agua Bendita", and of course the phenomenal "No Me Dejes De Querer" really stand out. It's no huge party album that fans come to expect, but still an album well worth buying. Gloria es la reina!

Being Puerto Rican, I love to dance the Salsa, meringue, and music that just makes you swing. This latest from my most favorite diva is misleading. The cover of the CD shows her getting it down and dancing. Well, when I popped this cd in I couldn't dance to a single one.

Don't let the other reviews here fool you. If you like a lot of s-l-o-w, and I mean s-l-o-w ballads, then hey, I highly recommend this CD. If you're expecting real latin music, than the best picks are Abriendo Puertas (my favorite, because you can dance to all of the tracks) and Mi Terra (Just LOVE Mi Terra!). Gloria is my favorite singer of all time, and I worship her and all, but Gloria, honey, you really let me down on this one.

As a long time Gloria fan, I eagerly await each new Spanish release from her. I have found each to be excellent, each different in their own way.

Jose Feliciano and Celia Cruz each add their own unique stamp to the album - both songs work very well and are a nice compliment to the songs which feature Gloria.

A number of people have said here that they expected a lively Carribean disc. While there is no shortage of songs like that here, especially the very fun, incredibly rhythmically complex "Tres Gotas De Agua Bendita" with Celia Cruz, I don't think that will stop anyone from enjoying the music. The ballads, like "Como Me Duele Perderte", and especially "Me Voy" are absolutely beautiful. "Me Voy" is possibly the best song Gloria has ever recorded - the melody, lyrics and the emotion of her delivery are heartbreaking.

The only clunker on the CD is the hideous final track, the dance mix of "No Me Dejes De Querer". As a professional jazz and rock musician, it pains me to hear synthesized noise masquerading as music. The beauty of the rest of this album is the incredible production/mix and musicians' talents. I have to skip through this song every time.

The music of Gloria Estefan inspired me to learn Spanish. An entire world of music, friends, experiences and love has been opened up to me because of Gloria Estefan. Thank you once again Gloria.