Since this is Ricky Martin's first solo album since his departure from Menudo, it's easy to understand why it's full of Bubblegum tunes. But what a GREAT sugar high you get!!!

This album was released shortly after Mr. Martin made it big in Latin TV, after his appearance in the Teen soap Alcanzar Una Estrella II. This was his first big break into the spotlight as a solo artist, and he hasn't let go since then.

The album serves up one happy hook after another. It gives you some great music to drive to, or to listen to while at the beach in Luquillo (that's an excellent beach in P.R.).

It was hard for me to pick a few of the songs I liked from this album. Being forced to pick, I would have to choose: "Fuego Contra Fuego", "Juego De Ajedrez", & "El Amor De Mi Vida".

Ricky Martin had enjoyed a lengthy career as a multimedia performer before the "Latin explosion" of 1999 turned on millions of new fans. If you're one of those new fans, check out his Spanish-language debut album, "Ricky Martin." Yes, it's the same title as his 1999 English-language debut--some record executive must be trying to confuse the fans!

This album establishes a formula that has been very successful: a mix of ballads and faster-tempo songs. Because this is an early album, I get the sense that Ricky is still finding his identity as a solo performer. Some of the fast tracks strike me as a little flat. But on the ballads Ricky really comes alive, showing the emotional commitment that makes him a compelling vocalist. Standout tracks include "Fuego contra fuego," "Corazon entre nubes," and "El amor de mi vida."

Ricky was not yet an international megastar when this album was released, but "Ricky Martin" is clearly a taste of a bright future. This is an essential disc for Martin fans, and for Latin pop fans in general.

As this was Ricky's first solo album, it is quite impressive when one hears the diversity of his music. Some tracks take you back to the Menudo days, (we can all be embarressed by those), and also tracks like "Fuego Contra Fuego" and "Vuelo" are wonderful slower songs. But my personal favourite is "Susana". Everytime I hear that, it puts me in a good mood. Wonderfully done album.

Lo siento por ricky y sus fans, es un buen showman, pero es un pesimo cantante.

Ricky jamas dejara de impresionarme. Increible como una simple cancion puede transportarme en el tiempo y hacer revivir en mi mente momentos de mis 12 años de edad cuando lo vi por primera vez despues de tiempo en la telenovela Alcanzar una Estrella. No hay duda que al pasar de los años el a evolucionado pero estas canciones del recuerdo no sesan, (al menos a mi) de encantarme y subitamente hacer que mi mente recuerde las letras que como loquita enamorada cantaba en la epoca de mi chiquititud.
Un buen cd del recuerdo, el audio no es el mejor debido a la nueva tecnologia pero en verdad vale la pena adquirirlo.
Ricky...te adoro!!