Search - Celia Cruz & Willie Colon :: Only They Could Have Made This Album

One of her Best

Roberto Jimenez | 08/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this recording years ago and then lost it. I had never been able to find it again for some reason. But of course Amazon had it. So I ordered it. This rocks. Not one bad song in the bunch. Celia, we will miss you. Only you could have made this music."

A memorable album

Roberto Jimenez | Tampa, FL USA | 12/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a follower of Willie Colón, you know what he is capable of and how tight his band has always been. Now, add Celia Cruz to the equation; Cuba's greatest "sonera", and the results should be amazing.



Well, it happened in three ocassions(1977, 1981 and 1987). By far, the first effort ("Only they could have made this album") is the best example of what these two legends could accomplish together. Hardcore "salsa" numbers like "Usted abusó", "Zambullete", "Dulce habanera" and "Rinkinkalla", along with excellent songs like "Todos somos iguales" (listen to Willie, Milton and José on coros), "A papá" and "Burundanga" make this album a "must have" for any serious "salsa" fan."

A toast to Cruz & Colon

reading man | 04/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Celia Cruz was the heart and soul of salsa. She stood above all. Trombonist Willie Colon was a foremost arranger and producer. Here he blends four horns, four percussions, guitar, piano, bass, and voices into textures of Afro-Latin rhythm and blues, pop, and jazz. She covers it with polish, charm and charisma. He creates mood and nuance. She personifies each with distinction.



The first three songs establish the session's framework. She opens in a medium tempo, then accelerates to warp speed, retaining sharp clarity, and eases into a slower pace to the warm accompaniment of guitar."Zambullete" starts casually, the queen taking command with her trademark shout, and driving hard to the finish over the relentless pulse of bass and rhythm ensemble. "Tu Y Las Nubes" follows, its mellow tone again lending effective contrast. Her exchanges with the chorus in "Pun Pun Cantalu" are playful. She is coy and provocative, fast and furious. Joy and fun abound. She imparts a serious message in "Todos Somos Iguales", where power lies in its restraint and simplicity. The romantic "Rinkinkalla" is sweet.



The lyrics are in Spanish; although I am not fluent, the message rang clearly. Two accomplished artists, at their best, gave us a gem."