Search - Emilio :: Mi Primer Amor

San Antonio's hunky Emilio Navaira celebrates an enormously successful decade of Tejano music with his band Rio (formed in 1989) on 10 Aniversario. This collection of the artist's strongest cumbia, ranchera, and vals songs makes an excellent retrospective for established fans while serving as a great starting point for those interested in exploring the Tex-Mex genre. Emilio became a Tejano star in the early 1990s due to a successful solo debut, Unsung Highways, and the country hit "It's Not the End of the World." Now, 10 years and a handful of albums later, this retrospective nicely summarizes Emilio's impressive songwriting, upbeat arrangements, and charismatic singing. Particular standouts include "Mi Primer Amor" and "Ella Es," with their mix of cumbia swing and pop sensibility. "Olvidemos lo Pasado" boasts not only Emilio's knack for a melodious hook but also his emotive personality. A strong package. --Karen Karleski