Search - Graciela Beltran :: Esto Es Lo Nuestro: 20 Exitos

Collection sparkles with energy

Kevin Goss | Tempe, AZ United States | 08/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every few years, EMI Latin issues "Exitos" collections for its major artists. This particular collection of Beltran's songs stands out from her previous "Exitos" releases, because it is more lively and upbeat. The entire collection demonstrates why Beltran is considered one of the best exponents of Regional Mexican music today. Her voice shines on every single track, and the music differs from the tired, overwhelming sounds of most other Banda artists. Many of her gems are found here, including "Paloma Triste", "Se Me Notan Tus Besos" and "Estan Lloviendo Lagrimas". Also included are the spunky cumbias "Ya No", "Mi Corazon Es Tuyo" and "Amarte Es Mi Destino".The first two tracks on the disc are Mariachi tunes, and seem somewhat out of place next to the eighteen Banda songs. Also, there are no songs from Beltran's 1998 Tejano-style album, "Robame Un Beso" (a faster-paced Banda version of the title track does appear here). Perhaps EMI wanted to keep this collection focused on Banda, because it is the style that best defines Beltran's image. Beltran has attracted an almost cult-like following among her fans. She is the perpetual underdog, performing styles of music that are considered backward and common by many people. She takes a genre that has traditionally belonged to the Mexican macho, and makes it beautiful. With this collection, it is clear that Beltran is the one artist who will be able to popularize Banda music on a much larger scale. Graciela es la onda."