Search - Celia Cruz :: Regalo Del Alma

The soul of Dona Celia Cruz.

Marianopolita2005 | 08/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is a great joy to be able to say a few words about this CD and the late Celia Cruz who left behind her heart and soul in the name of "salsa" and"son" two genres of tropical music that she mastered over an incomparable fifty year musical career. Regalo del Alma is a true gift. The gift of soul, cubanismo, sentimentalism and showcase of true love for tropical music and rhythms. I expected this album to be a platinum production just because of the circumstances under which it was initiated and finished. Once again Celia dared to be different but yet contemporary at the same time. Undoubtedly this is a salsa album but as usual Celia's albums always incorporate songs with other rhythms which shows her diversity across the genres. I liked the whole album. This is another one of hers where you can listen to whole cd and hit repeat afterwards. However, I would like to highlight a few songs that really made me laugh and just reminded that life is to be enjoyed (which is her philosophy). They are: Me huele a rumba, No estes amargao and Pa'la cola. In terms of the musicality just like "La negra tiene tumbao" this album has a lot of sounds that are more associated with Cuban salsa in particular. Especially the noted use of the "maracas" and la "clave" two instruments that distinguish Cuban salsa. This album is a treasure and not because I am a loyal fan of Celia Cruz but because this is just downright terrific salsa. Celia has left her footprints and this final album has a message from Celia which is: Rie y Llora because that's what life is all about. I will always be a fan of her music- high respect!"

This one was made for dancing!

L. Hawkins | USA | 08/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I buy all my Salsa CDs for dancing so I rate them based on the "danceability" of the songs. Celia's recordings are always the best because nearly everything she produced was made for dancing! She wasn't the "Queen of Salsa" for nothing! You could also pop this one in for listening enjoyment, but why would you want to do that when you can shake it, shake it, shake it! Here is the breakdown:



1. "Ella Tiene Fuego" is a hot, danceable Salsa with a modern infectious groove!

2. "José Caridad" is also a great danceable Salsa that is still modern in sound but more traditional sounding than the first track.

3. "Ríe Y Llora" is a sassy danceable Cha Cha Cha. One can't help but sing `Na na na na na na!" along with Celia. It's very contagious!

4. "Ay, Pena, Penita" is similar in feel to track two on the CD. This is also a danceable salsa.

5. "Diagnóstico" is slightly more up tempo than the previous tracks and is a danceable Salsa.

6. "La Niña De La Trenza Negra" This song is great to listen to, but it's a little harder to dance to than other tracks on the CD. It utilizes some voice distortion technology for Celia's voice that is interesting and very modern.

7. "Me Huele La Rumba" Don't let the word "Rumba" in the title fool you; Celia kicks it up a notch with this song! It's a fast, but still danceable Salsa. It's great for your very tight and tiny moves. The breakdown in the middle is great for showing off.

8. "No Estés Amargao" Not the best song to dance to on the CD due to a constant change in tempo and rhythm but still fun for listening.

9. "Pa' La Cola" is a danceable Salsa.

10. "María La Loca" is one more danceable salsa.

11. "Yo Viviré (I Will Survive) is a cover of the Gloria Gaynor disco classic. This one is a little too fast to Salsa to but makes a quick Cha Cha Cha. It's a fun track, so you may be tempted to try to Salsa anyway. If you do, you'll definitely need a break afterwards.



Summary: A great album for dancing! There are 7 danceable Salsas, and two Cha Cha Chas. It's also great album for listening. Not a "skip that one" track on the whole CD. I don't know how you could possibly keep your seat while this is playing. While writing this review, I kept getting up to dance myself! A great buy and "must have" in your Salsa and Celia collection."

Celia's Gift from her Soul

Lowell B Denny, III | Oakland, California United States | 07/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I knew the world had truly lost an artist, a Diva, the moment I put this CD in the player. We may be treated to older, unearthed recordings, but we will never hear her swing to the the next evolutions of Cuban music, rap, dancehall - as certainly, they will evolve and be replaced by newer forms. In "Regalo del Alma," Celia continues to display her range as an artist that defies her contemporaries - the opening track, "Ella Tiene Fuego" is Salsa-Rap and Dancehall. The background for this is the Brazilian group, Axe Bahia. "Jose Caridad" is the double entendre, lyrical music of the old days; the tune is modern. Later, "Diagnostico" takes on a poignancy, a song of a sick patient being examined by a doctor who hears maracas, claves, and bongos in her pulse!! Alas, she is homesick. "Me Huele a Rumba", again, Celia remains rooted in the music of Cuba and is not afraid to spin contemporary music into it. Salsa Fans will neither be disappointed, esp. "Maria La Loca". The finale is a replay of her hit, "Yo Vivire" (I Will Survive). I would have left it off, the 10 previous, delicious, azucar-filled tracks speak for themselves: she will sobreviviendo. Her love of music for its own sake will continue to be infectious. Bendicion, Celia!"