Search - Gloria Estefan :: Christmas Through Your Eyes

You've had your fill of Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez, Lou Bega and Christina Aguilera in 1999 (none of whom, surprisingly, have cut their Christmas sides... yet). Now return to the original Latina Madonna, the Miami queen of what some have described as blando-Latin pop, the next big thing in American popular music. As Anglosized as Estefan and band can be in general, there are some delicious moments of pure music-making here that transcend category and homogenization. Estefan always sings with passion and energy, and her holiday performances here, while not musically dynamic, still prove strong and fiery. Plus you won't find a more swinging or vibrant version of "Let It Snow" (with hints of salsa on the side) unless you go back some 50 years to the big-band era. Are these Floridians having fun here or what? Overall, a romantic middle-of-the-road offering from that mature adult in front of the fireplace all aglow. --Martin Keller