AMG Review of Rey del Rodeo

Curtis Zimmermann
All Music Guide

It is often difficult to tell what side of the Texas-Mexican border Tejano singer and Texas native Emilio is singing on. His music on El Rey del Rodeo blends modern Tejano and traditional conjunto with young country. "Maldita Mujer," "Es Verdad," and "Yo Lo Ves" are rather typical accordion-based conjunto tracks, while "Mujer Enamorada" is a Nashville-influenced country ballad that could have easily been sung by fellow Texan George Strait. Although the language barrier will limit the album's crossover appeal, it is a solid example of the fine line that exists between Tex-Mex and mainstream country.