AMG Review of Juan Gabriel [2010]

David Jeffries
All Music Guide

Juan Gabriel’s second self-titled full-length appeared seven years after his last studio album, Inocente de Ti, making for the longest wait fans have had to endure since the man kicked off his career in 1971. Fortunately it delivers, something that was hinted at by the high-caliber, passionate single which preceded the album, “¿Por Qué Me Haces Llorar?” Just as good is the over-the-top “Mariachi,” along with the album’s opening one-two punch which proves Gabriel is equally comfortable with traditional mariachi material (“Te Vas aQuedar con las Ganas”) and the more pop side of Latin music (“Gracias Al Amor”). His voice is as powerful as ever and the song selections are worthy of all the heart and soul he pours into these performances.