Houston Rodeo Live

AMG Review of Houston Rodeo Live

Alex Henderson
All Music Guide

Regrettably, live albums aren't nearly as plentiful as they should be in Latin pop. Latin radio stations usually prefer studio recordings, and record companies tend to give them what they want. Many Latin popsters, in fact, will go their entire careers without providing a live album. But Jennifer Peńa isn't one of them; Houston Rodeo Live documents the Mexican-American singer's appearance at the Houston Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX on March 14, 2004 (when she was 20). Some of Peńa's hardcore fans may wish that the 46-minute CD was longer and wonder why their favorite album track from 1998's Mariposa, 2000's Abrázame y Bésame or 2004's Seducción wasn't included; nonetheless, Peńa does perform many of her more essential songs, including "El Dolor de Tu Presencia," "Entre el Delirio y la Locura," "A Fuego Lento" and "Prefiero Irme Enamorada." Peńa never sounds like she is merely going through the motions; she always sounds enthusiastic, and much of that enthusiasm no doubt stems from the fact that she has generally had worthwhile material to work with. Mining the same stylistic waters as Ana Bárbara and the late Selena (two frequent comparisons), Peńa is a provider of Latin pop ear candy -- but it's generally been good, memorable Latin pop ear candy. Another reason for the high level of enthusiasm on Houston Rodeo Live is the location; Peńa is a native of San Antonio, and performing in her home state obviously has sentimental value for the tejana. Houston Rodeo Live is unlikely to win over anyone who isn't already a confirmed Jennifer Peńa fan; however, Peńa's sizable following will find a lot to admire about this enjoyable CD -- even if they wish it were about 30 minutes longer.