Just when I didn't think I could love Marc Anthony's voice more than I already do, I finally got around to listening to the "El Cantante" soundtrack. It makes me want to go see the movie. Almost. It's too bad he phoned in his performance.Anyway, on "El Cantante" Anthony actually improves on Hector Lavoe's originals. His voice is much more powerful than Lavoe's ever was, so you get the sense that he's actually holding back. Anthony's voice also makes up for the imperfections and cracks in Lavoe's versions. Not that imperfection is a bad thing...Lavoe wasn't known for his technicality, but that (and his superb phrasing) were part of his appeal. I had the chance to see Anthony live back in 1994 and passed, preferring to go to a baseball game. I just wasn't feeling him back then. The "Otra Nota" album cover was cheesy and I remember thinking he needed to get a haircut. The Puerto Rican Chris Cornell thing wasn't working for me. Ah, stupid youth. When he returned to Cleveland a few years later, after the "Contra La Corriente" release, the hall sold out. Oh, well. Anthony's voice (has he stopped smoking?) has never been better, IMO.No comment on the Jennifer Lopez track. Why some people consider her a singer (and buy her music) is beyond me.
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