Marc Anthony - '3.0' CD Review

Nearly 10 years since his last Salsa music recording, Marc Anthony is back to this vibrant Latin music genre with 3.0. Thanks to the hugely popular hit "Vivir Mi Vida" and the new set of songs that defined Marc Anthony's comeback to the world of Salsa, 3.0 grabbed the number one spot of the Billboard Top Latin Albumschart in only two weeks. The following is an overview of one of the most exciting albums of 2013.

"Vivir Mi Vida" Marc Anthony introduced 3.0 with "Vivir Mi Vida," one of the top Latin songs of 2013. This catchy track, which was produced and arranged by the well-known producer Sergio George, is a Salsa version of the original dance hit "C'est La Vie" by Cheb Khaled. There is, in fact, at the end of the track listing, a Pop version of "Vivir Mi Vida," which bears some similarities to the original track.

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In my opinion, "Vivir Mi Vida" (the Salsa version) is by far the best song on this album. For better or for worse, this track offers an intoxicating sound that is quite different and unique from the one you can listen in the rest of the tracks included in this album.

Romantic Salsa Meets Pop After the vibrant beats of "Vivir Mi Vida," you are left in front of what 3.0 is all about: A romantic Salsa music album. With the exception of "La Copa Rota," the legendary Bolero song originally written by Puerto Rican songwriter Benito de Jesus, every single track included between the Salsa and Pop versions of "Vivir Mi Vida" belongs to the romantic Salsa realm.

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This romantic Salsa is, however, very Pop. In fact, the intro section of tracks such as "Espera" and "Dime Si No Es Verdad" is pure Pop. In my opinion, "Espera," which I think is one of the best tracks on this album, is a song that achieves a great balance between Salsa and Pop. Plus, this track moves away from the traditional notes that Marc Anthony usually touches when he sings Salsa.

Although the album sounds great, and the arrangements are of great quality, at times it feels like most of the tracks have been shaped by the same formula, which almost always includes a melody with a soft beginning that little by little is taken to its Salsa climax under the same singing style. In other words, 3.0 may sound repetitive at times.

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'3.0' - Bottom LineIf you are into the mainstream sounds of romantic Salsa, the latest work by Marc Anthony will definitely please you. Besides this, Marc Anthony's 3.0 exemplifies in a good manner how much Tropical music has become Pop music today. Although a bit repetitive, the album has a great sound.

'3.0' - Best Tracks

• "Vivir Mi Vida"
  
• "Volver A Comenzar"
  
• "Espera"
  
• "La Copa Rota"
  
• "Dime Si No Es Verdad"
  
• "Cautivo De Este Amor"
  

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