Innocent confessions of love and desire pervade “She’s All I Ever Had,” “You Stay with Me,” “I Am Made of You,” “Spanish Eyes” and a duet with Madonna, “Be Careful (Cuidado Con Mi Corazon).””The Cup of Life,” the official anthem for 1998’s World Cup soccer tournament, advises people to aggressively fulfill their destiny. On “Private Emotion, ” life’s darkness is made bearable by a woman’s love.
Hormones run amok. This Latin lover dedicates an entire song to watching a female’s backside (“Shake Your Bon-Bon”), claiming a “mad connection” with her body that compels him to ask for sex. On “Love You for a Day,” Martin urges a girl to take him home for a night of passion. It’s unclear whether the hit “Livin’ La Vida Loca” is wary of or smitten with a wild woman “into superstitions, black cats and voodoo dolls” who seduces and takes advantage of men. Liner notes thank a guru for spiritual guidance.
A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Martin has performed most of his life, including a stint with the Latin group Menudo, a role in Broadway’s Les Miserables and as Miguel on the ABC soap opera General Hospital. His Spanish CDs have earned him worldwide acclaim. However, this English/Spanish effort won’t endear him to discerning families. Sweet love songs fall prey to sexual prowling.
