ENRIQUE IGLESIAS
Quizás
Producer(s): various
Label/Catalog Number: Universal Music Latino: 4400643852-4
Originally Reviewed: September 21, 2002

Don't be fooled by "Mentiroso," the first single culled from Quizás, Enrique Iglesias' first Spanish-language album in five years. Syrupy and romantic, with a verse whose first bars are modeled closely after the standard "Se Me Olvidó Otra Vez," "Mentiroso" sounds like the teen Iglesias of yore. But even as Iglesias has gone back to his native language, he's evolved in style. Quizás is far hipper than its Spanish-language predecessors, more heartfelt than its English-language counterparts, and lyrically, it's managed to overcome the many clichés Iglesias used before. Material ranges from the title track, an obvious ode to Iglesias' father, to the peppy "Marta," the rock-edged "Tres Palabras," and dancefloor-primed "Pienso en Tí." Throughout the stylistic and content changes, Iglesias' voice remains the same—a breathy instrument with little range, but a defined personality that's allowed the artist to survive two languages and now, no doubt, the jump from romantic to contemporary. - LC

LIFEHOUSE
Stanley Climbfall
Producer(s): Ron Aniello
Label/Catalog Number: DreamWorks 0044-50377
Originally Reviewed: September 21, 2002

After enjoying a massive breakout hit with 2000's Hanging by a Moment, Lifehouse takes its best shot at avoiding the sophomore jinx by offering a set that's as close to bullet-proof as one can get. Every note of Stanley Climbfall is meticulously measured and carefully designed to sate listeners hoping for a sequel of Hanging, while also deftly slipping in several well-crafted, forward-reaching tracks that will keep more jaded and critical ears happily engaged. Perhaps most important, much of the set effectively positions frontman Jason Wade as a top-shelf songwriter. He shows that he's got a knack for weaving smarter-than-average lyrics into tightly constructed, instantly memorable melodies. The first single, "Spin," proves his mettle with its anthemic chorus, as do the potential follow-up hits; the haunting, midtempo "Sky Is Falling" and the raucous "Wash." Consider this one of the first big hits of the fall season. - LF

BERLIN
Voyeur
Producer(s): Mitchell Sigman
Label/Catalog Number: Heavensake/iMusic 1051
Originally Reviewed: September 21, 2002

Berlin's first album in 16 years is a continuation of its 1980s synth-hewn, new-wave beginnings. Early singles "Sex (I'm A . . .)" and "No More Words," which launched lead singer Terri Nunn's sexy vocal style into the mainstream, were simply perfect for dancefloors. The group picks up its dance roots and signature vocals throughout Voyeur, particularly on such tracks as "Blink of an Eye," a synth-pop fest that suggests the world's problems could be solved by dancing the night away, and "Drug," a desperate love story with rock-etched beats. With the Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan, Nunn wrote "Sacred and Profane" (also the name of a Pumpkins song), a dark tale of obsession inspired by Nunn's first INXS concert. "To a King," one of the album's slower tracks, also has an obsession theme, likening a love interest to a noble king. Truly, a welcome return. - JK