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

BBMak
Into Your Head
Producer(s): various
Label/Catalog Number: Hollywood 2061 62320
Originally Reviewed: September 07, 2002

Who imagined that three guys from Northern England would write the quintessential American pop album of 2002? Throughout Into Your Head, BBMak demonstrates what two years in the trenches can do for you, following the near-platinum success of 2000's Sooner or Later. Here, Christian Burns, Ste McNally, and Mark Barry drape macho instrumentation—read: real instruments, which they play with limitless fervor—over glittering melodies that reflect the guys' savvy songwriting skills and pristine harmonics. In a just world, the hits would keep on coming, including positive pantheon "Staring into Space," posh powerhouse anthem "Sympathy," and "The Beginning," a thinking man's rock ballad about the twilight days of a relationship. Into Your Head is a momentous leap forward for the trio, and it personifies the direction pop music should have taken, where melodies and musicality count for the most. An absolute ace. - CT

ANGIE MARTINEZ
Animal House
Producer(s): various
Label/Catalog Number: Elektra 62780
Originally Reviewed: August 31, 2002

With experience comes confidence. At least that seems to be the case for Angie Martinez. For her sophomore set, Animal House, the New York radio personality/rap artist takes a decidedly more aggressive stance to her music. Unlike her debut, Up Close & Personal, this set, with a few exceptions, keeps the guest appearances relegated to singing a hook or two here and there. With years of radio experience under her belt, Martinez clearly knows what makes a hit song. The Rick Rock-produced lead single "If I Could Go," featuring newcomer Sacario and Lil' Mo, proves just that. (Sacario, by the way, was discovered by Martinez via a freestyle contest on her afternoon drive radio show .) "Take U Home," featuring Kelis, carries its own spicy vibe, lifting the hook from Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam's "I Wonder If I Take You Home." - RH

MARY J. BLIGE
Dance for Me
Producer(s): various
Label/Catalog Number: MCA 088 112 959
Originally Reviewed: August 31, 2002

Unbeknownst to many of Ms. Blige's ardent R&B/hip-hop fans, the singer is also hugely popular in house music clubs around the world—where incredibly savvy, uptempo remixes of her smash singles have taken on lives all their own. Dance for Me brings together many such moments, focusing on tracks from the artist's Mary, No More Drama, and Share My World albums (why, oh why, wasn't E-Smoove's remix of "You Bring Me Joy" from My Life included?). Remixers on board include Thunderpuss ("No More Drama" and "Rainy Dayz"), Hex Hector and Mac Quayle ("He Think I Don't Know"), Junior Vasquez ("Your Child"), Phillip Larsen & Hiten Bharadia ("Give Me You"), and Curtis & Moore ("Everything"). Now, do what the title demands. - MP