Gloria Estefan Unwrapped

The lovely Gloria Estefan sings words that ring so true in Famous, the last cut in her latest album Unwrapped. "Why should I have to defend or deride/ most of the rules of the game I’ve defied/ though it’s been hard on my pride/ it’s been one hell of a ride/ curiously I never set out to be famous…."

But she is and it looks like she is now at that stage of her career when she seems to be taking stock of her life and taking a dispassionate look at all that has happened. Take a look at what she says in the quiet but so fraught with meaning In the Meantime. "Take a little breather/ figure out the reasons/ that you stopped believing/ save me your caresses/ go clear up the confession that your face confesses." And Gloria does seem to be doing a lot of clearing up.

I admit it feels strange listening to this different Gloria in Unwrapped. It is not only the introspective content of the songs, it is also in the melodies and arrangements. These are more varied then in any of her albums. She has rock, soul, Latin and even goes almost folksy at times. Gloria, known for hot Latin dance tunes and lovelorn ballads has suddenly turned serious and done something that says more about herself than ever before. The conga lady must be off on vacation. Quite strange really.

And I must say more so these days when Gloria’s music with the Miami Sound Machine seems to be getting another wind. If you are one of those who faithfully followed American Idol, you must have seen those episodes that featured contestants performing Gloria’s famous works, Gloria sitting in with the judges and later singing a song or two. If you watched the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, you must have also seen Gloria, again singing in an event seen by millions of people all over the world.

These appearances surely spurred interest in Gloria’s music and her remarkable output of hits will again be appreciated by a new generation. Think Conga, Words Get in the Way, Rhythm is Gonna Get You, Anything for You, Get on Your Feet, Here We Are, Don’t Wanna Lose You, Music of the Heart, Always Tomorrow and others.

Hopefully, those who enjoy listening to these songs will also give Unwrapped a chance. The album is a personal, cohesive production where everything falls naturally into place without sacrificing content. Dance takes a backseat but the ballads are so strong the listener cannot help but admire Gloria’s success at putting into words and music situations that influenced her life that many people can relate to.

Unwrapped embraces a wide spectrum of themes and Gloria goes into all of them with a sure touch. A Little Push is about falling in love. Te Amare, hints of fiery Latin rhythms she is associated with. Your Picture is about love that defies time. Wrapped is about love as a healing power while Time Waits enjoins everybody to value time, which is so fleeting but which makes so much possible. The rock ballad I Wish You is about unconditional love. And there are lots more including Spanish translations of four cuts plus a bonus VCD where you can get to see Gloria perform live.

Not to forget. Stevie Wonder adds a soulful touch to their duet Into You one of the best cuts in the album. He also plays that harmonica. Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders puts in a touch of rock into One Name.

Gloria is in her 40s and has been a hitmaker for over 20 years but there is certainly no let-up in her accomplishments as an artist. In fact, Unwrapped seems to be only the beginning of another journey into new and I must say more meaningful directions.

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