Elements of Life

When I first listened to this I almost wanted to classify it as world music and in a way I think I might still be able to get away with it. The only thing that would keep me from categorizing it as such is the fact that there are numerous electronic instruments used in its creation. However, that does not deter from a compilation of tracks that portray a wide-range of latin beats: from salsa to cumbia to tango all brought together with Portuguese, French, Spanish and English lyrics.

the good: well put together w/ a solid sound running throughout
the bad: having the exact same beat for some groups of songs---got tedious at times
the ugly: some tracks were really short transition tracks that didn't have to be there
potty-mouth tracks: none detected

(note: rating numbers are out of 10 and following each track description)
1.Jungle Fever: sexy female vox; sultry Caribbean beats (8) 2.Brand New Day: Male vox solo on intro; latin jazz (9) 3.Cerca de Mi: same beat as track 2; heavier bass line (7) 4.Africa/Brasil: More guitars; caribbean rhythms; slows down the tempo (7) 5.Nos Vida: more 70's style; bossa-nova sound; fem vox (7) 6.A Better Day: slows down tempo some more (6) 7.Ma Mi Mama: more mellow; organ music; fem vox on intro (7) 8.Tu Y Yo: transition song; not really a track (4) 9.Summer Night in Spanish Harlem: New set of beats; nothing but percussion (6) 10.Quimbombo: salsa-style; nice chorus (8) 11.Cantos Para Chango: short, transition track(5) 12. Sunshine: just like track 10;some guitars on the end (6) 13.Elements of Life: jazzy, funky beats w/ piano & synths (7) 14.Mon Amour: french-sounding song w/ a latin twist; my fave of the album (9) 15.Mosalounge: 70's style; latin jazz w/ guitars (7.5)

review courtesy of rE\dOx