(Sony)
Herald rating: * * *
Review: Graham Reid
Noticed how, since Ricky launched his English language career, his image has changed?
Jacko-like he's had the cross-cultural makeover and now the Latin lover boy looks like just another identikit Ken-doll from a daytime soap, his blond hair rakishly brushed forwards.
When they recast West Side Story Ricky could audition as both a Jet and a Shark.
Sound Loaded, however, shows little has changed music-wise.
It follows his established successful formula of crotch-knockin' uptempo sexy Latin workouts; somewhat plodding but effectively heart achin' ballads then those middling ones which warn of the wicked ways of women (Jezabel) or are desperate Latin-passion pleas which doubtless have great suburban appeal in the female demographic.
Of course the flavouring is acoustic guitars picked Spanish style, flat tack timbales and there are Spanish versions of She Bangs, Loaded and Come to Me.
But aside from the Latin embellishments — and the North African opening of One Night Man — this is 70s/80s MOR, and it seems a shame that already in his English-language career he is retreating into a formula.
Still, if it ain't broke ...
<i>Ricky Martin:</i> Sound Loaded
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