Mended - Marc Anthony

Marc Anthony. Who is he, you may well ask? Well, in my opinion he is a genius song writer and an incredibly talented and heart-felt singer: a man that puts his whole being into every word he sings.

Marc Anthony is a 32 year old American Latino, born and raised in Spanish Harlem. Although he has had a huge following in Latin countries since the early 90's, he only received international acclaim in the English speaking world after the ...
...the album was kick-started by his huge hit - 'I need to know' and the album subsequently sold a staggering 2 million copies in the US alone. Marc is a talented individual, not only does he sing the songs, but he has also co-written 10 of the tracks.

Such is his popularity, a leading Puerto Rican newspaper hailed Anthony as 'A prophet in his native land' . He has also been called the 'Reigning king of salsa' - high praise indeed.
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Marc Anthony. Who is he, you may well ask? Well, in my opinion he is a genius song writer and an incredibly talented and heart-felt singer: a man that puts his whole being into every word he sings.

Marc Anthony is a 32 year old American Latino, born and raised in Spanish Harlem. Although he has had a huge following in Latin countries since the early 90's, he only received international acclaim in the English speaking world after the release of this album, in September 1999. The success of the album was kick-started by his huge hit - 'I need to know' and the album subsequently sold a staggering 2 million copies in the US alone. Marc is a talented individual, not only does he sing the songs, but he has also co-written 10 of the tracks.

Such is his popularity, a leading Puerto Rican newspaper hailed Anthony as 'A prophet in his native land' . He has also been called the 'Reigning king of salsa' - high praise indeed.

So, that's the official line on Marc Anthony. I first became aware of him in 1999 when I lived in Madeira. MTV frequently played his single 'I need to know' and I absolutely loved it. A short while after, I holidayed in Mexico and found this CD on sale and had to buy it. I am not exaggerating when I say this is probably the best CD I have ever bought. So much so, I begged Ciao to let me review it! His music is timeless and in the four years I have had this CD, the music has not aged and neither has it become boring.

Marc Anthony has a haunting voice, full of emotion. A voice that literally brings tears to my eyes during many of his songs. He sings from the heart and he is not afraid to bare his soul. He sings mainly of love (admittedly most of his songs are ballads), but he mixes them with a fresh salsa beat. His voice in unique and the closest thing I could compare him to is Julio Iglesias, although I am loath to associate him with the aging crooner!

So, onto the CD in question: The cover is a picture of Marc standing in front of what looks to be a patterned curtain. Marc poses sexily, with microphone stand in his hand. To complete the picture there is a chair with a tiger-print cover! On the back there is a torso shot, where Marc's hands are placed over his chest, with a photo of Jesus on a string around his neck!

**Track 1**

WHEN I DREAM AT NIGHT

The first song starts the album perfectly, with a single strumming guitar and swaying beat. Anthony's breathy vocals and sweet voice tell the tale of his dream woman. A seductive and haunting love song.

**Track 2**

AM I THE ONLY ONE

This is a beautifully heart-felt song about a couple realising that they are growing apart. The lyrics are imploring and meaningful.

**Track 3**

I NEED TO KNOW

This one is the most famous of the tracks from the CD. I would think that if any of you have heard of Marc Anthony, this is probably the song you have heard. This is an upbeat salsa song, very sexy and full of innuendo. It is impossible not to sway to the rythyms of this song! One of my favourites.

**Track 4**

YOU SANG TO ME

This is another slow, sweet and sensous ballad about falling in love.

**Track 5**

MY BABY YOU

This is a song written about his daughter and what an inspiration she is to him. He calls her his 'greatest love of all'. The lyrics evoke tears.

**Track 6**

NO ONE

A slightly more upbeat love song.

**Track 7**

HOW COULD I

Sheer magic. My favourite song without a doubt. The lyrics and singing take my breath away - this is the story of a man who keeps his feelings locked away inside and loses his love as a result.

**Track 8**

THAT'S OKAY

A slight change in direction, this is an uptembo salsa number. This is probably the weakest tune on the CD, but by no means bad!

**Track 9**

DON'T LET ME LEAVE

Mark Anthony sings this song with raw emotion. He tells of how he has been dumped by his love and begs her to stay.

**Track 10**

REMEMBER ME

This is a ballad with lilting beats.

**Track 11**

SHE'S BEEN GOOD TO ME

This is a really funky song with a strong rythym. It's the story of a man faced with temptation!

**Track 12**

LOVE IS ALL

A haunting song where the title says it all.

**Track 13**

DIMELO

This is the Spanish version of 'I need to know' and to be honest this is probably a better version. The lyrics in Spanish blend perfectly with the sexy salsa beat.

**Track 14**

COMO ELLA ME QUIERE A MI

This is the Spanish version of 'She's been good to me' and is brilliant with Spanish lyrics.

**Track 15**

DA LA VUELTA

I am not so keen on this one. Marc sounds just a little too like Julio Iglesias for me. This is in Spanish.

To summarise, I have no doubt that the men reading this would have instantly been turned off by the high degree of love songs featured. However, you do not have to be the fairer sex to enjoy this. Marc Anthony's appeal is universal - he sings from the heart. Add this to the exotic, sexy latin beat which accompanies his lyrics and you are on to a winner. I can't profuse enough about this CD and could probably go on forever!

Incidentally, Marc has a new CD out now entitled 'Mended'. 

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