Paso a Paso by Luis Fonsi

Personnel: Luis Fonsi (vocals); Dan Warner (guitar); Miami Symphonic Strings (strings); Ron Taylor (Wurlitzer piano, Hammond b-3 organ); John Falcone (bass instrument); Lee Levin (drums). Luis Fonsi's sixth album, PASO A PASO, finds the Puerto Rican/Floridian singer in a pop-rock vein. On this 2005 outing, Fonsi opts for a lush, sweepingly cinematic sound that's filled out, on many tracks, by the Miami Symphonic Strings. The melancholy opener, "Nada Es Para Siempre," features atmospheric, Sarah McLachlan-esque instrumentation that perfectly complements Fonsi's smooth Spanish vocals and the song's dramatic mood. Although there are upbeat moments on PASO A PASO, particularly the soaring "Arropame" and the driving "Por Una Mujer," many tracks are mid-tempo ballads ("Escondido," "Me Lo Dice El Alma") carried along by the top-notch string section and pleasantly simple guitar/bass/drums backing. There's almost no trace of Fonsi's past R&B/hip-hop leanings here, and the straightforward pop on offer ideally suit...