Gloria returns to her musical roots with her newest release, 90 Millas (90 miles, the shortest distance between the US and Cuba) an album that incorporates traditional Cuban rhythms with some modern American elements like rock and hip-hop. Estefan collaborates with a rainbow of stellar musicians ranging from La India, Andy García and Santana to Cachao, Generoso Jimenez and Arturo Sandoval, among several others.

Elements that attribute towards the 4-star rating are the excellent album artwork and photography, the overall tight musical arrangements mostly composed by Emilio Estefan and the Gaitan brothers, the beautiful and sentimental lyrics of all the songs and the fundamental idea of even putting such an album together. Unfortunately, Estefan’s vocal range falls short of expectations. It would have been nice to have heard her deliver a variety of notes like those we’ve heard in previous pop recordings hence giving the album a subtle tinge of monotony. Also, a drastic change in tempo during the middle of the third track is somewhat unpleasant. It’s unclear if that was a deliberate stark change-up or a mishap from the mixing engineers. Both parts of the song are excellently performed, however a short solo from the trecero or the bassist leading into the tempo change would have been more appealing to the listener, allowing one to anticipate the turn.

On a brighter note, the first single off the album, “No Llores”, is an edgy tropical song tinseled with Santana’s signature sound. The song skyrocketed on several tropical charts since its launch date early this summer/late spring. A favorite track is “Morenita,” which was an effort piece with Drop Dead Beats. It’s a surreal mix of afro-Cuban folklore with urban beats that gives birth to a new, almost addictive idea in the realm of rhythm fusions. I just can’t seem to get enough of it.