Soy Mujer

by Evan C. GutierrezAfter amazing breakout success with her premier album, Chenoa, released by Zomba Records, an industry A-lister responsible for the success of such pop icons as the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears, Chenoa had set high standards for all subsequent projects. Selling a half-million on your first time out is quite an act to follow. Her second attempt, a limited-edition record called Mis Canciones Favoritas, did well with critics, and extensive touring thereafter widened her fan base even further. It's said that three times is a charm, and such is definitely the case with Chenoa's third record, Soy Mujer, for RCA International. Producer Carlos Quintero seems to have come into his own as a mature and vibrant voice in the Latin pop world. Quintero found a very comfortable mix of acoustic and programmed elements that is often an elusive balance point to maintain. The sonic landscape is a lush and dramatic one, with both dance club energy and the soul of live performances. Chenoa herself comes across gutsy and strong. Her tiny frame produces grit and growl to spare, and easily commands the listener's attention, even in the context of a beefy, muscled band sound. Unlike so many Latin pop projects in the industry today, each selection on Soy Mujer is truly its own. The hooks are irresistible, and the writing clever. Chenoa seems to be refining her stylistic voice and only seems to be getting better. That's saying something, considering where she started.