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June 14, 2007

Music Review

Not Much

Spanish singer’s latest is OK but a little fluffy

Story by: Diana Golobay

Contributor to The Shorthorn

--Courtesy art

Enrique Iglesias’ album Insomniac is a catchy mix of dance and hip-hop.

The best-selling Spanish artist’s new album, which hit shelves Tuesday, sounds good despite the unsubstantial and repetitive lyrics. It features some piano and acoustic guitar with enough electronic sound mixed in to keep things interesting.

The first track, “Ring My Bells,” begins with a piano intro before a slow rhythm joins Iglesias’ smooth vocals. The album features guest singer Lil’ Wayne for the next track, in which hip-hop becomes apparent. “Do You Know” is also called “The Ping Pong Song” because of the steady beat of a pingpong ball clacking around behind the vocals. Excessive airplay has killed any potential the song could have had.

“Somebody’s Me” begins with more promise, as an acoustic guitar strums over wistful lyrics about unrequited love. It’s an easy listen that is contrasted by the much-less-organic track, “On Top of You,” which uses suggestive lyrics in combination with oddly ’80s-reminiscent sound.

After several more forgettable songs, “Stay Here Tonight” is a plea to a lover to stay over. “Sweet Isabel” is about a girl whose heart has been broken. Angst and sweaty palms abound in the lyrics that, by track 11, are beginning to sound factory-produced.

“Don’t Forget About Me” takes another acoustic turn alongside soulful vocals before the last three songs, which are actually recycled tracks from earlier in the album.

You don’t need a sharp ear for Spanish to understand that Insomniac delivers catchy tunes without a lot of substance.