Fuego

2004 album features 11 tracks. Highlights include, 'Viento', 'Parte De Mi (Cumbia)', 'Ella Sabe', 'Perdoname', & 'Blah Blah Blah'. It's impossible to keep a great band--namely the Kumbia Kings--down. A.B. Quintanilla III's bilingual outfit has undergone major line-up changes (including the addition of Chris Perez as a guitarist) and still struggles with an often-distracting, ghetto-fabulous image. But Fuego, the Kings' fourth proper studio album, is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience, proffering an enticing recipe of cumbia, hip-hop and R&B rhythms. As is now custom, the Kings include a couple of topsy-turvy remakes, including Musical Youth's 1983 smash, "Pass the Dutchie," and "Ella Sabe," a psychedelic rendition of Steely Dan's "Do It Again." There's also a clever sampling of the classic club ditty "The Roof is On Fire" during the title track. High-profile guests, including Noel from Sin Bandera and teen singer Belinda, also add to the glitter. But it's ultimately the Kings' innovative sound that remains front-and-center on standout tracks "Viento" and "Ay Amor." --Joey Guerra

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