Jump to content

Regalo del Alma

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by WereSpielChequers (talk | contribs) at 17:52, 21 November 2016 (→Recording and production: Typo fixing, replaced: to the to the → to the using AWB). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Untitled

Regalo del Alma (English: A Gift from the Soul) is the title of the final studio album recorded by Cuban salsa recording artist Celia Cruz, released posthumously on 29 July 2003, following Cruz's death from brain cancer on July 16, 2003. It is Cruz's seventieth album.

The album spawned two singles, "Rie y Llora" and "Ella Tiene Fuego". The former peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Latin Songs chart and number nineteen on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs chart. It led the Billboard Tropical Songs chart for eleven weeks in 2003. The latter reached number twenty-five and number two on the Latin Song and Tropical Songs charts, respectively.

Selling 24,000 copies in its first week, the recording peaked at number forty on the Billboard 200 and number one on both the Billboard Latin Albums and Billboard Tropical Albums charts. Regalo del Alma was awarded the Latin Grammy Award for Best Salsa Album. It also received the Grammy Award for Best Salsa/Merengue Album at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards.

Background

In 2001, Cruz released her fifty-ninth album, La Negra Tiene Tumbao. The album featured a top ten single, in its title track as well as two relatively successful singles, "Hay Que Empezar Otra Vez" and "Pa' Arriba No Va".[2] "La Negra Tiene Tumbao" peaked at number thirty on the Billboard Latin Songs chart and number four on the Billboard Tropical Songs chart. "Hay Que Empezar Otra Vez" peaked at number sixteen on the Billboard Tropical Songs chart.[2] The former received nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year at the Latin Grammy Awards of 2002.[3][4] The album won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Salsa Album.[5] It was nominated for Album of the Year.[3] The album peaked at number five and number two on the Billboard Latin Albums and Billboard Tropical Albums charts, respectively. It also managed to peak at number thirty-eight on the Billboard Heatseeker Albums chart.[2] In November 2002, a compilation album entitled Hits Mix was released. The album eventually went on to peak at number two on the Billboard Latin Albums,[6] and number one on the Billboard Tropical Albums chart.[7] It also peaked at number 106 on the Billboard 200.[8]

Recording and production

Following a presentation in Mexico in 2002, Cruz began to show signs of her failing health.[9] Cruz was to begin recording in December 2002,[10] however that month,[11] Cruz was sidelined by a brain tumor.[12] In early 2003,[13] following a partially successful surgery to remove the tumor, Cruz returned to the studio to record Regalo del Alma,[12] weeks after the operation.[14] While recording the album, Cruz knew "she was gonna die at any moment, any month," according to producer Sergio George. George claimed the album to be an emotional and bizarre project to work on. He cited Cruz's "will to win and to fight to get this record done" as being something he would cherish for the rest of his life, calling the album his great achievement.[15] "Ríe y Llora" was the final song recorded before her death.[16] Cruz asked that the song be the lead single for the album, "as it was the song in which she identified with."[16] Cruz later died on 16 July 2003 of brain cancer,[17][18][19] at the age of 77.[12]

Musical composition

"Ella Tiene Fuego" combines tropical and rap musical genres.[20] On Eduardo Marceles' biography of Cruz, Marceles considered the song to be a "another rap theme".[21] The second track, "José Caridad", was composed in minor key tonality. It features the use of a piano, a brass horn ensemble, prominent percussion and mallet percussion. The song also uses acoustic instrumentation. The song also makes use of vocal call and response.[22] "Ríe y Llora" was composed in minor key tonality with joyful lyrics and catchy hooks. It features the use of a piano, brass horn ensemble and prominent percussion. It takes influence from Afro-Latin music.[23] The song experiments in pop balladry, accompanied by the use of an electric guitar.[24] According to a biography of Cruz, the song "is about laughing and crying. Cruz reminds her listeners to live their lives fully and enjoy every moment."[25] Cuban writer Jose Quiroga claimed the song to be "an appeal to live for the moment, and to understand that forgiveness is not fogetting, but rather the possibility of remembing without pain."[26] He opined that the song was appropriately titled.[26] "Pa' La Cola" wsa composed in major key tonality. It features Caribbean roots, taking influences from Afro-Latin American and Caribbean musical styles.[27] "María la Loca" was composed in minor key tonality. Lyrically, the song speaks of love and heartbreak. It experiments in acoustic balladry.[28] "Yo Vivire (I Will Survive)" was originally performed by American singer Gloria Gaynor. It was written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris.[29] Cruz originally covered the song in Spanish on her 2000 album, Siempre Vivire.[30]

Release and promotion

The album marked Cruz's seventieth album.[31] The album was originally released on 29 July 2003.[32] It was rereleased on 5 August 2003,[33] by Sony Music.[34] In February 2003, the Spanish-language television network Telemundo announced that it would produce and air a tribute concert honoring Cruz, entitled ¡Celia Cruz: Azúcar!.[35] It was hosted by American singer Marc Anthony and Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan. It featured musical performances by various Latin music and Anglo performers including American singer Victor Manuelle, Mexican singer Paulina Rubio, Puerto Rican singer José Feliciano, Dominican singer Milly Quezada, Colombian group Los Tri-O, Estefan, American singer Patti Labelle, Cuban musician Arturo Sandoval, Mexican singer Ana Gabriel, Puerto Rican singer Gilberto Santa Rosa, Puerto Rican singer Tito Nieves, Cuban singer Albita, Dominican singer Johnny Pacheco, Mexican singer Alicia Villareal, Puerto Rican singer Olga Tañón, Puerto Rican singer Mikey Perfecto, Dominican singer José Alberto "El Canario", Puerto Rican singer Rosario, Nicaraguan Luis Enrique, Anthony and American Gloria Gaynor.[36] The tribute special aired in March 2003. It raised $145,000 for the Celia Cruz Foundation.[37] This was Cruz's final public appearance.[38] On 27 January 2004, the concert was released on DVD.[39]

Commercial performance

Upon release, the album sold 24,000 copies in its first week.[40] Copies of the album soon sold out, following its release.[41] For the week of 9 August 2003, the album debuted at number fifty-one on the Billboard Latin Albums chart,[42] and number five on the Billboard Tropical Albums chart.[43] The following week, the album rose to number one on both charts,[44][45] debuting at number forty on the Billboard 200.[46]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[47]
Billboard(favorable)
Chicago Tribune[48](favorable)
El Tiempo[49]

Allmusic's Evan Gutierrez gave the album four and a half stars out of five stars. He praised the album for "keeping with the exuberant, joyful tone" of Cruz and for its freshness that made the project invigorating. Gutierrez claimed the album to have modern stylistic influences and production. For this reason, he claimed the production to sometimes "mask the subtle richness of Celia's vocal performance." He felt that older Cruz fans might not favor the album. He cited "Ella Tiene Fuego" and "La Nina de la Trenza Negra" to be "loop-driven tracks that propel Cruz and her loyal fan base into the 21st century." Gutierrez called "Yo Vivire" "a creative rendition of the disco classic "I Will Survive." He referred to it being "like a declaration from beyond" with "chilling lyrics and a gorgeous arrangement."[47] Leila Cobo of Billboard magazine felt that the album was recorded in "typical Cruz manner: quickly and from the heart."[10] The Chicago Tribune's Achy Obejas gave the album a favorable review. He called a "measured finale". He compared "Ella Tiene Fuego" to Cruz's 2001 single "La Vida Es Un Carnaval" and "La Nina de la Trenza Negra" to "La Negra Tiene Tumbao". He claimed the album to deliver "power pop, hardcore salsa and Cuban soul". He called "Yo Vivire" "over the top", also labeling it "testimony," because according to him, "for all her modesty, even she [Cruz] knew she was timeless."[48]

"Ríe y Llora" received an American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers award for Tropical Song of the Year.[50] At the Latin Grammy Awards of 2004, the song won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Tropical Song.[51] It is considered one of Cruz's most significant songs.[52] According to the Spanish-language newspaper, El Pais, the song helped relieve the "nostalgia" caused by Cruz's death.[53] The Spanish-language newspaper El Heraldo, included the song on its list of ten songs that "immortalized Cruz".[54] "Ella Tiene Fuego" also received an American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers award for Tropical Song of the Year in 2005.[55] At the Latin Grammy Award ceremony, Regalo del Alma was awarded the Latin Grammy Award for Best Salsa Album.[56] It also received the Grammy Award for Best Salsa/Merengue Album at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards.[57] The Spanish-language newspaper La Nación claimed "Ríe y Llora" and "Yo Vivire" to be two of Cruz's most "tasty" videos.[58] At the 2004 Latin Billboard Music Awards, Regalo Del Alma was awarded Tropical Album of the Year in the female category. Cobo predicted that the album should and would win the award.[59] She also won the Greatest Hits Album of the Year for Hits Mix (2002), also becoming the Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year.[60] In the Tropical Album of the Year female category, Cruz was also nominated with Exitos Eternos (2003) and Hits Mix. In the Greatest Hits Album of the Year category, Cruz was also nominated for Exitos Eternos.[61]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Ella Tiene Fuego"Sergio George · Edgardo Franco · Jorge Piloto4:07
2."José Caridad"Gradelio Pérez · Alain Pérez3:59
3."Ríe y Llora"George · Fernando Osorio4:10
4."Ay, Pena, Penita"León Quiroga4:58
5."Diagnóstico"Marisela Verena4:28
6."La Niña de la Trenza Negra"Pérez · Pérez4:10
7."Me Huele a Rumba"Chery Jimenez4:04
8."No Estés Amargao"Rafael Ray4:03
9."Pa' la Cola"George · Manny Benito4:04
10."María la Loca"Luca Germini4:01
11."Yo Viviré (I Will Survive)"Dino Fekaris · Freddie Perren4:31

Notes

  • The tracks "Ella Tiene Fuego", "Ríe y Llora", "Diagnóstico", "Me Huele a Rumba", "Pa' La Cola", and "Yo Viviré (I Will Survive)" were produced by Sergio George.
  • The tracks "José Caridad", "Ay, Pena, Penita", "La Niña de la Trenza Negra", "No Estés Amargao", and "María la Loca" were produced by Oscar Gómez.

Personnel

This information is adapted from Allmusic.[62]

Charts

Release history

Region Date Format Label
Germany[68] 18 August 2003 CD · digital download Sony Discos
France[69] 25 August 2003
Italy[70]
Spain[71] 18 September 2003 Columbia Records
United Kingdom[72] 15 June 2009 Digital download Sony Discos
United States[73] 29 July 2003 CD · digital download

Sales and certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[74] 2× Platinum (Latin) 200,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Celia Cruz deja ´Regalos del alma´ en su último adiós". El Periódico de Aragón. 18 July 2003. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  2. ^ a b c "La Negra Tiene Tumbao - Celia Cruz: Awards: Allmusic". Allmusic. All Media Network. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Selected Nominees For The Third Latin Grammy Awards". AllBusiness.com. 3 August 2002. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  4. ^ Susman, Gary (24 July 2002). "Trophy Time". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  5. ^ "3rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards – Winners". Latin Grammy Awards. Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. 18 September 2002. Archived from the original on 1 December 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2016. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 1 December 2002 suggested (help)
  6. ^ "Top Latin Albums: Aug 02, 2003 - Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  7. ^ "Tropical Music Albums: Aug 02, 2003 - Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  8. ^ "Top 200 Albums: Aug 16, 2003 - Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  9. ^ "Desclasificando archivos: Así lucía Celia Cruz de joven". Publimetro. Grupo Publimetro. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
  10. ^ a b Cobo, Leila (2 August 2003). "Remembering Celia Cruz: Latin Tireless Adovcate". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  11. ^ Pareles, Jon (17 July 2003). "Celia Cruz, Petite Powerhouse of Latin Music, Dies at 77". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  12. ^ a b c "Celia Cruz: Biography & History: Allmusic". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  13. ^ "Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz". WLS-TV Chicago. ABC Inc. 15 February 2010. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  14. ^ Gurza, Agustin (17 July 2003). "Celia Cruz, 77; Queen of Salsa's Passing Marks the End of a Musical Era". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  15. ^ "Sergio George Brings Salsa Music To The Mainstream With 'Salsa Giants'". StarPulse=. 27 June 2013. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
  16. ^ a b Castillo, Efrain (6 July 2008). "Estampas: Cinco años sin Celia" (in Spanish). El Universal. Retrieved 17 June 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ Pearlman, Ellen (1 April 2008). "Azucar! Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz at the New World Theater". The Brooklyn Rail. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  18. ^ Townsend, Rosa; Vicent, Manuel (18 July 2003). "La muerte de Celia Cruz consterna al exilio cubano y a los artistas de la isla". El Pais (in Spanish). Ediciones El Pais, S.L. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  19. ^ "¡Azúcar en el cielo!". El Diario de Hoy (in Spanish). 17 July 2003. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  20. ^ Cobo, Leila (9 August 2003). "Billboard Picks: Music - Essentials". Billboard. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  21. ^ Marceles Eduardo (2004). Azúcar!: The New Biography of Celia Cruz. Reed Press. p. 187. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  22. ^ "José Caridad - Celia Cruz on Pandora Internet Radio". Pandora. Pandora Media, Inc. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  23. ^ "Rie y Llora - Celia Cruz on Pandora Internet Radio". Pandora. Pandora Media, Inc. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  24. ^ Paoletta, Michael (9 August 2003). "Billboard Picks: Essentials: Celia Cruz - Regalo del Alma". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  25. ^ Celia Cruz: The Queen of Salsa. Oldiees Publishing. 21 March 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2016. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  26. ^ a b Cuban Palimpsests. U of Minnesota Press. 2005. p. 218. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  27. ^ "Pa' La Cola - Celia Cruz on Pandora Internet Radio". Pandora. Pandora Media, Inc. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  28. ^ "Maria La Loca - Celia Cruz on Pandora Internet Radio". Pandora. Pandora Media, Inc. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  29. ^ "'I Will Survive': Radio 4 celebrates the enduring success of Gloria Gaynor's classic song". British Broadcasting Corporation. 24 March 2005. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  30. ^ "Siempre Vivire - Celia Cruz: Songs, Revoews, Credits: Allmusic". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  31. ^ "Publican 'Regalo del alma', disco póstumo de Celia Cruz". El Mundo. Mundinteractivos, S.A. 27 July 2003. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  32. ^ "Celia Cruz - Regalo Del Alma". Amazon.com. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  33. ^ "Regalo del Alma - Celia Cruz: Releases: Allmusic". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  34. ^ Piñeros, Luisa (18 July 2003). "Regalo del alma, última producción de Celia Cruz". WRadio. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  35. ^ Pardillo, Omar (4 February 2003). "Telemundo to Produce Tribute Concert: ¡Celia Cruz: Azucar!". Celia Cruz Foundation. Retrieved 5 July 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  36. ^ "Telemundo Launches DVD Tribute To Celia Cruz ¡Azúcar!". Hispanic Ad. Hispanic Media Sales, Inc. 29 December 2003. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  37. ^ Cobo, Leila (5 July 2003). "Latin Notas: Cruz's Azucar". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 5 August 2016.
  38. ^ "2003: El mundo llora la muerte de Celia Cruz, 'La Guarachera de Cuba'". El Siglo de Torreón. Terra Networks. 16 July 2016. Retrieved 5 August 2016.
  39. ^ "Amazon.com: Celia Cruz - Azucar!: Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Various Artists: Movies & TV". Amazon. Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved 5 July 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  40. ^ Mayfield, Geoff (16 August 2003). "Bad Boys Prop Droppy Chart". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  41. ^ "Efemérides: A 35 años de la boda del siglo, de Diana y Carlos". El Excélsior. InventMX. 29 July 2016. Retrieved 5 August 2016.
  42. ^ "Top Latin Albums: Aug 09, 2003 - Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  43. ^ "Tropical Music Albums: Aug 09, 2003 - Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  44. ^ "Top Latin Albums: Aug 16, 2003 - Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  45. ^ "Tropical Music Albums: Aug 16, 2003 - Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  46. ^ "Top 200 Albums: Aug 16, 2003 - Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  47. ^ a b "Regalo del Alma - Celia Cruz: Songs, Reviews, Credits: Allmusic". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  48. ^ a b Obejas, Achy (30 November 2003). "Recordings: Celia Cruz - Regalo del Alma". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  49. ^ Martínez, Liliana (28 July 2003). "Tornamesa: Celia Cruz - Regalo del Alma". El Tiempo. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  50. ^ "ASCAP Congratulates our 2004 El Premio Award Winners". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 20 March 2004. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  51. ^ Cobo, Leila (11 September 2004). "The Latin Grammys: Familiar Faces Hold the Spotlight". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  52. ^ Álvarez, William. "Celia Cruz: "Esta negrita no pasa de moda". Teletica (in Spanish). Televisora de Costa Rica S.A. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  53. ^ "Celia Cruz: legado de música y sabor tras 12 años de su muerte". El País. El País S.A. de Colombia. 16 July 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  54. ^ Puglise, Laura (16 July 2016). "Diez canciones que inmortalizaron a Celia Cruz, la 'reina de la salsa'". EL Heraldo. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  55. ^ "13th Annual ASCAP Latin Music Awards: Complete List of Award Winners". American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved 20 June 2016. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  56. ^ "Lista de nominados al los Grammy Latinos". Terra Networks (in Spanish). Telefónica. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  57. ^ "2003: 46th Annual Grammy Award Winners". Grammy Awards. The Recording Academy. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  58. ^ Lerici, Alessandro (16 July 2013). "Vea los más sabrosos videos de Celia Cruz". La Nación. Grupo Nación. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  59. ^ Cobo, Leila (4 September 2004). "And The Winner Is..." Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  60. ^ "Latin Music's Brightest Stars Honored at the 2004 Billboard Latin Music Awards". Business Wire. Berkshire Hathaway. 29 April 2004. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  61. ^ Cobo, Leila (21 February 2004). "Billboard Latin Music Award Finalists". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  62. ^ "Regalo del Alma". Allmusic. Allmusic.com. 2003-08-05. Retrieved 2008-09-20.
  63. ^ "Top 200 Albums: Aug 16, 2003 - Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 16 August 2003. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  64. ^ "Latin Albums: Aug 16, 2003 - Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 16 August 2003. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  65. ^ "Tropical Music Albums: Aug 16, 2003 - Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 16 August 2003. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  66. ^ "Year In Music: Top Latin Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  67. ^ "Year In Music: Top Tropical Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  68. ^ "Amazon.de: Regalo del Alma - Celia Cruz: Amazon.de: Musik". Amazon.com (Germany). Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved 30 July 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  69. ^ "Amazon.fr: Regalo del Alma - Celia Cruz: Amazon.fr: Musique". Amazon.com (France). Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved 30 July 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  70. ^ "Amazon.it: Regalo del Alma - Celia Cruz: Amazon.it: Musica". Amazon.com (Italy). Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved 30 July 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  71. ^ "Amazon.es: Regalo del Alma - Celia Cruz: Amazon.es: Música". Amazon.com (Spain). Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved 30 July 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  72. ^ "Amazon.com.uk: Regalo del Alma - Celia Cruz: Amazon.com.uk: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com (United Kingdom). Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved 30 July 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  73. ^ "Amazon.com: Regalo del Alma - Celia Cruz: Amazon.com". Amazon.com (United States). Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved 30 July 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  74. ^ "American album certifications – Cruz – Regalo de Alma". Recording Industry Association of America.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Regalo_del_Alma&oldid=750760999"