Sigo Siendo Yo: Grandes Exitos

ANTHONY MARC SIGO SIENDO YO

Sigo Siendo Yo (Still Being Me) is not only the title of Marc Anthony's new hits collection, it's also a reaffirmation of his status as one of Spanish-language music's preeminent voices. The stirring set is balanced with sweeping ballads ("Ahora Quien," "Se Esfuma Tu Amor") and Anthony's true forte--scorching salsa numbers ("Valio La Pena," Tu Amor Me Hace Bien"). Still, everything is vividly enhanced by Anthony's astonshing vocal range. The disc's two new songs are a toss up: "Lo Que No Di" is overblown, overwrought and ponderous. In other words, a likely theme song for some future telenovela. First single "Que Precio Tiene El Cielo" is much better, highlighted by a sweet, slowly building salsa rhythm. Some hits--"Dimelo," "Muy Dentro De Mi"--are equally familiar in their English-language versions but benefit from richer performances en espanol--usually the case with Anthony's material. Also included--perhaps as a sweet bit of foresight--is "No Me Ames," Anthony's 1999 duet with future wife Jennifer Lopez. --Joey Guerra