False advertising: You're not going to want to do it to the new Enrique.

Enrique Iglesias steamed up the scene in 1999 when the sounds of ocean breezes, humid nights and passion culminated in the smash hit “Bailamos”. Enrique was caliente and his music had a romantic sophistication that was a direct contrast to Ricky Martin’s vivacious, rowdy take on Latin music. He continued to have success with his second English album Escape which was by far more mainstream and not as appealing to me. “Hero” is probably the most overrated, melodramatic song around. Unfortunately, two albums post Escape finds him further away from the intoxicating sounds of Enrique. The passion has waned, the fire is out and the breezy tropical nights have been traded for a sound that is more like arctic tundra.

“Ring My Bell” has to be one of the most lackluster openings to an album I’ve ever heard. The production is sparse and minimalist and in this instant this isn’t a good thing. The song never gets above a three on the energy level and I have to wonder if Iglesias is conscious. He’s probably needing his bell rung so he’ll wake up. “Push” is slightly better even though there seems to be a cameo from Mushmouth of Fat Albert fame. Oh wait that’s Lil’ Wayne. Anyway this song still isn’t really anything to get pushy about. There is this absolutely terrible “girl” screeching in the background destroying any vibe this song might have had. It’s literally like nails on a chalk board. “Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song) is the only song that has any energy and it’s probably the only one I would listen to on a regular basis. The percussion consists of ping pong being played (must be Forrest Gump because they never miss) and it actually has a tad bit of passion. Who thought table games could breath life into this album?

The ballads show the fact that Iglesias really doesn’t have much of a voice. “Somebody’s Me” is so whiny it makes me want to slap him. The verse isn’t bad but the chorus is just lovesick and pathetic; it sounds more like a teenager with acne and an overbite pining after the cheerleader. Not an international superstar who wanted everyone to bailamos. Even worse, we have a Spanish version….so now I’m not feeling it or understanding it. “Little Girl” is not terrible but it’s a snoozer. His voice still sounds whiny but now he’s depressed. Hell, now I’m depressed. “On Top Of You” is supposed to be the sexy song of the album with its warm synthesizers and it almost works. Enrique’s voice is expressive and sexy but then there is this siren going off like you just won the grand prize on the game show. The lyrics are a bit juvenile as well “You’re gonna love what I do when I’m on top of you…” Maybe the grand prize was a new mattress. The production ruins this song. (BTW he sounds really sexy in Spanish as he lightly sings sweet nothings)

“Miss You” once again hints at something interesting with production that has some mystery and a vocal that hints at something besides disinterest. Of course, that’s in the context album. It’s still pretty damn forgettable. “Stay Here Tonight” is amiable enough with unoffending guitars and generic percussion. This song is one we’ve heard numerous times so excuse me while I fail to get excited. “Wish I Was Your Love” is one of the better songs as well and if it had been delivered by a singer with some passion it might have even been one of my favorite songs.

I could do a track by track on this but to be honest this album vacillates back and forth between feeble mid tempos to ballads that are so boring I am tempted to doze off as soon as I hear them. Iglesias really has no charisma and that’s why even his previous hits post his first English album are merely footnotes to me. I can’t see me giving this album any more air time after I type the last line of this review.