By the time released in 2022, the guitarist and producer had already compiled a stellar career as a driving member behind two Grammy-winning bands ( and ), played in groups ranging from the party funk of to the dusty psych of the , worked with hundreds of artists in a variety of roles, and crafted a loving homage to Texas-based Latin soul music of the 1960s with 2021's . Quite an impressive CV, but what was lacking was a breakout album released under his own name. fixes that and then some. Conceived as a tribute to the kind of romantic baladas he heard on the radio as a youth in the late '70s and early '80s, the record features songs that mix dramatic vocals and big emotions with laid-back and in-the-pocket playing reminiscent of the kind of retro-soul cranks out, only with a spacey, echoing Latin twist. 's chunky rhythm guitar and twanging leads are juxtaposed with punchy drumming, space-age organs, and nimble bass playing as a variety of singers tackle both originals written in the balada style and covers of past hits. The singers come from the top of the charts ( of ), the ranks of the up-and-comers ( ), and everywhere in between. The match between song, production, and vocalist is symbiotic as gives the singers with big voices an impressively large boost with strings, keys, and echo to help them rise to the upper reaches of the emotional atmosphere. achieves liftoff near the end of "Idolo" and threatens to take all listeners along for the ride, and likewise chews the scenery deliciously on "Puedes Decir de Mi," wringing every drop of pathos out of the melody. When the singers are more earthbound, constructs more humble musical surroundings to fit them. The more fragile vocals of on "El Payaso" are complemented well by the harpsichord fills and tinkling piano runs that sound almost French -- the song has a real ye-ye kick. Similarly, on "El Leon" he creates a rockabilly carnival setting full of shimmering guitar arpeggios and fun-house organ for 's tremulous voice. Again, a perfect match of singer and song and more proof, in case it's still needed, that is a top-notch producer. He's also turning into quite the revivalist as well, and works as an introduction to the ballads of his youth as well as a showcase for some great interpreters of song, Latin or otherwise. Even if the listener couldn't care less about history, a song that packs as much of a wallop as the -sung "Mentiras Con Carino" will be sure to turn some heads -- and break some hearts too. The whole album works on those kinds of multiple levels and is the best kind of history lesson, one that comes to life completely. ~ Tim Sendra