Sanz stays the course in La Musica No Se Toca

On again, off again, Spanish singer/songwriter Alejandro Sanz, who released La Musica No Se Toca last fall, his first studio album since 2009 and one under a new record label home, explores the lasting significance of music and plays tribute to the industry in lead single “La Musica No Se Toca”, because well, it will forever occupy the headlines, “reign when we’re gone” and “exist when there’s nobody else to love.”

Coming off 2009’s ‘Paraiso Express’, which like most of his studio work in recent years leaned heavily on collaborations with Shakira and Calle 13 aside from veering into political anthems and dishing at other music genres. Sanz, who composed all 13 songs on the album, plays it straight in “La Musica No Se Toca”, a production that exposes his seasoned songwriting ability and refined vocal prowess.
                                                                                    
Even with the reality of declining record sales in the Latin music industry and the evolution of digital media, which he has already taken advantage of with a digitally streamed live concert in Miami last December, Sanz stays true to his craft while not taking too many risks by going the romantic ballad route (“Mi Marciana”, “Para Decirle Adios”) while adding the customary, flamenco guitar splashed numbers (“Camino de Rosas”) elevated by his raspy and melodic voice.

While rarely unwavering from his defiant and emotive singing style, again Sanz plays it close to form in much-lauded singles, “Se Vende” and “No Me Compares”, nominated for two Latin Grammy awards shortly after its release. Sanz is clearly at his best in guitar-laden and hard charging rock-fused, “La Musica No Se Toca” and “Llamado a La Mujer Accion” but he strays away from his strengths to perhaps please his secured, mainstream audience with syrupy, pop ballads.

As a whole, La Musica No Se Toca affirms Sanz’s undeniable skills as a songwriter and love letter maestro, but fails in originality and freshness, both crucial for an artist that had been gone for so long and with a new record label address to boot.

                                                                                                          Fernie Ruano Jr.

Alejandro Sanz will perform Thursday, May 9 at the AmericanAirlines Arena. Tickets range from $55-$140. For additional informaton, contact the AAA box office at (786) 777-1000