Amigos

This album is perfect for those of us 50-somethings who grew up listening to Paul Anka and who also speak Spanish. This CD reeks of quiet competence on all levels. It has top-notch guest artists, who Paul graciously allows to "star" on their cuts. The musicians, the mixing, even the artwork (by Andy Worhol) all hit the spot. Best cut is Paul's version of "My Way", the song he wrote for Frank Sinatra. For non-natives, a written copy of all of the lyrics -- Spanish and English -- comes with the CD.

This album is humbly crafted, something strange for this modern day and age. One can't hear much ego, either from Paul or his friends. Even Kenny G. in his soprano saxophone solo was making a beautiful melody to complement the rest of the song rather than showing us how fast and how high he could go.

Paul Anka and Amigos is one of the best Spanish-English language collaborations available today. I have heard him sing in French, Spanish, Italian and German. Paul Anka truly understands that music is an international language and has no borders. The current CD album first came to my attention at a Professional Singles dance when one of its songs was played. It was so fresh and original that I made efforts to find it. Unfortunately, it had had only limited release in Canada and I had to order it from Europe for a premium price. The list of collaborators is a virtual who's who of the world music community even including Celine Dion. I have been so inspired by these songs that I have even bought albums by some of the collaborators: Myriam Hernandez, Lucero and Julio Iglesias. Exceptionally fine songs from my perspective are: A Mi Manera(My Way) with Julio Iglesias, Mi Pueblo(My Town) with Juan Gabriel and Pun tu Cabeza en mi Hombro with Myriam Hernandez . However, the best (lo mejor) song of the album is Yo te Amo (Do I Love You) by Paul Anka and his daughter Anthea which also features Barry Gibb in the background. The haunting harmony between the Anka's is memorable and in my opinion redefines this song forever more. This album is special not only because it honours Paul Anka whose music had a great influence on the Spanish speaking world but also to the Spanish speaking artists who began by singing his music in translation and have now come into their own with homegrown music of their own. So if you like Paul Anka and Spanish music you cannot possibly lose by owning this album.

I had purchased this CD upon it's initial release, enjoyed it then and was filed and misplaced for a few years. Found it again today, put it in my great sounding audio system, was blown away once again, then I remembered how much I had really enjoyed this CD when I first heard it, But now, to be honest, I really love it! Just the very best calaboration of he and various international singers (whom I happen to enjoy individually) The prior song selections of faves from other reviewers are pretty much constant and I am in accord.. Every cut is outstanding, not one single flaw in these re-makes of his wonderful classics. Originally aired as a (Mexican)television music special (that I missed, darn!) So I'm thinking, since it was recorded, they must have also released a video of it, or better yet a DVD. Paul sounds as good and fresh as ever, even better then in his younger days when he initially recorded all this songs. Highly recommended to anyone who can appreciate good music and a very well made recording. This is one of the very best Duets CD's available these days.. now if I can only find the video (There is one DVD listed here on Amazon titled "Paul Anka and Friends", but has no description, so not sure), any thoughts?