Monday, Jan. 15, 2001

Wow Flash! Elvis Crespo

By CHRISTOPHER JOHN FARLEY

This high-energy music not only makes you want to dance, it makes you want to celebrate. Crespo, who has scored Spanish-language hits with such songs as Suavemente and Pintame, is a master of merengue, and his talent lies in crafting upbeat, joyous songs. On Wow Flash! he shows some development in his ability to find nuance and emotion while staying in the groove. Although the name of this CD makes it a front runner for the First Annual Britney Spears Oops!...I Did It Again Goofiest Album Title Award, pretty much everything else about this release is a pleasure.

--By Christopher John Farley