Fuego (CD - 2004)

As the major creative force behind his legendary sister Selena's tragically short-lived career, A.B. Quintanilla stands as one of Latin music's most in-demand and respected producer/songwriters. As the architect of hit-making ensemble the Kumbia Kings, the Texas artist developed an exciting hybrid genre, combining cumbia and Tejano music with hip-hop, R&B, and teen pop. The title of the Kings' 2004 album FUEGO is appropriate, as the record is a sultry and fiery blend of urban music's smooth sex appeal and Latin music's non-stop party vibe.

The band's diverse influences allow the tunes to occupy a wide stylistic berth; while the title track is an upbeat dance-floor mover replete with scratching, siren samples, and Dirty South-style growling, "Quien" is full-on sensitive teen-ballad fare, reminiscent of Jesse McCartney. The album's most unexpected highlights, however, arrive in the form of an energetic reading of Musical Youth's 1982 novelty hit "Pass the Dutchie" and a faithful cover of Steely Dan's classic "Do It Again," re-interpreted and re-titled in Spanish as "Ella Sabe." minimize