For All Time (CD - 2002)

Producers include: Steve Morales, Time & Bob, Josh & Brian, Thunderpuss 2000, Ozomatli.

Personnel: Manny López (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Bob Robinson (guitar, piano); Ramon Stagnaro, Tim Mitchell, Aaron Fishbein (guitar); Raúl Pacheco (classical guitar); Rocío Marron (violin, viola); Melissa "Missy" Hasin (cello); Tim Kelley (keyboards, drums, programming); Chris Cox, Barry Harris (keyboards, programming); David Siegel (keyboards); Efrain Toro, Jiro Yamaguchi (percussion); Steve Morales, Tim Miner (programming).

Audio Mixers: Chris Cox; Craig Burbidge; Jan Fairchild; Dave Way; Aurora Rodriguez; Jon Gass; Sebastián Krys; Tim Miner; Barry Harris .

Recording information: Knightlight Studio; KNS Studios; Kokopelli, Miami, FL; NRG Studio, L.A; Record Plant Studios; Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, CA; Tackett Productions, Hollywood, CA; The Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA; Westlake Audio, L.A., CA.

Photographers: Davis Factor; David Ash; Giuliano Bekor.

Translator: Jose Luis Rodríguez.

Arrangers: Aurora Rodriguez; Steve Morales.

If the four Latin vixens of Soluna want to contend with the reigning pop royalty -- the likes of Britney Spears, J-Lo, and Destiny's Child -- it'll take more than sexy outfits, silken locks, an arsenal of boy-crazy lyrics, and seductive sentiments to make it to the top of the pop music food chain. Aided by producer Michael Ostin, the man whose musical fingerprints graced Madonna's remix album, You Can Dance, the electronic beats on Soluna's debut album, For All Time, complement the soothing vocals of the quadratic Latinas without drowning them in pre-programmed quagmires. Bouncing back and forth between Spanish lullabies and English pop tracks, For All Time is likely to put Soluna on the pop map, with addictive choruses and the foursome's harmonizing capabilities. For All Time [Single], the catchy title track, shot like a firecracker to the top of the charts and could serve as a makeshift crystal ball for the group's future (one of longevity if the Beyoncé of the group, Jessica Castellanos, continues writing songs for her gal pals). Soluna is likely to snag the hearts of Latin listeners with tracks like the high-energy, Spanish-influenced "Don't Wanna Live My Life Without You" and the sexy, seductive allure of "Spanish Lullaby." The sultry ballad "Nothing Looks Good on Me but You" showcases the girls' vocal prowess but, with stagnant, self-deprecating lyrics like "I can't live without you/I'm nothing without you," Soluna may become entangled in the pop music brushfire, joining the droves of pop princesses who came (and were soon forgotten) before them by burying themselves deep in the quicksand of empty lyrics about unattainable knights in shining armor whose very existence validates their self-worth. As effective a turn-off as a beautiful woman toting excessive body hair, the auto tuner kicks in unannounced on the title track, bringing the cherubic women back down to earth like lightning. If the members of Soluna can avoid such seminal roadblocks and find steady ground by concentrating on their true assets -- their vocal and songwriting abilities -- they might have a chance in this survival of the fittest called pop music. ~ Kerry L. Smith minimize