Liberación stood at a stylistic crossroads when this album was recorded, caught between their hard-fought status as a premier dance band and the desire to expand their base with ballads. Thanks to first-rate material, the presence of new vocalist
Juan Tavares, and director
Virgilio Canales' arrangements,
Liberación managed to sound equally expert at both styles. "Como Duele" ("How It Hurts"), the group's breakthrough soft-rock hit, builds to an infectious chorus that gave the group's romantic side instant credibility. Other ballads with irresistibly hummable melodies include "Cuándo Yo Te Quiero Hablar" ("When I Want to Talk to You") and "Se Me Olvidó Olvidarte" ("I Forgot to Forget You"). Even better, the group still plays a mean cumbia, proving it can jam with the best of them on "No Puede Ser" ("It Can't Be"), written by Bronco vocalist
José Guadalupe Esparza, and the instrumental "La Tablita." A snapshot of the group at the top of its game. ~ Douglas Shannon