Stop

Album Review

Franco De Vita has made a reputation for himself over the years for being a creative force in the Latin music industry, both for his work penning songs for other performers and for the songs he performs himself. On Stop + Algo Más, De Vita's artistic individualism shines through more clearly than ever before. His rare and precious harmonic complexity, innovative instrumental arrangements, and incisive lyricism seem to beckon the listener closer. The evocative combination of South American instrumentation otherwise seldom heard together creates a band sound and texture that set De Vita apart from his Latin pop counterparts. Highlights include the emotional, swaggering "Dónde Está el Amor" and the album's rhythmically rich single, "Ay Dios." Though a number of selections entirely forgo Latino musical influences, Stop + Algo Más delivers even the pop selections with soul and dirt. De Vita's vocal performances are subtle and musical, by and large serving the songs and not self-serving. With the inclusion of two duets with Puerto Rican super songstress Olga Tañón, a few live cuts, and a companion DVD featuring videos and live performances, Stop + Algo Más goes above and beyond. Unlike the forbidding hand on its cover, Stop + Algo Más, Rovi