Alicia Villarreal - Cuando El Corazon Se Cruza (CD)

All Music Guide

Almost more an expanded EP than an album (four of its 12 tracks are either alternate versions or skit filler), this disc could be viewed as a sophomore slump for Villareal, lacking any clear direction or distinction. Consisting for the most part of midtempo cumbias with undistinguished romantic ballad melodies, the album really only rises to the level of enjoyabilty during the nuevo tejano "No, Oh, Oh (La Suegra)", the ballad version of "Mala Jugada", and the facile silly "Pepe Le Pew". None of these tracks exactly exudes confidence. Neither does an otherwise admirable attempt at traditional ranchera. Villareal sounds most assured when she is her most bitchy, as on the unabashed "Suegra".

- J. Chandler, All Music Guide