Tito el Bambino - Top of the Line [El Internacional Edition] (CD)

All Music Guide

With his heartthrob look and slightly smoother approach to an otherwise very gruff genre, Tito el Bambimo marks a new step in the every expanding boundaries of America's newest dance music sensation. Similar to when JayZ traded in his sweat suit for an Armani suit, El Bambino is giving reggaeton a facelift, or maybe just a lift, period. Clean looks and lyrics to match have won this artist not only antidrug, guns and violence spots on Puerto Rican television, but also wider respect in the Latin American media community than many of his contemporaries. Though reggaeton could use him as a mainstay for winning widespread respect, there are hints on his 2006 release Top of the Line that El Bambino may have his sights set on a larger audience. In a departure from the usual, there are entire tracks featuring Tito's popreaching singing, without a trace of flow. The majority of the selections are solid, icecold reggaeton, featuring superstar producers Luny Tunes and guest artists like Noriega a...nd Daddy Yankee, but there are some subtle hints that this already widely popular artist could be looking to move on up. Having reached not only number three on Billboard's Top Latin Albums, but also breaking the prestigious Top 200, the aptly named Top of the Line may have trouble finding the next rung on the ladder. [El Internacional Edition includes a bonus DVD featuring live concert footage and music videos.] - Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide Read more Less