Auténtico

Disc 1
1	Piedras Y Flores 4:21
2	Sombra Loca 4:51
3	Traigo de Todo 4:07
4	Lo Que Arrasó 5:36
5	Seré Tu Amigo 3:56
6	Enséñame a Vivir Sin Ti Versión Salsa 4:42
7	El Rincón de Mis Ansias 4:30
8	No Me Mires a los Ojos 3:53
9	Y Si No Te Vuelvo a Ver 4:47
10	Dime Lo Que Quieres 4:24
11	Eséñame a Vivir Sin Ti Bolero / Version 4:05
12	El Son de la Madrugada 6:46
13	Sigue Ella Boba 3:49
14	Juan Manuel 4:20
Disc 2
1	[DVD]

Barnes & Noble

In a Latin music industry filled with so much plastico, Gilberto Santa Rosa is the real deal. The Puerto Rican sonero capitalizes on that reputation with the aptly titled Autentico. The first half of the disc walks a fine line, trying to reconcile the demands of salsa radio (the sensual "Sombra Loca") with the desires of the old school ("Traigo de Todo," which liberally quotes Palmieri's "Tirándote Flores") and the commercial realities of Puerto Rico's market ("El Rincón de Mis Ansias" features a powerful bomba; "Traigo" boasts of his abilities to bring everything from salsa to "reggaeton, como [Tego] Calderon"). The exciting news is that by the end, the old school wins. A three-song snapshot of classic salsa concludes Autentico (remember -- always end with what you want them to remember), with a lineup change that includes all-stars including Libre's Manny Oquendo and Andy Gonzalez, Tipica 73's montunero Sonny Bravo, saxman Mario Rivera, and a good-natured duel with vocalist José Alberto el Canario. These songs, and good deal of the ones preceding, including the powerful opener, "Piedras y Flores," make the latest from Sr. Santa Rosa one of the most exciting mainstream salsa releases of the year. Mark Schwartz

All Music Guide

Furthering his long career as a heavy hitter for Sony International, Gilberto Santa Rosa brought a strong release to the salsa listening world for 2004, Auténtico. After many years as one of the most respected vocalists in salsa, and one with the greatest fidelity to tradition, there are few who could doubt his authenticity, but just to make sure, Auténtico is packed with gusty, men-from-the-boys style salsa. A slight deviation from his more pop-oriented direction of late, this record is dancehall-style salsa from beginning to end. Santa Rosa sounds as strong as ever, with a distinctly Blades-esque tone to his voice and phrasing. The likeness is startling at times. There are few bands on the scene today who are as dedicated as Santa Rosa is to the performance of traditional salsa with double-barreled enthusiasm. Perhaps only paralleled by salsa great Oscar d'León, Santa Rosa seems dedicated to the aesthetic of salsa's 1970s heyday. Auténtico features a great variety of styles, including guajira, plena, rhumba, and of course, the mambos that won him the superstar status that he enjoys today. The writing is good, yet not outstanding. Though the performances are strong, there isn't a single on the record. Instead, the record is best enjoyed as a whole. For those who like their salsa straight up, Santa Rosa and Auténtico have the recipe for clave con swing, no chaser. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide