Donde Jugaran los Niños?

1	De Pies a Cabeza 4:35
2	Oye Mi Amor 4:32
3	Cachito 4:46
4	Vivir Sin Aire 4:51
5	Donde Jugaran los Ninos? 4:14
6	El Desierto 4:09
7	La Chula 4:07
8	Como Te Deseo 4:30
9	Te Lloré Un Rio 4:52
10	Como Diablos 3:53
11	Huele A Tristeza 4:43
12	Me Vale 4:32
13	Como Te Deseo Remix Version 4:43
14	La Chula Remix Version 5:53

Barnes & Noble

You can't argue with success, and the hundreds of thousands of records this Mexican pop rock outfit has moved gives them de facto currency in the Spanish-speaking world and beyond. So what if the slick, stadium-rock arrangements do little beyond recast the Police as hispanohablante crotch rockers? Maná is best appreciated as the alternative to the groundbreaking, if underappreciated, music being made by Latin American rockers. Although nearly indistinguishable from the paunchy mainstream rock that ruled American airwaves in the '80s, this band of rico suaves is carrying the torch for millions of young Spanish speakers. That said, the merry ska groove of "De Pies a Cabeza," FM hormonal smolder of "Oye Mi Amor," and epic balladry of "Vivir Sin Aire" are all rather unresistable. And as evidenced by the album title, "Where Will the Children Play?," the band even trumpets its commitment to environmental and social issues, much like rebel rockers Sting and Elton John. Legions of Mexican and Latino youth can't be wrong... Mark Schwartz

All Music Guide

Maná enjoyed some success with their first album, Falta Amor, but it was their second, Donde Jugaran los Niños?, that made them such an international sensation, establishing them as one of the top Latin pop/rock acts of the '90s. The album is quite solid, maintaining a consistently strong standard of songwriting throughout, and the production is very professional, if perhaps a bit too glossy for those who like some grit in their music. There are a few standout songs here that might have drawn you to Maná in the first place. "Vivir sin Aire," in particular, is a highlight. Its beautiful melody and gentle performance made it a huge hit, one of those slow-dance ballads that just tugs at your heartstrings and inspires quiet chills of emotion. "Oye Mi Amor" is another great song, this one likewise emotional but, in contrast, up-tempo and zestful -- in short, the yang to the yin of "Vivir sin Aire." Other standout songs include the title track, "Como Te Deseo," "Te Lloré un Rio," and "Huele a Tristeza," though arguments could be made about a great number of the songs on Donde Jugaran los Niños? qualifying as standout. It's one of those albums that warrants beginning-to-end listening, and it's had a lasting appeal over the years, registering not only in Maná's native stronghold, Mexico, but also among stateside gringos and gringas, who often liken this group's music to that of Sting, especially the singing of Fher Olvera. Donde Jugaran los Niños?'s legacy is such, in fact, that it inspired mockery by the wacky but brilliant Mexican band Molotov, who titled their 1997 album Donde Jugaran las Niñas? and gave it tongue-in-cheek cover artwork. Successive albums by Maná would find much success also -- the band's 2002 masterwork, Revolución de Amor, especially -- but it's common to hear longtime fans declare their special affection for Donde Jugaran los Niños? It's one of the key releases in the Maná canon, and its songs are well represented on the band's 2003 Esencials series of best-ofs, so much so you might not need Donde Jugaran los Niños? if you have the Sol and Luna editions of Esencials, since the best songs here are there. Still, Donde Jugaran los Niños? is the sort of album you'll want to experience in its own context if you're in love with Maná, even if you're well familiar with the singles from hearing them elsewhere. Jason Birchmeier