Seven (by Enrique Iglesias, Pop)

There's a sameness to the 12 songs on SEVEN, understandable when you realize that all were written by Enrique Iglesias himself, most with the same two co-authors, Paul Barry and Mark Taylor. The overall impression is that of a young man trying way too hard to be cool. Enrique sings the ballads with overwrought emotion and does a little better on the rockers, which seem designed to become stadium-show anthems. But don't get out your lighter just yet; cute and sincere though he may be (and there are plenty of beefcakey photos in the CD booklet for young ladies to drool over), Iglesias still has a few miles to go before his emotional posturing makes way for genuine passion.

Despite sparkling guitar work and careful production and catchy choruses clearly designed for audience sing-alongs, there isn't one truly memorable song on this album. Even the inclusive We-Are-The-World-wanna-be, "Live It Up Tonight," falls terribly flat. Though Iglesias is apparently eager to please and certainly maturing as an artist, this album shows there's plenty of room for his talent to grow.

Released on: November 25, 2003
Label: Interscope Records
Genre: Pop