It’s been a long wait for a full-length CD from Reina ever since she blazed into clubland with her debut smash single “Find Another Woman” in 1999. The wait is over. Fans already know she has a stellar set of pipes and packs emotion into her vocal performance. Now, we can all hear the full gamut of her abilities on one widely-available CD. She launched her career with the now defunct Groovilicious Records, and Robbins Entertainment has had the
good sense to pick her up and give her the support she so richly deserves. “This Is Reina” represents the culmination of her work to date, and features singles from her early years as well as a bunch of hot new singles that keep her beautiful, emotive voice in full force. Thirteen tracks, no filler. That’s what dance fans like to see. She continues to do the genre proud, bringing the passion and depth like only she can.
The CD kicks of with “If I Close My Eyes”, a track that was getting heavy play months before this CD was available. Next up is her second official single from the CD, “Forgive,” proving she’s no flash-in-the-pan and can deliver the goods time and time gain. “What Happened to Us?” follows, with some uplifting circuit styled synths. This is a girl who can look you in the eyes and call you out, following in the tradition of love and strength we associate with the birth of the diva. She continues the drama on the next track, “No One’s Gonna Change You.” She belts out a sentiment we can all relate to when she sings “cause no-one’s gonna change you, and I won’t even waste my time, I’m gonna find someone who will treat me right.” You go, Reina. Next comes a slight break from the bangin’ beats as a lonely piano introduces “On My Own.” This is a style I haven’t heard from Reina, and it’s clear she feels the music deep in her soul. It’s a ballad style that lets her explore new territory, and with its R&B tinge, it’s easy to see this one converting her a few new fans.
Skipping ahead, “Why” begins again with piano (her voice really sounds great with classic piano and string arrangements) The dance beat underlies the track and yet there is a true feeling of intimacy “Why can’t I ever leave you, I really don’t want to, why can’t I ever love you, like I really want to?” She can’t
answer these questions any more than any of us can, and thusly puts the melancholy and confusion on the table, so I guess we can all just smile and wipe the tears away. Next is the premier “oldie” on the CD- the flawless and classic “Find Another Woman” - the one that made everyone sit up and take notice in the first place. It’s perfectly placed in the progression of the CD. It’s not just dance track after dance track here- there is a story going on which adds so much to the emotional effect of the CD as a whole. With the
next track, “They Say It’s Gonna Rain,” she let’s us know she will love again, which transitions into the next track “Believe in Us” - an uplifting, happy, blissed-out revelry in the power of love. “Anything for Love” follows naturally as Reina belts out “I know it hasn’t been easy,
I know it’s been rough, but love always conquers over all.” It’s a reprise of sorts of much of the sentiment she has been testifying about throughout the CD. To me, this is the true “end” of the CD, as the following tracks are more like
bonus tracks. “Vivo Per Lei” gives us a taste of the extended remix,
clocking in a twice the time of the other tracks, and featuring a duet between Reina and Angelo Ventuo. The final track is a cover of the timeless classic by Phil Spector, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” What a treat! This one bridges the generation gap and should be a staple at Christmas parties for years to come.
Reina has really given a gift from the heart with this CD. The themes of love, strength and courage echo throughout every track. Her voice is something to behold, the production is perfection. The marriage of uplifting dance beats and Reina’s voice/message are a match made in dance heaven. All that’s left now is to wait for the remixes to come out. It’s an easy bet that remixers will tear it up and bring it down with all this great material. No doubt classic anthem remixes will emerge from this excellent CD, especially with her new label, Robbins, behind her. You just can’t keep a good woman down.
