Laura Pausini - Yo Canto (2006)

Italian, Spanish, or English: Laura Pausini's edgy, electric vocals are some of the most vibrant in contemporary pop. The endearing diva has been around for more than a decade, but the 2004 disc Escucha found her enjoying a newfound musical independence and worldwide success. Yo Canto is a long-brewing project dear to Pausini's heart: a collection of Italian pop covers spanning her lifetime. As with most of Pausini's releases, the disc is available in Italian and in Spanish. Yo Canto veers from dramatic balladry to fiery rock moments, anchored by Pausini's swooping, powerful vocal work. Several songs will be unfamiliar to fans outside of Italy, but it hardly matters. Pausini makes every moment her own, from the triumphant title track to the bittersweet "Escribeme." She's joined by international rock star Juanes during the lovely, lilting "Mi Libre Cancion." And fellow Italian pop idol Tiziano Ferro joins in for a new take on his brooding 2003 hit, "No Me Lo Puedo Explicar." There are many moments of sublime loveliness here. In other words, just another day in the musical life of Pausini. --Joey Guerra