Tamara – Siempre (2001)

A throwback record to be sure, Siempre marries Tamara's fetching balladry to a set of strings and traditional arrangements cooked up by producer Bebu Silvetti. From the title-track opener, Silvetti relies on sweeping strings and few synthesizers, an organic effect that improves the sound. Tamara's voice is excellent too, definitely emotional but never overly hysterical; she emphasizes slight trills and catches in her voice with an expert's sense of control. Of course, Siempre is a very conservative record, but it's a highlight for MOR Latin pop, led by tracks like "Siempre," "Miénteme," and "Por Más de Mil Razones," with a whisper of strings echoing the light Spanish guitar.