Pedro Capó / Pedro Capo

Pedro Capó may not be the best-known artist from Puerto Rico, but he is certainly one of the most compelling. A very solid songwriter, Capó has roots that are squarely in the island's traditions — he is a grandson of the truly great Puerto Rican singer Bobby Capó and former lead vocalist of the band Marka Registrada. But on his self-titled sophomore solo offering, released five long years after his debut, Capó reveals his songwriting chops in rock and pop, and the influence of American soul on his development. With acoustic and electric guitars as his front instruments, he is equally comfortable with a sweet ballad, as evidenced by "Si Tú Me Lo Pides," or hooky rock & roll songs such as "Vamos a Huir," where his voice sounds like a dead cross between Willy DeVille's and Bob Marley's. Check the funky razor-wire strut of "Mátame" and the heartbreaking pop of "Valió la Pena" for more proof of this singer/songwriter's diversity as both a melodist and lyricist. Highly recommended.