Mas Original Que Nunca

The difference between Priscila y Sus Balas de Plata and arresting, hard-hitting norteño groups like Los Tigres del Norte (arguably a norteño equivalent of the Clash) and Los Rieleros del Norte is like the difference between Marc Anthony and salsa die-hard Oscar de Leon — it's the difference between a hardcore approach and a considerably more pop-minded approach. Priscila is not a strict norteño purist any more than Anthony is pretending to be the late Hector Lavoe or the Gipsy Kings are trying to pass themselves off as Tomatito; she is, however, an enjoyable example of a vocalist bringing a pop agenda to the regional Mexican market. Those who have appreciated Priscila's previous albums with her Balas de Plata should have no problem getting into Más Original Que Nunca, which finds the Mexican vocalist sticking with what she does best: Latin ear candy. Sleek, glossy, girlish offerings like "Tienen Razon" and "Sin El" should not be judged by the same standards one would apply to Tony de la Rosa — that isn't what Priscila is going for. Instead, Latin pop standards — not hardcore norteño standards — should be applied to everything on this CD, which underscores the fact that the grupero style is essentially Latin pop with norteño and/or Cumbia Mexicana overtones. There is both good and bad early candy in the grupero field, and this 2004 release — although not overly challenging — is an example of good, satisfying, well-constructed ear candy. Produced by Tirzo Paiz, Más Original Que Nunca doesn't break any new ground for Priscila y Sus Balas de Plata; nonetheless, Priscila's hardcore fans will find it to be a likable, if less than essential, addition to the group's catalog.