Música + Alma + Sexo is the ninth studio album by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Ricky Martin. It was released on January 31, 2011 in Europe by Columbia Records and on February 1, 2011 in North America by Sony Music Latin. The album features guest appearances by Joss Stone, Natalia Jiménez, Claudia Leitte and Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel, with contributions from musicians including Tommy Denander, John 5 and Josh Freese. It consists of songs in Spanish and English. The deluxe edition was released at Target. It contains seven exclusive tracks, including two dance mixes, two English versions, an unreleased song and solo versions of the singles "The Best Thing About Me Is You" and "Lo mejor de mi vida eres tú". The album was re-released to digital outlets on November 14, 2011 under the title Más Música + Alma + Sexo, containing new bonus material and remixes. The album received a Diamond certification for sales of over 300,000 copies. It has sold 112,000 copies in the US as of February 2015.
Background
In a Billboard interview, Martin revealed that he wrote the album between Miami and his home in Golden Beach, Florida. Desmond Child practically moved in with his entire family. He said that: " had two studios: one for the programmer, another to record bass, guitars and drums". Talking about the album style, Ricky said: "It’s more up-tempo because I’m at a point in my life where I simply want to be, and be free and not be contrived at all." Martin revealed that he and his team "wrote at least 60 songs and obviously, not all are in here". The ones that felt right are in the album. I think there are songs here that can become ballads. The most important thing about this album is it’s for the audience, but also for musicians. There’s great musicianship here."
"The Best Thing About Me Is You" was released as first single from the album on November 2, 2010. It debuted at number seventy-four on the Billboard Hot 100. The Spanish-language version of the song, entitled "Lo mejor de mi vida eres tú", reached number one on Hot Latin Songs.
"Shine" was released as a digital download on December 21, 2010, as part of the promotion of Música + Alma + Sexo. It is not considered as an official single. The Spanish-language version is also included on the album and it is called "Te Vas".
"Más" was released as the second official single on April 5, 2011. The song has reached number thirteen on the Billboard Latin Songs and number two on the Latin Pop Songs.
"Frío" was released as the third single on July 11, 2011. Ricky Martin shot the music video with Wisin & Yandel in Buenos Aires on June 6, 2011.
"Samba" was released exclusively in Brazil as a joint-single with Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte. Despite this, "Samba" is an official Música + Alma + Sexo promo single. The music video premiered on September 18, 2011.
Chart performance
Música + alma + sexo debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, selling 32,000 copies. The album became the highest charting, primarily-Spanish language album, since Selena's number one album Dreaming of You. This also represents the highest ever chart debut for a Sony Music Latin release. Música + alma + sexo is Martin's highest-charting album since Ricky Martin debuted at number one in May 1999. It's his fourth top ten album, and his first Spanish language album to hit the mark. Martin's previous highest-charting Spanish language album was Almas del silencio. In total, the album has sold more than 300,000 copies worldwide.
Critical reception
Upon its release, the album received generally favorable reviews from most music critics, based on an aggregate score of 72/100 from Metacritic. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from Allmusic rated it 3 stars and said that: "Theoretically, this loosening of expectations would give him some freedom to roam on Música + Alma + Sexo, and it does to the extent that he does not feel compelled to devote the record to the English language". The Billboard review was positive and went to say that: "Martin largely shuns easy romanticism for more assertive messages that celebrate liberation and diversity, themes that can be associated with his coming out last year". Ernesto Lechner from Los Angeles Times was favorable in his review, saying that: "Martin rarely transcends the narrow parameters of commercial Latin music, but the sincerity of his vision places him one step ahead of the competition". Jon Pareles from The New York Times was more positive, saying that: "On this album his usual exhortations to seize life's pleasures mingle with coming-out manifestos, and he smiles through them all". Carlos Quintana from About.com rated it four stars and positively reviewed the album, commenting that: "Música + Alma + Sexo is an album that reflects Ricky's present and offers a variety of vibrant and relaxing songs that are filled with deep meanings". Dan Aquilante from the New York Post said that: "Ricky Martin is back to his Latin roots with a mostly Spanish-language album of cutting-edge dance and pop. There are arena ballads, such as the pretty love song "Tú y Yo," but the thrill of this disc is in the bright Latin pop tunes, such as "Más," in which Martin tries to capture the early '90s streets of Spanish Harlem." Joey Guerra from Houston Chronicle went to say that: "Martin is making hips move and hearts soar… symphonic arrangements stomping dance-rock grooves… Shine has a whiff of nostalgia and is Martin’s most appealing English-language song in years." Grace Bastidas from Latina opined, positively, that: "the pop album feels like a dream come true for Martin, who has been in the spotlight since he joined Menudo as a 12-year-old, and can finally be himself. He brims with pride throughout—and it’s definitely infectious".
Awards and nominations
Track listing
All songs produced by Desmond Child, except "Frío" produced by Desmond Child, Wisin & Yandel and Tainy.
