Amor de Guerra

Personnel: Starlin Lopez, Dennis Vargas, Richard "Jay" López, Rogelito Santos "Eto" (guitar); Ricardo Ramos (acoustic guitar); Raulito Bier, Mario Muñoz, Victor Chapulin Rodriguez (bongos).
Audio Mixers: Gerson Corniel; Jose Silla.
A whopping seven years after their World Tour offering, bachata superstars Optimo (who hail from New York by way of the Dominican Republic) deliver Amor de Guerra, a smoother, more soulful set led off by the pre-release single "Duele." Amor de Guerra is highlighted by the seamless flow between lead vocalist Romantico (aka Alixsandro Sanchez) and harmonist and rapper AB Ahi (Antonio Hernandez) and the production savvy of Bolivar Reyes. The balance of Latin and American urban flavor wed to the classic, timeless Dominican style is updated here, beautifully illustrated by current single and video "Vuelve." Other highlights included here are "Amiga" and "Un Hombre Llorando." ~ Thom Jurek