Reviewed by George Luke

One of the three (yes, three) albums Marcos put out in 2004, 'Recordando Otra Vez' (Remembering Again) was recorded live in LA, but is clearly aimed at the Mexican community. The album's divided into three parts: it opens with Marcos and the band, followed by a six-song acoustic set, then the rest of the album features a Mariachi band. After what for me was a wobbly big-band opening, the album got into its stride with "America Sera Para Cristo" (America Will Be For Christ): a Norteno Mexican-style song, claiming not just the US but both American continents for Jesus. A sublime blend of guitar and congas made the acoustic set a real chillout delight. "Quiero Cantar Una Linda Cancion" (I Want To Sing A Beautiful Song) does exactly what it says on the tin, and the traditional Spanish worship song "Cristo Es La Pena" (Christ Is The Rock) is re-titled "Pena de Horeb" (Rock Of Horeb). After the acoustic set, the Mariachi band kicks in and we get the full-on Mexican experience - highlights of which for me were "Siento El Fuego" (I Feel The Fire) and "Ayer, Hoy Y Siempre" (Yesterday, Today And Forever). Altogether a fine album - but Marcos had to go and blow it by sticking "Yo Te Busco" (I Seek After You) on the end as a bonus track. Since it's also stuck onto the end of his 'Dios de Pactos' album as a bonus track, it left me feeling a bit short-changed - but I'll exercise Christian forgiveness and give him a high rating anyway.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.