In the Latin pop crossover sweepstakes, this Spanish-language singing superstar initially took a backseat to Ricky Martin and Marc Anthony.

 But his profile has taken a recent surge with the release of his debut English language album that is, quite predictably, a mixture of overproduced dance songs and pop ballads with such studio heavyweights as Patrick Leonard (Madonna) and David Foster behind the boards.

 Latin tinged-midtempo dance numbers like both the English and Spanish versions of Rhythm Divine, and Bailamos -- originally on the Wild Wild West soundtrack -- work best here.

 Mostly though, the album too often gets bogged down in inferior middle-of-the-road Pablum, particularly when it comes to the ballads I Have Always Loved You, I'm Your Man, Could I Have This Kiss Forever (a duet with Whitney Houston) and You're My #1.

 Also unfortunate is his cover of Bruce Springsteen's Sad Eyes, recorded in both English and Spanish.

Track Listing 1.Rhythm Divine
  02.Be With You
  03.I Have Always Loved You
  04.Sad Eyes
  05.I'm Your Man
  06.Oyeme
  07.Could I Have This Kiss Forever
  08.You're My #1
  09.Alabao
  10.Bailamos
  11.Rhythm Divine
  12.Sad Eyes
  13.No Puede Mas Sin Ti (I'm Your Man)