One of the most polished of contemporary Latin singers, Marc Anthony keeps a solid grip on his roots underneath a sophisticated pop veneer. Melding slick ballads, hard rocking Salsa, Bachata, and R&B, heartthrob Anthony sings impassionately over some great arrangements from co-producer Angel "Cucho" Pena and Humberto Ramirez, among others. Funky "slap" bass, strings, and synthesizers add a chart-orientated flavor to classic Salsa orchestrations, but Anthony's powerful and romantic voice and his choice of material ensure that Contra la Corriente does not sink into a "smooth groove" quagmire. If Salsa is to have world class, crossover success, then Marc Anthony is the most accessible candidate. --Derek Rath