Romantic. Virtuous. Sweeping. These words can sincerely describe the gorgeous artwork of musician, composer, and singer Juan Luis Guerra and his release entitled Coleccion Romantica. With vivid color and vibrant passion, Guerra sings in Spanish a kind of music that reflects Latin culture so gracefully. Presented in beautiful packaging are 20 rich and warm melodies on two compact discs. Karen Records and Universal went with a superior and magical marketing strategy, bringing the music to life with a packaging appealing enough to persuade the listening audience to buy the record in retail stores. The music isn't half-bad either. Just wonderful arrangements, lush guitars, charming flutes and wind instruments, and the heart of Latin music, Guerra's awesome percussion players. Much of the material is performed with a heavenly ring and quite spiritual aura. Very tranquil and relaxing, this music is perfect for a backyard barbeque during a summer beach party or for a car ride down an ocean-side highway. Guerra's voice is soulful, ethereal, and passionate, though he concentrates so successfully as to not belt out, but to sing with elegance and graceful flair. In this collection are 20 tremendously well-crafted songs that paint a delightful portrait of the two-decade-long singing career of Juan Luis Guerra. ~ Shawn M. Haney