Rankhead

These boys have come a long way since their ultra-cute, clean-cut self-titled debut in 1991. A lot has changed. Their look is more dangerous, as they grace the cover of their 2005 record looking more like Armani-clad gangsters than the preppy pop stars of yesteryear. The clothes aren't the only thing to have changed, though. Their music is confident and gutsy, even aggressive at times. Limi-T 21's sound has gone from merengue-pop to reggaeton and all things urban. Though there's plenty of their trademark party-friendly merengue to go around, and that remains their home base, the addition of drum machines and rap flows marks a new chapter for this longtime crowd favorite. Their first and only release for Univision, Rankeao is full of change. That said, there's plenty that has stayed the same. For instance, Limi-T 21 are still a cut or two above the average for the Latin pop world. Their arrangements, playing, vocal performances, and taste for originality are of a quality that one could only expect from a group that has been recording together for nearly 15 years. For fans of the proto-boy group, their new direction offers an old favorite a much deserved and very enticing facelift. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez