Brenda K. Starr

After flying slightly under the radar for years, Brenda K. Starr's 2005 release, Atrevete a Olvidarme scored her not only an opportunity to display her extraordinary vocal talent for Boss Entertainment, but a 2006 Billboard Latin Music Awards nomination. The first track, "Tu Eres" ended up on the Billboard Awards compilation for that year, and hence caught the attention of those otherwise unfamiliar with the Nuyorican songstress. Her smooth, controlled vocal stylings have won Starr a place on the short list of those salsa divas who would inherit Celia Cruz's crown as the queen of salsa. The list is short, in part for want of more competition. With less than five female salsa stars recording and touring on a nationally visible level, Starr fits into a cozy little niche. That said, her suave vocal timbre and tasty choices would be noticeable no matter the genre. Starr seems to have mastered finding the balance between drama and maintaining control over her instrument, a mark of true maturity. The writing is, at times, truly excellent, with the unforgettable melodic lines of pop gold, especially evident on the title track and the disc's single "Tu Eres." With the exception of a few '80s-rrific pop ballads, Atrevete a Olvidarme is a record to match Starr's unique talents. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide