SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 55 Min.
Released in 1991 by Sony Music Entertainment, Inc., this album represents Gloria Estefan’s triumphant return upon recovering from a traumatic back injury suffered in a tour bus accident the year before. With most of these songs written or co-written by Estefan, the thirteen tracks are:
- Coming Out of The Dark 4:05
- Seal Our Fate 4:25
- What Goes Around 4:01
- Nayib’s Song (I Am Here For You) 4:39
- Remember Me With Love 4:36
- Heart With Your Name On It 4:46
- Sex in The 90’s 3:43
- Close My Eyes 4:29
- Light of Love 3:52
- Can’t Forget You 4:15
- Live for Loving You 4:37
- Mama Yo Can’t Go 3:33
- Desde La Oscuridad (Coming Out of the Dark – Spanish Version) 4:09
REVIEW:
Into the Light doesn’t improve upon or even equal 1989’s high-caliber Cuts Both Ways, but it’s still a worthy sequel. Book-ending her likable album between the poignant “Coming Out of the Dark,” and its Spanish-language counterpart, Gloria Estefan smartly balances Into the Light. The pulsating, high-energy dance tunes burst with an infectious ambiance while solemn emotion anchors her ballads.
The album’s most heartfelt vibe belongs to Track 4’s compassionate message to her son, Nayib, re: parenting him in a troubled world. More so, the song is meant to inspire her young son to overcome life’s confusing obstacles.
In contrast, however, the misguided Track # 7: “Sex in the 90’s” should be altogether avoided. While Estefan’s cautionary lyrics are seemingly good-intentioned, this dance song is ridiculously cheesy and comes off as badly outdated – even for that same decade. Its strangest element is adding an uncredited Pee-wee Herman (or perhaps a very convincing sound-alike) later in the song on recurring back-up vocals/giggles. Suffice to say, it adds an unwelcome layer of creepiness to Estefan’s likely career-worst tune.
Even if most of the other tunes (i.e. Track 9’s Light of Love) tread closer to classy filler material, Estefan’s charisma amply compensates at the right moments. Notably, this album updates her ‘80s-style dance beats by infusing a more sophisticated approach compatible with the early ’90s. Overcoming the likelihood of sounding hopelessly outdated (apart from the tone-deaf Track # 7), Into the Light remains a refreshing experience for Estefan’s fans.
PACKAGING:
The tracks are listed on the CD case’s back cover. The inserted booklet includes: a track listing; each song’s lyrics; technical credits; and thank-you notes.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
