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"Spanish Guitar"
Released
Format
Recorded
19971999
[1]
Chartmarker Studios
(Los Angeles, California)
Genre
Length
4:47
Label
LaFace
Writer(s)
Diane Warren
Producer(s)
David Foster
"Maybe" (2001)
"Spanish Guitar" is the third single fromToni Braxton's third studio album, The Heat(2000). Released in 2000, the song was written by Diane Warren and produced byDavid Foster, the same team behind Braxton's 1996 smash hit "Un-Break My Heart". It was never released as a commercial single in the United States, causing the song to chart outside the top ninety-five of the Billboard Hot 100. This song remains a fan favorite as Braxton often performs the dance version live. The song was present on the international soundtrack of the Brazilian soap operaLaos de Famlia (2000), causing a radio smash on the Brazilian radio stations and becoming Braxton's signature song, alongside Un-Break My Heart there.[2][3][4] In 2010 the song was recorded by flamenco guitarist Benise (with Kimberley Lockeproviding vocals) for his album also entitled "Spanish Guitar".
Contents [hide] 1 Critical reception 2 Music video 3 Track listing 4 Charts 5 References
Critical reception[edit]
The song received mixed reviews from music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine fromAllmusic called it "an effective ballad" and picked it one of the best songs of the album, alongside "He Wasn't Man Enough" and "Just Be a Man About It".[5] CD Universe was largely positive, writing that "the appropriately titled "Spanish Guitar" marks an interruption of the other songs' predominantly electronic textures while remaining consistent with the sensuous, romantic mood."[6] Barry Walters wrote favorably for Rolling Stone, stating that "Braxton's supple alto rests easily within mainstream R&B's smooove sonic furniture, her croons displaying husky quirks as the track goes through the multiplatinum motions on "Spanish Guitar," a Latinconscious "Un-Break My Heart" clone.[7] However, Colin Ross wrote a mixed review for PopMatters, writing that the song is "overly dramatic and fairly uninspiring."[8] Amazon's Bob Roget agreed, calling it a "weightless trifle."[9]
Music video[edit]
The video opens with Braxton floating on top of the water. The scene quickly changes to a crowded cafe and centers on a Latin man, Kamar de los Reyes, playing the guitar. The scene changes to a modern white and red room where Braxton, wearing a red dress, sings her longing to be in his arms. There are several shots of him playing the guitar than the guitar morphing into Braxton in his arms. Towards the end, he and Braxton have a dance scene together. This video was directed by Billie Woodruff, who also directed the videos for "Un-Break My Heart", "He Wasn't Man Enough", and "Just Be a Man About It".
Track listing[edit]