In 1995, Gloria released her second Spanish-language studio album, Abriendo Puertas , which was produced in its entirety by Kike Santander and Emilio Estefan.[2]Abriendo Puertas is a holiday album with the tracks making references to Christmas and New Year's.[1] Santander penned all the songs on the album, including "Más Allá", which was released as the second single in December 1995.[3][4] An editor for El Tiempo described the track as a boleroballad, noting that the lyrics speak, "of love that asks for nothing in return and forgives and fights for its ideals".[5][6] Writing for the Grammy website, Jon O'Brien called the track a flamenco-ballad that utilizes church bells.[3]
Promotion and reception
Estefan performed "Más Allá" live at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II in October 1995, where she was backed by a 62-piece orchestra.[7] She also sang the track live two months later for the White House, presented by then-PresidentBill Clinton for a Christmas television special for the White House.[6] A re-recording of the song was included on her fourteenth studio album Brazil305 (2020) and incorporates Brazilian music.[8] "Más Allá" has been covered by American Tejano musician Elsa García on the Christmas compilation album Navidad en Mi Pueblo (2002), and by Spanish singer Raphael on his holiday album Ven a Mi Casa Esta Navidad (2015).[9][10]
Billboard critic Larry Flick wrote a positive review for the single, complimenting it as a "sweet acoustic ballad", and praised Estefan's vocals as "in excellent form". He also praised the instruments in the background.[11] An editor for El Tiempo called it an "endearing ballad".[5]J.D. Considine of The Baltimore Sun regarded the song as "one of the best ballads" Estefan has recorded.[12] Chuck Campbell of the South Bend Tribune felt that the track is a "too-flowerysong about selfless love".[13] A reviewer for Music & Media complimented it as a "seductively warm track", and noted the usage of "Latin percussions and a Spanish guitar" in the background. [14]Cashbox critic Steve Baltin remarked that the song "has the feel, at times, of a slickly produced Mexican folk song" and it "makes for a lovely, and different, listening experience for pop fans."[15] In the United States, "Más Allá" reached the top of the BillboardHot Latin Songs and Latin Pop Airplay charts.[16][17]
^ ab"Abriendo Puertas". El Tiempo (in Spanish). November 21, 1995. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2021. Es una entrañable balada con toques de bolero que habla del amor que no pide nada a cambio y que perdona y lucha por sus ideales.
