What might have gone down as one of the biggest flukes in the music world has turned its tail towards oblivion. We see the return of Ricky Martin as a slap in the face of those who had written him off with a chuckle. Agreed, Martin may not be a musical wizard, but he doesn’t need to be one to shake your bon bons. His latest release, Life (Sony/ BMG; Rs 150), is a versatile ride, and for the first time, the Latin idol is also seen battling hard with an aim to reestablish himself as an undisputed star in the chaotic galaxy.

Back after five years, he ropes in musicians who shine brighter than him; little bothering it would affect his own sheen ? a weird move for someone who was always known to be a trendsetter. But trends and shooting stars are falling all over the place nowadays and Life is full of surprises.

The opening song, Till I get to you, is a sombre, powerful rock ballad that gives Martin the vocalist enough scope to display his hidden depths. The track grows slowly, and the ‘Eastern’ rhythms build up a haunting groove. The mid-tempo lounge creeper, I won’t desert you, is given a crutch (not that it needed one), and the support is provided by samples from Karunesh’s Punjab. Yet another Eastern prop-up comes right in the end with the Bhangra beat-infused remix of I don’t care with Rishi Rich and we can see just how the movement is gathering the biggies as well. First single, I don’t care (featuring Fat Joe & Amerie) has hit the club circuit with a rage, and looks good to grind the party people for some time to come. Ladies looking for the love deal are given a stellar treat with two powerful ballads, Stop time tonight and Save the dance. The title track is a cheesy mix of pop-rock and the atmospheric weeping towards the end melts the concoction to good effect.

Hip-hop Ricky Martin style is interesting, purely because the genre now looks to hit the inevitable wall. Hence, Martin does a fine job with his distinctive flair being given the right kind of thump by his superstar friends in hip-hop. It’s almost like one big dance party where Martin plays the perfect host, while the guest musicians help him belt out the infectious goodies one after another ? I am, It’s all right, Drop it on me (featuring Daddy Yankee), This is good, Que Mas Da (I don’t care), Dejate Llevar (It’s all right-Spanish). And till the revelry lasts, life’s kinda good.