Patty Cabrera epitomizes the word multi-dimensional. This woman possesses not only a wealth of talent, but a diverse background, as well. Assimilated into her music is the influence of her strong Hispanic and family background, the passion of her dramatic transformation, and the fruit of her deep and well-grounded faith. Indeed, Cabrera's current release, Always & Forever, is a hope-infused pop album that encompasses a cornucopia of musical textures, resulting in a feast for the heart as well as for the ears.
The daughter of Cuban and Puerto Rican parents (and a first-generation American), Cabrera grew up hearing salsa, merengue, R&B, and Motown-all of these flavor the sonic mix of Always & Forever (note: both Spanish and English versions of this project are available). Cabrera and her producer, Bob Parr include a balanced selection of pop styles from light-hearted dance groove ("Always & Forever") to Latin pop/rap blend ("Family") to a rowdy rocker ("Take A Good Look") to an anthematic ballad ("Take It Away").
An obvious comparison is the work of Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine (Always & Forever even utilizes the same rhythm section and horn players, and a tune written by former Sound Machine member, Jon Secada). However, as Cabrera herself is quick to point out, the Latin community often finds her more American, while American audiences consider her more Latin. Another apt point of stylistic reference is Kathy Troccoli. Vocally, Cabrera boasts the same type of alto-resonant and raspy. Like Troccoli, Cabrera has both the power to carry full-bodied, up-tempo romps and subtle, emotionally charged ballads alike.
Co-author on six of the album's ten cuts, Cabrera gives the project a powerfully personal and sincere quality. Like many in the Body, Cabrera came to a point in her life when she had to "make real, what she said she believed" (to borrow an appropriate phrase from John Fischer). Cabrera grew up in a Christian home (she considers her mom a great woman of faith and prayer) and had a strong religious up-bringing, but it wasn't until two years ago that Cabrera came to know Christ in a real, life-changing way. While the majority of the songs on the album celebrate relationship with Christ, Cabrera is also transparent about the anguish of the human condition without knowing the true hope found in Him. A poignant example is "Take It Away," which is both generally applicable and personally resonant:
We live among the pavement of lies and broken dreams We hold on to what falters Only believe in what we see.
Although this release has enough polish and finesse to fit into most mainstream formats, its lyrics attest, from beginning to end, to Cabrera's primary focus: building a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Always & Forever makes clear Patty Cabrera's status as a woman of substance as well as ability. Her project is a rare combination of diverse pop melodies and concrete, faith-filled lyrics.
Similar sounding releases
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1994Maia AmadaFaith Remains
1994Kim BoyceBy Faith
1993Babbie MasonStanding in the Gap
1995AnointedThe Call
1995Clay CrosseTime to Believe
