From the upbeat, tropical Viejas Promesas, to the swaying title track, this 1996 release, translated as Hidden in My Country, is classic Mercedes! Most of the songs travel the terrain of great passions, usually political, and hope-despite-despair. My favorites are simply interlaced with Spanish guitar, piano, violin and percussion (I love that synthesizer-less, matte-finish intensity!). Also includes Zamba a Monteros, Si Llega a Ser Tucumana, Ojos Azules, La Navidad de Luis, 15 in all.

Sosa,Mercedes