it seems important. But "Livin' la Vida Loca," with its tale of being dragged into craziness by a lovable kook, races along irresistibly, tucking adult sentiments into pop's current mania for novelty, as does another inspired lark, "Shake Your Bon-Bon." Martin and Madonna, meantime, go through the roof getting serious on "Be Careful (Cuidado con Mi Corazón)," a perfectly constructed ballad co-produced by the great William Orbit. The history of Latin pop is crowded with distinction. Yet often enough on Ricky Martin, this sudden superstar and his unsleepy producers make it into a new thrill. (RS 814)

JAMES HUNTER