An impressive beginning to the Puerto Rican salsa singer’s enduring career

Riding atop a blend of breezy melodies, swinging horns, and percolating rhythms, Gilberto Santa Rosa’s youthful voice shines on this early album. The “gentleman of salsa” bares his soul to his lady on “Vivir sin Ella” before energizing the familiar melody of “We’re All Alone” on “Impaciencia.” Most of the songs are in the style of salsa romantica, but “Me Libere” and “Aunque Tu No Quieras” harken back to the classic salsa sound, with the cowbell bumping it up a notch.