Album: Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me

Introduction
"Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" is the fifth studio album by Cuban-American vocalist Gloria Estefan, launched on October 27, 1994. The album marks a substantial departure from Estefan's previous works, generally due to its concentrate on covering hit tunes from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, rather than including initial compositions by Estefan and her writing group. With a mix of pop, rock, and Latin flavors, "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" showcases Estefan's flexibility and capability to adapt to different styles and categories.

Background and Production
Following the tremendous success of her albums "Into the Light" (1991) and "Mi Tierra" (1993), Gloria Estefan decided to tape-record an album consisting of cover songs as a way to commemorate the artists who had actually affected her throughout her career. The album was produced by partner Emilio Estefan Jr., together with Jorge Casas and Clay Ostwald, who had worked with Gloria Estefan on her previous albums. Recording sessions occurred both in Criteria Studios in Miami and Crescent Moon Studios, Estefan's personal studios.

Tracklist and Notable Songs
The album features thirteen tracks that deliver fresh takes on numerous smash hits. A few of the noteworthy tracks on "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" include:

1. "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" - Originally tape-recorded by Mel Carter in 1965, Estefan's rendition of this romantic ballad would end up being the title track and match the original's Billboard Hot 100 peak at number 8.

2. "How Can I Be Sure" - A cover of the 1967 song by The Young Rascals, Estefan includes a touch of Latin taste and tender emotion to this classic tune.

3. "Everlasting Love" - A spirited cover of the 1967 hit by Robert Knight, which had previously been covered by numerous artists, became Estefan's highest-charting tune on the album in the UK, reaching number 19.

4. "Traces" - Estefan brings soulfulness to this timeless 1969 easy rock ballad initially performed by Classics IV.

5. "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying" - Estefan covers this psychological ballad from Gerry and the Pacemakers with wholehearted emotion, adding her special spin.

The staying tracks on the album comprise a diverse mix of popular music history, such as "You've Made Me So Very Happy", a jazz and R&B-influenced track originally recorded by Brenda Holloway, and "It's Too Late", a rock number originally sung by Carole King.

Business Performance and Legacy
"Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" received favorable evaluations from critics, praising Estefan's unique analyses of the timeless tracks, as well as her vocal range and adaptability. The album attained industrial success, offering over 5 million copies worldwide, and was accredited platinum in different countries.

The album likewise produced a number of successful songs, consisting of the title track, "Everlasting Love", and "Turn the Beat Around", a disco cover of the 1976 Vicki Sue Robinson track, which reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made Estefan a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.

Gloria Estefan's "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" stays a well known entry in her discography, showcasing her extraordinary talent for interpreting a wide variety of musical designs and honoring the classic songs that have shaped popular music history.