At the height of his popularity, Italian singer/songwriter Eros Ramazzotti took some time off during the late '90s and released Eros, a retrospective album comprised of five hits that appear in their original versions, nine that have been newly re-recorded specifically for this compilation, and two new tunes. While the decision to re-record the majority of the selections is unusual for a greatest-hits album, Eros ends up being a much more interesting album than it would have been otherwise. There's no trace of the sometimes bombastic synth pop style that characterized Ramazzotti's mid- to late-'80s output. In its place is sleek adult contemporary pop/rock that embraces modern-day production technology, sophisticated string arrangements, and sharper guitar leads, bringing new life to the old material. ~ Jason Birchmeier
