"My Latin music has given me the opportunity to be an embassador of Christ, and to take the message of the gospel to the Latin community. But without a doubt, the place I still feel the most at home is with my Christian music family," says 21-year-old Jaci Velasquez. With the release of her highly anticipated 4th release, Jaci is ready to reach the masses with some powerful inspirational pop for the Latin and pop communities.

Crystal Clear kicks off with the horn-laced bouncy Latin tune "Escuchame," which in English means "Listen to Me." Bound to be added to Jaci's long list of number 1 radio singles, "Escuchame" will give Ricky Martin a run for his money. The following tune, the title track, is a strong pop love ballad for our Savior, powered by Jaci's soft layered vocals and organic bass beats. Her silky voice almost haunts the ironically crystal clear sound of the song. "Every Time I Fall" is a power pop tune with an adequate tinge of a Latin sound and an impact that proves to be one of the strongest tracks on the disc.

"You're Not There" is the pleasant surprise on the album. Seemingly darker than the other tracks, Jaci's vocals whisper through the beginning accompanied by a somber arrangement of instruments before the song breaks into a Rebecca St. James-esque rock ballad. With each track, Jaci proves her versatility with the types of styles she can conquer. And does more than conquers, but prevails with musical masterpieces that even if they're not the listener's normal choice of music, they will undeniably be able to recognize the quality miss Velasquez creates.

"Adore" is an almost a child-like love song poured out from the heart of a child to their Heavenly Father. "He's My Savior" is another upbeat salsa/Latin power pop tune, followed up by the faster-paced "You Don't Miss a Thing."

As the album draws to a close, Jaci slows things down to create heart-felt, passionate, and powerful ballad such as "Imagine Me Without You," the closing "Just a Prayer Away," and "Come As You Are" which features well-known Latin singer, Luis Fonzi. Crystal Clear is a spectacular addition to a blossoming career by one of the most successful young Christian artists of the industry.

- Review date: 8/7/00, written by John DiBiase