Years ago, Mexican singer Luis Miguel took traditional boleros, recorded them with contemporary arrangements and jump-started a regionwide bolero craze. Now, Miguel may replicate the phenomenon with mariachi music, thanks to this collection of Mexican standards, arranged for that genre. Although the songs are performed with Mexico’s venerable Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, the compositions are stylized and radio-friendly, accessible to pop and regional Mexican stations. Vocally, “Mexico en la Piel” is infused with a gusto and genuine enthusiasm. It’s a feeling that overrides the obviousness of tracks like “El Viajero” and elevates beauties like “Echame a Mí la Culpa.” There is also fine-tuned sensibility when needed, as in the title track and “Cruz de Olvido,” and triteness is largely avoided by including songs that have not been overplayed, including the demanding “Luz de Luna.”—LC
