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Toy Soldiers: The Best of Martika

Columbia/Legacy – 2005

"Toy Soldiers" is a prime example where magic was made. Everything came together perfectly for Martika. The musical arrangement with dreamy electronic backdrop, soft hypnotic guitar rhythm, echoed drums mixed beautifully with haunting children’s choir and topped by Martika’s passionate voice. It’s a memorable song that takes everyone back to when they first heard the song. This is the song Martika will always be remembered for and rightfully so.

"I Feel the Earth Move" is Martika’s second most known song. The song is more generic featuring a standardized dance beat and musical accompaniment. "More Than You" could be Sheila E. or a dozen other performers. Martika’s most impressive contribution to this song is listening to her numerous wide-ranging background vocals.

The third track is "Water (Remix)" has a common late 80s musical composition. For me this proves that the music is as vital to a song’s quality as is Martika’s powerful voice.

Martika goes into Prince territory with "Martika’s Kitchen." It’s a saucy, funky little tune that brings out more of the Cuban fireball’s sexuality. "Coloured Kisses" is a cute little song where Martika playfully uses her multi-dimensional voice.

"Cross My Heart" is a dance tune that could be from any number of performers. "Temptation" has a cool clean rhythm guitar part and the background vocals almost bring a religious, soulful addition to what essentially is a dance track. I also liked Martika’s spoken words towards the end of the song.

"Don’t Say U Love Me" is Janet Jackson styled. "Safe in the Arms of Love" feels more R&B and is more mature than all the dance tracks. This musical environment allows Martika’s voice to really carry the tune.

"Quiero Entregarte Mi Amor" is a Spanish Version of "More Than You Know." There is also a Club Mix of "I feel The Earth Move." There is Japanese Version of "Toy Soldiers." Prince wrote "Love…Thy Will Be Done (Prince Mix)" and is the last track.

In the linear notes you find out that Marta "Martika’ Marrero was born in California after her parents fled Cuba shortly after the revolution. She took dance and voice lesions from the age of four and developed into a promising ballerina before catching "the acting bug." At the age of 13 she emerged as a dancer in John Huston’s movie ANNIE before appearances in DIFFERENT STROKES, SILVER SPOONS and HARDCASTLE & McCORMICK and the high profile role of singing and dancing in the TV series KIDS INCORPORATED. Martika admits she didn’t know which direction to go until she saw Boy George, then she said that’s it, "I’m gonna be a pop star."

www.legacyrecordings.com

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