Released September 19, 2000 Length 4:47 | Format CD single, 12" single Label LaFace | |
Recorded 1997—1999
Chartmarker Studios
(Los Angeles, California) Genre Latin pop
adult contemporary | ||
"Spanish Guitar" is the third single from Toni Braxton's third studio album, The Heat (2000). Released in 2000, the song was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, the same team behind Braxton's 1996 smash hit "Un-Break My Heart". It was never released as a commercial single in the United States, causing the song to chart outside the top ninety-five of the Billboard Hot 100. This song remains a fan favorite as Braxton often performs the dance version live.
Contents
The song was present on the international soundtrack of the Brazilian soap opera Laços de Família (2000), causing a radio smash on the Brazilian radio stations and reached the top of the charts. The song becoming Braxton's signature song in Brazil and her most successful song in the country. In 2010 the song was recorded by flamenco guitarist Benise (with Kimberley Locke providing vocals) for his album also entitled "Spanish Guitar".
Critical reception
The song received mixed reviews from music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from Allmusic called it "an effective ballad" and picked it one of the best songs of the album, alongside "He Wasn't Man Enough" and "Just Be a Man About It". CD Universe was largely positive, writing that "the appropriately titled "Spanish Guitar" marks an interruption of the other songs' predominantly electronic textures while remaining consistent with the sensuous, romantic mood." Barry Walters wrote favorably for Rolling Stone, stating that "Braxton's supple alto rests easily within mainstream R&B's smooove sonic furniture, her croons displaying husky quirks as the track goes through the multiplatinum motions on "Spanish Guitar," a Latin-conscious "Un-Break My Heart" clone.
However, Colin Ross wrote a mixed review for PopMatters, writing that the song is "overly dramatic and fairly uninspiring." Amazon's Bob Roget agreed, calling it a "weightless trifle."
Music video
The video opens with Braxton floating on top of the water. The scene quickly changes to a crowded cafe and centers on a Latin man, Kamar de los Reyes, playing the guitar. The scene changes to a modern white and red room where Braxton, wearing a red dress, sings her longing to be in his arms. There are several shots of him playing the guitar than the guitar morphing into Braxton in his arms. Towards the end, he and Braxton have a dance scene together. This video was directed by Billie Woodruff, who also directed the videos for "Un-Break My Heart", "He Wasn't Man Enough", and "Just Be a Man About It".
Track listing
- "Spanish Guitar (Radio Mix)" – 4:30
- "Spanish Guitar (Mousse T.'s Radio Mix)" – 4:07
- "Spanish Guitar (HQ² Radio Edit)" – 4:11
- "Spanish Guitar (Royal Garden Flamenco Mix)" – 4:35
- "Spanish Guitar (Eiffel 65 Radio Edit)" – 4:30
- "Spanish Guitar (Radio Mix)" – 4:30
- "Spanish Guitar (Mousse T.'s Extended Mix)" – 6:53
- "Spanish Guitar (HQ² Mix)" – 8:54
- "Spanish Guitar (Mousse T.'s Deep Vocal Mix)" – 8:32
- "Spanish Guitar (Eiffel 65 Extended Mix)" – 6:54
- "Spanish Guitar (Radio Mix)" – 4:20
- "Spanish Guitar (Royal Garden's Flamenco Mix)" – 4:35
- "Spanish Guitar (HQ² Mix)" – 8:54
- "Spanish Guitar (HQ² Radio Edit)" – 4:10
- "Spanish Guitar (Mousse T.'s Deep Vocal Mix)" – 8:32
- "Spanish Guitar (Mousse T.'s Radio Edit)" – 4:02
- "Spanish Guitar (Eiffel 65 Extended Mix)" – 6:54
- "Spanish Guitar (Eiffel 65 TV Edit)" – 6:53
- "Spanish Guitar (Mousse T.'s Extended Mix)" – 6:53
- "Spanish Guitar (Royal Garden Flamenco Mix)" – 4:34
- "Spanish Guitar (Album Version)" – 4:25