Cosmopolitan Girl is a compilation album by Puerto Rican boy bandMenudo, released in Peru in 1993 by the record label Discos Hispanos.[1][2] The album was only released on cassette tape, and its track listing includes twelve songs released by the group between 1984 and 1993, taken from the albums Reaching Out (1984), Ayer y hoy (1985), Menudo (1985), and Sons of Rock (1987). Additionally, two singles were included, appearing for the first time on a Menudo album: "Dancin', Movin', Shakin'" (1992) and the title track, released shortly before the album in 1993.
Although the songs come from albums released by different lineups of the group, the cover features a photograph of the 1993 lineup, consisting of singers Abel Talamántez, Alexis Grullón, Andy Blázquez, Ashley Ruiz, and Ricky López—some of whom would be part of Menudo's final lineup[3] before the group was rebranded as MDO in 1997.[4] Despite only officially forming in 1997, the group members had already referred to themselves as MDO since 1993, as noted in the lyrics of the song "Cosmopolitan Girl."[5]
Songs
Released exclusively on cassette tape, the album features twelve tracks organized into two sides (A and B), blending songs from the group’s previous albums with two tracks previously unavailable on other compilations or studio albums by the quintet. The tracks were sourced from various albums: - "Gimme Rock," "Motorcycle Dreamer," "If You're Not Here (By My Side)," "Fly Away," and "Because of Love" are from the album Reaching Out (1984);[6] "Acércate" is from *Ayer y hoy* (1985);[7] "Hold Me" is part of the 1985 album Menudo;[8] "You Got Potential," "Good Loving," and "I Will" are from Sons of Rock (1987).[9]
The title track, "Cosmopolitan Girl," and "Dancin', Movin', Shakin'" were not included on any other Menudo album.
"Dancin', Movin', Shakin'"
This English-language song was released in January 1992, following the success of the album Detrás de tu mirada (1991) in countries like Peru, but it was ultimately left off the subsequent album 15 años (1992).[10] Produced, written, and arranged by Mickey Garcia and Elvin Molina, the track was commercially available as a 12" vinyl single and cassette single.[10] The band promoted the song on Peruvian TV and included it in concerts held in Lima and other Peruvian cities.[11] According to Hector Rosas of the Mexican newspaper El Norte, "Dancin', Movin', Shakin'" was a major hit on radio stations.[12]
"Cosmopolitan Girl"
The album’s title track was released as an extended play (EP) under the McGillis Records label, including remixed versions. The song blends pop and hip hop elements. Its lyrics focus on girls who captivate the band members, with a youthful appeal. Produced by Mickey Garcia and written by G. Rodriguez, the single was released in the United States by Rhythm Trax. The remixes incorporate genres like funk, rave, house, and reggae. Billboard magazine gave the single a mixed review, praising the vocal performance and melody’s commercial potential but criticizing the original version’s weak, superficial production. The remixes were noted for attempting too many styles at once, sacrificing cohesion.[13]
Promotion
In 1993, Menudo returned to Peru with their new lineup for TV appearances and live shows. Despite over a decade of lineup changes, the band still had a strong teen fanbase in the country.[14]Cosmopolitan Girl was released to capitalize on their momentum.
During a concert at Lima’s Club Lawn Tennis de la Exposición, 5,000 fans (exceeding venue capacity) caused a stampede toward the stage 20 minutes in. The chaos led to the death of 15-year-old Cecilia Huamán (asphyxiation) and 200 injuries.[14] The band, unaware until after the show, later honored her with the song "Mil ángeles" on their 1994 albumImagínate..., inspired by a letter she wrote.[14]
Commercial performance
As a Peru-exclusive release, the album had a limited print run (relative to the country’s population) and became a rare collector’s item. On March 28, 2018, the "Radio Mix" remix of "Cosmopolitan Girl" peaked at #66 on Peru’s weekly iTunes chart.[15]
↑ Rosas, Hector (February 21, 1998). "Menudo's History". El Norte (in Spanish). Monterrey, Mexico: Editora El Sol, S.A. de C.V. p.11. 316272605. Retrieved June 14, 2025– via ProQuest.
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