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Thalia's expression on the front cover of 'Con Banda Grandes Exitos', wearing a gorgeous Mexican outfit made by dressmaker Gustavo Mata, means what this album is about - a tribute to her native country. It was recorded in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, & officially released after a private party in Hacienda Los Morales, one of Mexico City's most traditional places. Produced by Guillermo Gil, Con Banda Grandes Exitos comprised her greatest hits with new arrangements by Pancho Ruiz & Adolfo & Omar Valenzuela, including chart-toppers 'Amor a la Mexicana,' 'Entre el Mar y Una Estrella', & 'Arrasando.' 14 tracks. EMI International. 2001. It's bizarre at first to hear Mexican diva Thalia's biggest pop hits adorned with blaring horns and oompah beats, but she ultimately pulls it off on Banda Thalia Grandes Exitos. Thalia has enlisted a solid lineup of musicians and producers for the project, but this is hardly banda music in its purest form. Cumbia and pop rhythms regularly find their way into many of the tracks. The slick collection revisits--and reimagines--Thalia's most successful singles since joining EMI Latin in 1995, making for an uneven but interesting project. Tracks such as the already festive "Amor a la Mexicana" and "Por Amor" work well within the traditional banda setting, while ballads "Quiero Hacerte el Amor" and "Entre el Mar y una Estrella" drag a bit and are best showcased in their original arrangements. "Arrasando," the title track off Thalia's stellar 2000 album, is sapped of its energy, but the inclusion of traditional gems "Cuco Pena" and "La Revancha" is a genuine treat. Through it all, Thalia remains an authoritative--and irresistible--presence. --Joey Guerra