Lin-Manuel Miranda assembles a star-studded cast of Latino artists for Puerto Rico benefit single, “Almost Like Praying.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda is ‘the man’ – understatement.  Who better to assemble a star-studded single to benefit Puerto Rico in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Maria? Indeed, Miranda is assisted by Luis Fonsi, Marc Anthony, Camila Cabello, and Jennifer Lopez among others on “Almost Like Praying.” 

Fittingly, the majority of “Almost Like Praying” is in Spanish.  However, Miranda kicks things off with the ‘hook’ in English:

“Say it loud and there’s music playing… / Say it soft and it’s almost like praying / It’ almost like praying…”

Following the reverent start, the Latin rhythms kick in, as do the many celebrity appearances, beginning with Luis Fonsi and Marc Anthony. Throughout its course, each celeb or pairs of celebs get short snippets of the song, which makes it quite intriguing.  This also makes it a bit ‘all over the place,’ yet, that sentiment feels right for a big benefit single like this one.  Throughout, besides intriguing performances by the cast, the music and production serves as an excellent backdrop.  In order to provide some structure, the hook by Lin-Manuel Miranda reappears at times – often the signature, titular lyric.

Final Thoughts

Can there really be rubs about a benefit single? Doesn’t that just sound cruel? All in all, “Almost Like Praying” ends up being enjoyable – a musical means to soothe the ails of a devastated territory.  The music can’t fix the devastation, but hopefully, the proceeds can help to rebuild and restore Puerto Rico and make it even stronger.

Lin-Manuel Miranda • Almost Like Praying – Puerto Rico Benefit Single • Atlantic • Release: 10.6.17 

Photo Credit: Atlantic