Malú is a Spanish pop singer who made her smash hit debut as a teenager in the late '90s and remained successful over the years that followed. Born María Lucía Sánchez Benítez on March 12, 1982, in Madrid, Spain, she is the niece of legendary flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía. While still a teenager, she made her full-length debut with Aprendiz (1998), on which she collaborated with singer/songwriter Alejandro Sanz on a couple songs, including the smash hit title track. Firmly establishing her as one of the most exciting new voices on the Spanish pop scene, Aprendiz reached the Top Ten of the albums chart and spawned several singles in addition to the title track. Her second album, Cambiarás (1999), was something of a commercial disappointment, failing to reach the Top Ten despite spawning another bunch of singles. She rebounded with her third album, Esta Vez (2001), which marked a break with Jesús Yanes, who had produced her first two full-length efforts. Recorded in Miami with producer Estéfano, who had recently worked with Paulina Rubio on her commercial blockbuster album Paulina (2000), Esta Vez reached the Top Five of the Spanish albums chart and spawned five singles. All except one of these singles were penned by Estéfano. Fourth album Otra Piel (2003), a collaboration with producer Kiko Campos, was another Top Ten hit. The live album Por una Vez (2004) came next. Recorded live in Madrid, it includes guest appearances by Alejandro Sanz, Antonio Orozco, and Paco de Lucía. Malú then teamed up with producers Mauri Stern and Graeme Pleeth for a couple albums, Malú (2005) and Desafío (2006), before she released the greatest-hits compilation Gracias (2007) and took a break. She returned a couple years later with an album of full-throttle rock songs produced by Stern, Vive (2009). Obviously refreshed by her hiatus, that year she also produced a limited-edition release entitled Malu by Yo Dona, then swiftly returned in 2010 with yet another new studio album, Guerra Fría. An "intimate" live concert at La Casona in Mexico City showcasing songs from that album was recorded and released in 2011 as the CD/DVD set Íntima Guerra Fría. ~ Jason Birchmeier, Rovi
