Martin's coming out having positive effect
Ricky Martin's decision to come out has "unleashed his creativity".
The Puerto Rican singer has been back in the studio with songwriter Desmond Child, who says he has noticed a dramatic change in the 'Livin' La Vida Loca' star since he announced to the world he is gay in March.
Desmond - who worked with Ricky on his fourth English language album - said: "I'm really excited about the music, the content, because since he's come out its unleashed his creativity and the scope of what he can sing about and say and do.
"Once he opened that door a floodgate of energy and creativity just really exploded."
The songwriter, who previously collaborated with Ricky on hits including 'She Bangs', also praised the star's philanthropy, saying his Ricky Martin Foundation charity work has also informed the issues he wants to sing about.
He added: "He's a formidable person - an activist, a philanthropist and humanitarian. All of the work he's put into his charity-it's all going into the music."
Desmond - who has worked with artists including Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Meat Loaf and Shakira - also described the sound of the new record, which is expected to be released next year.
He told blackbookmag.com: "We really reached a creative fusion of rock and pop and electronic and Latin music - it's all over the place in a really great way."
Ricky - who is adoptive father to twins Matteo and Valentino, two - is also planning to publish his autobiography, 'Me' in November this year.
