In Brief

** 1/2 Mana, “Unplugged,” WEA Latina. Within the setting of an unplugged recital, the Mexican group is exposed for what it really is: a solid pop band. The acoustic make-over, which includes strings, female vocals and percussionist Luis Conte, makes the group’s mostly forgettable repertoire sound tastier than usual. A few unexpected selections from the likes of Juan Gabriel and Ruben Blades showcase the more sensitive side of a group known mostly for its flashy displays of arena-rock bravado. Mana plays four nights at the Arrowhead Pond with Santana starting Aug. 11.

*

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).