AS THE LEVEL OF masculine aggression has escalated in movies, television and pop music, the image of the traditional Latin lover has begun to undergo extensive renovation. In pop, the stereotype has evolved from a suave Mediterranean seducer wearing a tuxedo and murmuring fervent sweet talk to a sweatier multilingual pop-soul belter dressed in fashionable street clothes.

To understand the difference, compare the newest albums by the enduring Spanish pop superstar Julio Iglesias and the Cuban-American singer Jon Secada, both of whom live in southern Florida. Between Mr. Iglesias, who is 51, and Mr. Secada, who is 32, the ratio of ethereality to testosterone in the singing has shifted decisively toward the more hormonal.

The essence of Mr. Iglesias' appeal is distilled in "Caruso," a tribute to the legendary Italian tenor written by Lucio Dalla, on Mr. Iglesias' latest album, "Crazy" (Columbia 57584; CD and cassette). Stylistically the song is a pop answer to a Puccini aria that shows off the singer's skill as a bel canto balladeer. Singing in Italian and holding back a sob, Mr. Iglesias soars dramatically heavenward through a dreamy haze of strings and guitar....