Everyone just venturing into Latin music should take note of the following albums. These works have been among the most popular productions in genres such as Latin Rock, Salsa, Merengue and Mexican music. From Donde Jugaran Los Niños to Bachata Rosa, the following albums will provide you with a starting place to discover some of the most wonderful sounds surrounding Latin music.
'Donde Jugaran Los Niños' - Mana
Photo Courtesy Warner Music Latina
Released in 1992, Donde Jugaran Los Niños is the name of the breakthrough album that transformed Mana into the most popular Mexican Rock band of all time. The album is defined by a pleasant sound that moves between the beats of Rock and Latin Pop. Some of the most memorable tracks on this album include songs like "Oye Mi Amor," "Vivir Sin Aire" and "Como Te Deseo." In terms of Latin Rock, Donde Jugaran Los Niños is definitely one of the most essential albums ever produced in this field.
'Master Sessions Vol. 1' - Cachao
Photo Courtesy Sony Music
It is not an easy task to pick an album that defines the richness of Cuban music. However, I think Cachao's Master Sessions Vol. 1 is one of the best works dealing with the vibrant sounds from Cuba. This album provides an amazing track listing that combines different genres such as Danzon, Mambo, Descarga and Son. Definitely a must have for those who want to further explore the sounds of the Caribbean.
'Clasicos De La Provincia' - Carlos Vives
Photo courtesy Philips Sonolux
Although Vallenato is not one of the most popular Latin music genres, I decided to include this album here because of the significant appeal of its music. With this work, Carlos Vives exposed Vallenato to a worldwide audience that fell in love with the sounds of this vibrant music style. Clasicos De La Provincia includes some of Carlos Vives' best songs including the famous hit "La Gota Fria."
'MTV Unplugged: Los Tigres del Norte and Friends' - Los Tigres del Norte
Photo Courtesy Fonovisa
For the past decades, Los Tigres del Norte have been producing outstanding albums in the Norteno field. This album features a nice compilation of enduring hits such as "Contrabando Y Traicion," "Golpes En El Corazon" and "La Jaula De Oro." Apart from this, MTV Unplugged: Los Tigres del Norte and Friends offers a sophisticated sound thanks to the different stars that took part on this project.
'Siembra' - Willie Colon and Ruben Blades
Photo Courtesy Fania
Siembra is widely considered one of the best Salsa albums ever recorded. Originally released in 1978, this seven-track album features the talented trombonist Wille Colon and the famous Salsa singer Ruben Blades. Some of the best tracks on this album include titles like "Buscando Guayaba," "Dime," "Plastico" and the memorable song "Pedro Navaja."
'Un Dia Normal' - Juanes
Photo Courtesy Universal Latino
Colombian superstar Juanes owes a lot of his popularity to this album. This production features some of the best songs Juanes has ever recorded including hits like "A Dios Le Pido," "Es Por Ti," "La Paga" and "Fotografia," a track featuring Nelly Furtado. A wonderful album from beginning to end, Un Dia Normal defined an important chapter in the history of Colombian Rock and Pop music.
'Getz/Gilberto' - Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto
Photo Courtesy Verve/PolyGram Records
As far as Brazilian music goes, this production recorded by American saxophonist Stan Getz and the talented guitarist Joao Gilberto is one of the most essential albums in the history of Bossa Nova. Getz/Gilberto contains classic songs such as "Doralice," "Desafinado" and "Corcovado". It also includes the memorable recording of "The Girl From Ipanema," featuring Brazilian singer Astrud Gilberto.
'Me Veras Volver: Hits & Mas' - Soda Stereo
Photo Courtesy Ariola
Because of its enormous impact on Latin Rock, Soda Stereo is one of the most influential artists in Latin music. Led by its talented singer Gustavo Cerati, this Argentinian band produced an extensive repertoire of hits. Me Veras Volver: Hits & Mas offers a nice compilation of some of the best songs recorded by Soda Stereo including tracks such as "Cuando Pase El Temblor," "Nada Personal" and "De Musica Ligera."
'Mi Tierra' - Gloria Estefan
Photo Courtesy Epic
Mi Tierra was the first Spanish-language album released by the Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan. This work embraces the Cuban roots of the artists through an eclectic mix of romantic and spicy melodies. Besides the megahit "Mi Tierra," top tracks include titles like "Con Los Años Que Me Quedan," "Ayer" and "Mi Buen Amor." A wonderful album from beginning to end.
'Romance' - Luis Miguel
Photo Courtesy Warner Music Latina
This has been one of the most popular albums ever recorded in Latin music. The combination of classic Bolero songs with the charisma of one of the biggest Latin Pop stars in the world ended up producing a killer album that was immediately embraced across Latin America. Thanks to Romance, Luis Miguel consolidated a place as one of the most romantic singers ever lived in Latin music.
