There’s really not that much music to choose from – after all, there are 400 million Spanish speakers worldwide. But maybe this list will help you get a feel for the rhythm and harmonies of a musical tradition that is so exciting and compelling that it speaks to you in a universal language.
1. 'Destiny' - Gloria Estefan
All Gloria, all English, all the time. Mostly ballads mixed with some spice.
2. 'Mended' - Marc Anthony
A combination of salsa and ballads by the man with the voice that turned a generation on to Latin Music: Marc Anthony. Twelve out of the 13 tracks are in English.
4. 'Island Life' - Yerba Buena
Latin fusion from this original New York based Yerba Buena. Lots of Spanglish mixed with English, but don't worry, you'll get it.
5. 'Supernatural' - Santana
If you haven't heard this album, you haven't been paying attention. The platinum album, featuring the unmistakable sound of Santana and the superhit "Smooth," is half English, half Spanish.
6. 'Sound Loaded' - Ricky Martin
Although Ricky Martin has gotten great reviews for some albums, this is not one of them. I beg to differ with the critics -- I think this is a great album! "She Bangs" is the track that will be familiar from all the radio airplay, but my favorite is the tango "Jezebel."
7. 'For All Time' - Soluna
I first heard Soluna, the all-girl group from East L.A., as the back-up act for Marc Anthony. I like their voices and their pop sound.
8. 'Wolftracks' - Los Lobos
This Los Lobos compilation disc features the very best of these East L.A. rockers.
9. 'I Like It Like That' - Tito Nieves
The irrepressible salsero Tito Nieves in his only all English language CD.
10. 'Aztec Souls: The Best in Latin Hip Hop'
OK, hip-hop and rap are genres that really do rely on lyrics. Here's a CD that lets you understand what the rapping is all about.