Best of Latin Music
By Carlos Quintana, About.com Guide
Suggested Readings
A selection of articles covering both the basics and different genres and styles of Latin music. This is your starting point to get familiar with the ideas and main developments in Latin music.
- What Is Latin Music?
- Latin Music History
- Latin Music Artist – A Definition
- Essential Latin Music Genres
- Introduction to Latin Alternative Music
- Mexican Popular Music - Tejano, Norteno, Banda
- Overview of Latin Urban Music
- Latin Music and Society
- Salsa - From Cuba to New York to You
- Traditional Latin American Music
- Music of the Dominican Republic
- History of Mambo
- Brazilian Music Basics
- Narcocorrido - Overview of Mexico's Drug Ballads
- Introduction to Latin Boogaloo
- Latin Music and Politics
- Overview of Tropicalia
Latin Music Legends
Featuring lists and single profiles of some of the most influential Latin music artists in history.
- Latin Music Legends
- Famous Latino Singers and Artists
- Top 10 Most Influential Brazilian Artists
- Latin Rock Legends
- Celia Cruz – The Queen of Salsa
- Julio Iglesias - Best Selling Artist
- Selena – The Queen of Tejano Music
- Hector Lavoe – 'El Cantante'
- Joao Gilberto – The Father of Bossa Nova
- Soda Stereo – Latin Rock Pioneers
- Carlos Gardel – Tango’s King
- Joe Cuba - The Father of Latin Boogaloo
- Vicente Fernandez - The King of Ranchera
Most Popular Artists
A selection of articles offering information about the lives and music works of today’s most popular singers and bands in Latin music.
- Top Bachata Artists
- Top Latin Urban Artists
- Top Mexican Music Bands
- Essential Merengue Artists
- Prince Royce
- Calle 13
- Don Omar
- Romeo Santos
- Juan Luis Guerra
- Daddy Yankee
- Alejandro Sanz
- Shakira
- Gloria Estefan
- Miguel Bose
- Hector Acosta
- Fonseca
- Jenni Rivera
- Juanes
- Los Tigres del Norte
- Mana
Suggested Albums
If you are just getting into Latin music and need some suggestions as far as albums go, these are some Latin music works I highly recommend. They include both classic and contemporary albums.
- 'Quatro: The Definitive Collection' - Tito Puente
- ‘Master Sessions Volume 1’ – Cachao
- 'JUANES MTV Unplugged' - Juanes
- 'Caravana Sereia Bloom' - Ceu
- ‘Illustrated Songs’ – Gaby Moreno
- ‘MTV Unplugged: Los Tigres del Norte and Friends’ – Los Tigres del Norte
- 'Ilusion' - Fonseca
- 'Chico & Rita' - Bebo Valdes
- ‘Entren Los Que Quieran’ – Calle 13
- ‘Cigala & Tango” – Diego El Cigala
- 'Coleccion Cristiana' - Juan Luis Guerra
- 'Area 52' - Rodrigo y Gabriela
- 'La Bala' - Ana Tijoux
- 'Romance' - Luis Miguel
- ‘Limon Y Sal’ – Julieta Venegas
- ‘Prince Royce’ – Prince Royce
- ‘Pies Descalzos’ – Shakira
- 'Tribalistas' - Tribalistas
- ‘Lunatico’ – GoTan Project
- ‘The Last’ – Aventura
Best Playlists - By Genre and Theme
Regardless of your musical interest, these playlists will provide you with some of the best tracks ever produced in Latin music. You can find here different compilations dealing with Salsa, Reggaeton, Brazilian music, and more!
- 50 Songs for A Latin Party
- Latin Music Songs for Beginners
- Top Latin Songs of 2012
- Greatest Salsa Songs
- Latin Alternative Songs for Beginners
- Best Reggaeton Songs
- Famous Brazilian Songs
- Top Bachata Songs of 2012
- Top 10 Classic Tango Songs
- Top Colombian Salsa Songs
- Playlist of Bachata Songs
- Latin Jazz Playlist
- Bossa Nova Songs for Beginners
- Latin Music for Kids
- Best Vallenatos in History
- Best Ranchera Songs
- Merengue Dance Party Songs
- Romantic Salsa Songs
- Brazilian Love Songs
- Salsa Dura Songs
Best Playlists - By Artist
Looking for the best songs from top Latin music artists and bands? These playlist feature a collection of hits by some of the most influential Latin music artists in history.
- Aterciopelados
- Cafe Tacvba
- Celia Cruz
- El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico
- Enanitos Verdes
- Gloria Estefan
- Grupo Niche
- Guayacan Orquesta
- Hector Lavoe
- Jenni Rivera
- Juan Gabriel
- Juan Luis Guerra
- Juanes
- Joe Arroyo
- Luis Miguel
- Mana
- Marc Anthony
- Ricky Martin
- Ruben Blades
- Tito Puente
Best Album Lists
The following selection includes album compilations by year, artist, genre and theme. This is your chance to visit some of the most outstanding works in Latin music.