31. "Mississippi Mambo" - Noro Morales
After playing around with Latin Alternative and Brazilian music, it is time to go back to the sounds of what people usually expects to listen to in a Latin party: Salsa. To open the next set of Salsa I would like to start with this very classic track by the legendary pianist Noro Morales. The song is entirely instrumental and provides an amazing melody for all of those who like to dance Salsa in an elegant way. This is a nice song to introduce the 'hard Salsa' (Salsa dura) I am playing afterwards.
Listen / Download / Purchase32. "I Like It Like That" - Pete Rodriguez
Photo Courtesy Fania
I can't play a good set of Salsa without bringing back the vibrant sounds of Latin Boogaloo. Before Salsa became Salsa, Latin Boogaloo was the big thing during the 1960s. Some of the biggest stars of this movement included artists like the legendary Joe Cuba, Pete Rodriguez and Joe Bataan. Pete Rodriguez's "I Like It Like That" is my favorite Latin Boogaloo song. This single has an energy that is just amazing.
Listen / Download / Purchase33. "Siguelo" - Javier Vazquez
After moving through the sounds of Mambo and Latin Boogaloo with Noro Morales and Pete Rodriguez, I am closing this set with one of the best tracks in the history of hard Salsa/Salsa dura. If you want to dance to a good Salsa song, "Siguelo" is an ideal track to consider. This song offers the original and best sound of Salsa music. I have been listening to Salsa music for years and this track is definitely on top of my Salsa dura ranking.
Listen / Download / Purchase34. "Caraluna" - Bacilos
Now, it is time to move from the rich beats of hard Salsa to something a little bit softer. I am going to deliver this transition by adding to this Latin party playlist one of the best songs produced by the group Bacilos. "Caraluna" is a great song to dance to, especially if you are next to your loved one. The melody is defined by the popular combination of Vallenato with Tropical sounds that several Colombian artists have been forging in recent years. With this break, we are ready to explore more Tropical and Caribbean beats.
Listen / Download / Purchase35. "Pintame De Colores" - Gloria Estefan
Photo Courtesy Burgundy Records
"Pintame De Colores" is one of the best songs Gloria Estefan included in her album 90 Millas. This track brings a nice sound shaped around traditional Cuban music. In particular, the sounds of the tres and clave provide this song with a very nice Caribbean flavor. "Pintame De Colores" is definitely a nice song to include in this Latin party playlist.
Listen / Download / Purchase36. "La Gran Manzana" - Orquesta Frenesi
Now, it is time to introduce another interesting 'hybrid' song. "La Gran Manzana" is a single that achieved success thanks to the nice combination of Rap and Hip-Hop with Merengue. Besides being a nice song to dance to, this track opens the field for additional Merengue into this playlist.
Listen / Download / Purchase37. "Loca Conmigo" - Los Toros Band
"Loca Conmigo" is one of the most popular Merengue songs produced by Los Toros Band. The melody, which is easy to follow, is adorned with nice brass sections and solid percussion. Because of the way it combines romantic and danceable segments, this is one of those songs that are good for 'flirting'.
Listen / Download / Purchase38. "Nuestra Cancion" - Elvis Crespo
Following the vibes of the previous song, here there is another Merengue track by the popular Puerto Rican artist Elvis Crespo. "Nuestra Cancion" is a Merengue song that falls into the romantic side of the genre. In spite of this, the melody is also quite nice for dancing. Lovers will love to dance to it.
Listen / Download / Purchase39. "Bachata En Fukuoka" - Juan Luis Guerra
Photo Courtesy Latin
To continue with the Dominican flavor, we are closing this set with another song by Juan Luis Guerra. This time, however, I am playing one of the most famous Bachata songs produced by the iconic Dominican artist. "Bachata En Fukuoka" will give lovers an additional reason to stay on the dance floor. This song offers a nice melody and the usual poetic lyrics Juan Luis Guerra always add to his songs. Make sure you don't miss the Salsa segment towards the end!
Listen / Download / Purchase40. "Atrevete te te" - Calle 13
Time to spice up this Latin party with a little bit of Reggaeton and Cumbia. I could not leave out of this playlist one of the biggest names in Latin music. "Atrevete te te" is the song that transformed this Puerto Rican band into a Latin Urban music phenomenon. This classic song from Calle 13's repertoire features a nice combination of Reggaeton, Rap and Cumbia.
Listen / Download / Purchase