Essential Latin Pop Albums

Enrique Iglesias is one of the top Latin Pop artists in the world. A lot of that reputation comes from this album, which to this date is still his best selling work. Besides the worldwide sensation created by the single "Escape," whose video with Anna Kournikova added to the phenomenon, the album brought other songs like "Hero" and "Don't Turn Off The Lights" to the top of the charts in several countries around the globe.

With this album, the Mexican singer was able to consolidate her already solid place among Latin Pop artists. The "Golden Girl," as she is usually referred to, experienced enormous success with this work and her single "Te Quise Tanto" became a worldwide hit. The album, which includes popular songs like "Dame Otro Tequila" and "Algo Tienes," offers a good opportunity to see the musical evolution of an authentic icon of the Latin Pop scene.

One of the most successful albums of the Spanish singer, El Alma Al Aire gave Alejandro Sanz four Grammy awards in the 43rd edition of this event. The single "El Alma Al Aire" was responsible for bringing the album to the top of the charts in several countries. For instance, El Alma Al Aire sold one million copies in Spain just one week after its release. Alejandro's voice has captured audiences around the world making him one of the most beloved superstars of the Latin Pop crowd.

Shakira's destiny as a Latin Pop sensation started with this album. Pies Descalzos is still regarded by many as the best work ever produced by Shakira. The album is an authentic collection of hits where every single song is better than the other. Because of this, Pies Descalzos is a necessary point of reference within the Latin Pop genre. Hit tracks include "Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos," "Donde Estas Corazon," "Estoy Aqui," and "Un Poco De Amor."

Read Review

One of the most refreshing stars of the Latin Pop genre, Julieta Venegas gained international success with this album that sold over a million copies around the world. Julieta’s music is both pleasant and innovative and Si offers the best side of the Mexican artist. Top songs include “Lento,” “Donde Quiero Estar,” “Lo Que Pidas,” and “Andar Conmigo.” With this album, Julieta Venegas consolidated an style that Latin Pop fans have unconditionally embraced. 

A wonderful album from beginning to end, Un Dia Normal gave Juanes a huge international exposure thanks to a contrasting mix of songs that includes hits like "A Dios Le Pido," "Es Por Ti," "La Paga," and "Fotografia." After recording Un Dia Normal, Juanes has grown into a Latin Pop superstar capturing audiences all over the world. Un Dia Normal is easily the best work this Colombian singer has produced.

Read Review

Although Selena is usually placed around Tejano music, her last album transformed this singer into an icon of Latin Pop music. Just a couple of months after her tragic death, Dreaming of You was able to sell over 175,000 copies on its release date. Selena topped the music charts with the single "Dreaming Of You" and her work pushed Latin music into new levels of popularity in the US.

Even though this album probably fits better into a list dealing with boleros rather than Latin Pop albums, Romance represents a crucial moment for Latin Pop star Luis Miguel. This album was, in fact, nominated for a Grammy award in the category for Best Latin Pop Album. Thanks to what Luis Miguel delivered in this album, younger generations throughout Latin America were able to reconnect with the sounds of the most romantic melodies ever produced in the region. To this date, Romance remains Luis Miguel's bestselling album.

Read Review

With Laundry Service, Shakira went global. This was the artist's first attempt at singing in English language. That ambition paid well and Laundry Service still remains the best selling album to date for the Colombian superstar. Apart from the worldwide phenomenon provoked by the single "Whenever, Wherever," this work include additional hits like "Objection (Tango)," "Underneath Your Clothes," and "The One."

Right after the amazing performance Ricky Martin delivered at the 1999 Grammy Awards ceremony, there was a sensation that something had changed for Latin music. The Ricky Martin album released months after the Grammys confirmed that this sensation was for real. "Livin' La Vida Loca" had taken the world by storm and Latin music had found in the Puerto Rican artist the icon that it needed to reach new heights. Ricky Martin is an essential album in the making of Latin Pop music.