Latin music is something which I never knew anything about, much like many of you, and I put that down to the fact that I didn’t understand so much of it because of the language barrier. I started to learn a bit of Spanish a while ago and to aid that process I decided to start listening to more latin music, to help me learn some more words. I have since been on the most amazing journey with this music and I want to talk to you about some artists who I particularly enjoy.
Hector Lavoe
Hector Lavoe is often known as one of the pioneers of Salsa style music and he was na integral part of the New York/Puerto Rican scene of the 1970s when this music rose to prominence thanks to the Fania record label and singers like Hector. If you want to start listening to Salsa then this is the guy to start with, he had some of the most amazing musicians working with him at the time and his songs are filled with melancholy, joy and amazing tones and energy which make you want to move your feet.
Babasonicos
The early 90s Argentinian rock scene was lead by a famous group called Soda Stereo which then spawned a great number of guitar outfits after them. One of my favorite groups of that time was a band called the Babasonicos, in particular their album Infame which features the smash hit La Putita. I was put on to this band by my good friend Javier Burillo and he and I were even lucky to catch them at a concert in Mexico City. They are a mid to hard rock band and they have some beautiful music with experimental touches.
Shakira
Many of you will know Shakira because of her English speaking music but she had a long career in Spanish speaking music before that and this is some of her best work in my view. The album ‘Donde Estan Los Ladrones?’ is a pop masterpiece and I suggest that this is the album which you start with. In her early days her voice was much more raw and far more playful than the pop goddess which we now know, and listening to it will make you see the singer in a wholly different light.
Bad Bunny
Reggaeton is a musical style which is everywhere right now and whilst I personally am not a big fan of the genre, I absolutely love the artist Bad Bunny. This guy does his own style of reggaeton but there is so much more than that and he is a true creator, who actually reminds of Prince in terms of his approach to music and styles. This is a guy who looks odd, sings a bit weird but makes some great music and videos, and he is someone who will be staying at the top for a very long time to come.
Which latin artists would you recommend?
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