Classic salsa songs. Recommended popular tracks.
Salsa is a music genre known in Japan as one of the mainstays of the dance scene.
I think it’s a genre everyone has heard at least once.
However, surprisingly few people have seriously listened to salsa as music.
This time, we’ve picked out some classic salsa tracks.
We’ve selected not only older songs but also relatively new tracks from the 2010s.
If you’d like to experience the history and charm of salsa, please relax and enjoy until the very end.
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Salsa masterpieces: recommended popular songs (1–10)
Sin Salsa No Hay ParaisoEl Gran Combo de Puerto Rico
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is a salsa orchestra based in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
They are the most successful salsa orchestra from Puerto Rico, and among their works, a particularly recommended classic is “Sin Salsa No Hay Paraíso.” Despite being called an orchestra, their sound isn’t heavy; it faithfully captures salsa’s light, lively groove.
Cali PachangueroGrupo Niche
Grupo Niche is a group that was hugely active during the Latin music boom of the 1980s.
Centered on salsa, they are based in Santiago de Cali, Colombia.
They are especially popular throughout Latin America and continue to be celebrated today as a group that performs classic, straight-ahead salsa.
One of Grupo Niche’s signature songs is “Cali Pachanguero,” a top recommendation for anyone who wants to hear authentic salsa.
La MurgaHéctor Lavoe, Willie Colón and Yomo Toro
When you think of salsa, many people probably imagine something light and breezy, right? It’s true that much salsa is crafted to be lively and rhythmic.
However, there are exceptions.
This track, “La Murga,” is shaped with a sticky, sultry tone you won’t find in ordinary salsa—a more grown-up kind of salsa, you could say.
In addition to Héctor Lavoe’s vocals, Willie Colón’s trombone and Yomo Toro’s guitar are exceptionally stylish, so be sure to pay attention to the performance as you listen.
Salsa classics. Recommended popular songs (11–20)
La RebelionJoe Arroyo
Joe Arroyo is one of Colombia’s most iconic salsa singers.
His salsa differs from the typical style, infused with the essence of tropical music to create a lighter, brisker sound.
Among his works, the standout classic I especially recommend is La Rebelión.
While the track is rooted in upbeat salsa, it also includes a passionate section reminiscent of flamenco.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to savor a variety of salsa’s charms in a single song.
Pedro NavajaWillie Colon & Ruben Blades
The duo Willie Colón & Rubén Blades helped energize the Latin music boom of the 1970s.
Their 1978 album Siembra became a massive worldwide hit and ranks among the best-selling Latin music albums.
One standout track from Siembra is Pedro Navaja.
With its relatively mellow melody for salsa, it’s recommended for anyone who enjoys laid-back Latin music.
Cuando Hablan Las MiradasGuayacan Orquesta
When people think of the country where salsa is most beloved, many probably picture Puerto Rico.
While Puerto Rico is indeed a hotbed of salsa, Colombia is just as much a salsa powerhouse.
The salsa orchestra thriving in Colombia is the Orquesta Guayacán.
Their track ‘Cuando Hablan Las Miradas’ is one of Orquesta Guayacán’s signature songs, a piece that stands out among many salsa classics for its particularly cool, understated vibe.
SoledadLa-33
La 33 is a salsa band from Colombia formed by the Sergio brothers and the Santiago Mejía brothers.
Though relatively under the radar, they’re a powerhouse known among those in the know and highly regarded by dedicated fans.
Among their works, the salsa classic I especially recommend is Soledad.
With its passionate melody, it feels refreshingly new even to listeners familiar with traditional, straight-ahead salsa.