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)
El PresoFruko y Sus Tesos
Fruko y Sus Tesos is a salsa group from Colombia that has gained popularity in Latin America and the United States.
Formed in 1969, the group has released as many as 42 albums.
Among them, a particularly recommended work is El Preso.
Released in 1975, it features the Latin singer Wilson Saoko.
In Colombia, it’s known as a quintessential classic of salsa.
Tu CariñitoPuerto Rican Power
Puerto Rican Power is a very popular band in Puerto Rico.
Centered around Tito Rojas, this salsa band was hugely active from the 1980s through the 1990s.
One of their famous songs is “Puerto Rican Power.” It’s crafted in classic salsa style, with a lively melody that stands out throughout.
If you want to get a feel for what salsa sounds like as a genre, why not give this track a listen?
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.