Classic salsa songs. Recommended popular tracks.

Dile A EllaVíctor Manuelle

Víctor Manuelle – Dile A Ella (Video Oficial)

Victor Manuelle, the ultimate salsa singer.

The reason he’s called the ultimate is that while other salsa singers often branch out into Latin pop and other genres over their long careers, he has publicly declared that he will never make music outside salsa for his entire life.

You can really see how deeply he loves salsa.

One of his classic songs is Dile A Ella.

It’s especially melodic for salsa and emphasizes the vocals, so I think even beginners will find it approachable.

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Talento de TelevisiónWillie Colón

Talento de Television

Willie Colón is a singer who represents salsa.

If you’re interested in salsa, you’ve probably heard his music at least once.

Among his many classics, the one I especially recommend is Talento de Televisión.

If I had to describe this song in one phrase: an incredibly bright, joyful salsa! It’s a track where you can savor an exuberantly cheerful melody and salsa’s distinctive rhythms.

If you love classic, straight-ahead salsa, this is a must-listen!

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Las Caras LindasIsmael Rivera

LAS CARAS LINDAS – ISMAEL RIVERA

Ismael Rivera, a salsa singer who was active in the 1950s.

He was also a composer and created numerous classic salsa songs over the years.

One of his masterpieces is “Las Caras Lindas.” When people think of salsa, they often imagine light, glamorous tunes, but his salsa is different—it’s crafted with a wistful, melancholic atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a more mature, soulful kind of salsa, be sure to check it out.

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Toro MataCelia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco

Toro Mata

Celia Cruz, a singer beloved by countless listeners and artists as the Queen of Salsa.

If you listen to salsa, I’m sure you know her.

This piece, Toro Mata, is a collaboration between Celia and Dominican composer Johnny Pacheco.

Its structure is so avant-garde that it holds its own even when compared to contemporary Afro-Cuban and neo-salsa.

If you want to hear authentic salsa, be sure to check it out.

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Conteo RegresivoGilberto Santa Rosa

Gilberto Santa Rosa – Conteo Regresivo (Salsa Version)

Gilberto Santa Rosa is a singer-songwriter who enjoys immense popularity in the United States and Puerto Rico.

A representative salsa singer from Puerto Rico, he has won the Grammy Awards six times.

One of his signature songs is Conteo Regresivo.

Compared to other salsa singers, his voice has a particularly rich, full-bodied quality, which gives his singing great impact.

He also excels at boleros, which may be why he has a vocal thickness not often found in salsa singers.

If you value vocal prowess, be sure to check him out.

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Ven, Devorame Otra VezLalo Rodríguez

Ven Devorame Otra Vez

Singer-songwriter Lalo Rodríguez, a favorite in Puerto Rico—the hot zone of salsa—once stepped away from the scene, but began performing in earnest again in the 2010s and continues to be active in Puerto Rico today.

One of his classic hits is Ven, Devorame Otra Vez.

With its glamorous, airy melody, it showcases the full allure of salsa.

Be sure to give it a listen.

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Ran Kan KanTito Puente

Tito Puente – Ran Kan Kan

This is salsa music by Tito Puente with a rather classic style.

The indispensable clave and percussion create a very striking rhythm that brings out the appeal of Tito Puente’s masculine singing voice.