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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Las Caras LindasIsmael 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.