200 Greatest Latin Rock Songs
Criteria: "The Greatest Latin Rock Songs" were chosen from the list "Las 120 mejores canciones del rock hispanoamericano" published by Rock en las Americas blog. This top songs list contains songs from Hispanic America, U.S and Spain that became part of Rock & Latin Alternative Culture based on initial and lasting popularity as well as influence and international impact in Latin rock music.
Background: At the end of the 1950's, the boom of rock 'n' roll dominated over Latin American traditional music and was easily received by the youth in the Latin American countries."An important landmark was the version of the traditional song "La Bamba" that Ritchie Valens recorded, which became the first Spanish-Language hit in Rock music. In Latin America, rock 'n' roll music started to be known because of adaptations of American hits in Spanish-language songs made by mexicans bands. Although in the beginning rock was related with popular music, it would later become a part of the counterculture movement and would be used as a special form of political manifestation. In the United States in the 70's, Chicano rock created a fusion of rock, funk and R&B, whereas in the 80's the spirit of punk music would allow bands in Latin America to fuse with the salsa, ska and reggae. A new wave of rock bands acquired greater popularity than before and the industry started to call it 'Rock en español'"
In the 90's, diverse styles were interpreted by diverse bands throughout Latin America and Spain and were embraced by different urban sub-cultures. Also in this decade, many rock bands became part of the international crossover scene at the same time as they formed a particular identity in the Latin American culture.
"Latin rock" used to apply abroad to rock fused with afro-caribbean rhythms or other latin american genres, but "latin rock" is a term that applies to a very complex rock culture formed by bands of different styles and they have become part of a Contemporary tradition in Latin music. Another terms used in spanish are "rock hispanoamericano" (hispanic-american rock) or "rock iberoamericano" (ibero-american rock including Brazilian scene)
Background: At the end of the 1950's, the boom of rock 'n' roll dominated over Latin American traditional music and was easily received by the youth in the Latin American countries."An important landmark was the version of the traditional song "La Bamba" that Ritchie Valens recorded, which became the first Spanish-Language hit in Rock music. In Latin America, rock 'n' roll music started to be known because of adaptations of American hits in Spanish-language songs made by mexicans bands. Although in the beginning rock was related with popular music, it would later become a part of the counterculture movement and would be used as a special form of political manifestation. In the United States in the 70's, Chicano rock created a fusion of rock, funk and R&B, whereas in the 80's the spirit of punk music would allow bands in Latin America to fuse with the salsa, ska and reggae. A new wave of rock bands acquired greater popularity than before and the industry started to call it 'Rock en español'"
In the 90's, diverse styles were interpreted by diverse bands throughout Latin America and Spain and were embraced by different urban sub-cultures. Also in this decade, many rock bands became part of the international crossover scene at the same time as they formed a particular identity in the Latin American culture.
"Latin rock" used to apply abroad to rock fused with afro-caribbean rhythms or other latin american genres, but "latin rock" is a term that applies to a very complex rock culture formed by bands of different styles and they have become part of a Contemporary tradition in Latin music. Another terms used in spanish are "rock hispanoamericano" (hispanic-american rock) or "rock iberoamericano" (ibero-american rock including Brazilian scene)
1. Matador
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
2. De Música Ligera
Soda Stereo
3. Clandestino
Manu Chao
4. Entre dos tierras
Héroes del Silencio
5. Gimme tha power
Molotov
6. Persiana americana
Soda Stereo
7. Bolero falaz
Aterciopelados
8. Oye como va
Santana
9. Déjate caer
Los Tres
10. Afuera
Caifanes
11. Sin documentos
Los Rodriguez
12. Sr. Cobranza
Bersuit Vergarabat
13. Cuando pase el temblor
Soda Stereo
14. Las flores
Café Tacuba
15. Señor Matanza
Mano Negra
16. Mala vida
Mano Negra
17. We are south american rockers
Los Prisioneros
18. Florecita rockera
Aterciopelados
19. Triste canción de amor
El Tri
20. La ingrata
Café Tacuba
21. El duelo
La Ley
22. En la ciudad de la furia
Soda Stereo
23. El baile de los que sobran
Los Prisioneros
24. La chispa adecuada
Héroes del Silencio
25. Vasos vacíos
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs feat. Celia Cruz
26. La celula que explota
Caifanes
27. La leyenda del hada y el mago
Rata Blanca
28. Muchacha ojos de papel
Almendra
29. Nos siguen pegando abajo
Charly García
30. La balsa
Los Gatos
31. Frijolero
Molotov
32. Lucha de gigantes
Nacha Pop
33. Puto
Molotov
34. La bamba
Los Lobos
35. Pachuco
Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio
36. Lobo hombre en París
La Unión
37. Mil horas
Los Abuelos de la Nada
38. Mariposa technicolor
Fito Páez
39. Maldito duende
Héroes del Silencio
40. Ni tú ni nadie
Alaska y Dinarama
41. Ji ji ji
Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota
42. Primavera 0
Soda Stereo
43. Lamento boliviano
Enanitos Verdes
44. Black is black
Los Bravos
45. La locomotora
Café Tacuba
46. Cuando seas grande
Miguel Mateos
47. La bamba
Ritchie Valens
48. Puente
Gustavo Cerati
49. Vagabundo
Robi Draco Rosa
50. El loco
Babasónicos
51. El amor después del amor
Fito Páez
52. Los dinosaurios
Charly García
53. Rasguña las piedras
Sui Generis
54. No dejes que..
Caifanes
55. Flaca
Andrés Calamaro
56. Demoliendo hoteles
Charly García
57. Nubes
Caifanes
58. ¿Qué ves?
Divididos
59. Bienvenidos
Miguel Ríos
60. Desaparecido
Manu Chao
61. En algun lugar
Duncan Dhu
62. Maldito sea tu nombre
Angeles del Infierno
63. Espiral
Porter
64. Abre la puerta
Triana
65. Para no olvidar
Los Rodriguez
66. El baile y el salón
Café Tacuba
67. Salve
La Polla Records
68. El metro Balderas
Rockdrigo Gonzáles
69. Mejor no hablar de ciertas cosas
Sumo
70. La flaca
Jarabe de Palo
71. Tren al sur
Los Prisioneros
72. De mis pasos
Julieta Venegas
73. Devuéveme a mi chica
Hombres G
74. Resistiré
Barón Rojo
75. Viento
Caifanes
76. Voto latino
Molotov
77. Y lo que quiero es que pises sin el suelo
Catupecu Machu
78. Detrás de los cerros
Jaguares
79. La plaga
Los Teen Tops
80. A quien le importa
Alaska y Dinarama
81. Mr. P Mosh
Plastilina Mosh
82. Lady blue
Enrique Bunbury
83. Avalancha
Héroes del Silencio
84. Comprendes Mendez
Control Machete
85. Todos juntos
Los Jaivas
86. Veneno en la piel
Radio Futura
87. Insurrección
El Último de la Fila
88. Irresponsables
Babasónicos
89. Yo no soy un rebelde
Los Locos del Ritmo
90. Mal bicho
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
91. Día cero
La Ley
92. No voy en tren
Charly García
93. Ella usó mi cabeza como un révolver
Soda Stereo
94. Oasis
Puya
95. La muralla verde
Enanitos Verdes
96. Los rockeros van al infierno
Barón Rojo
97. Soun da mi primer amor
Kinky
98. Me vuelve loco (tu forma de ser)
Los Auntenticos Decadentes
99. Mentira
La Ley
100. El son del dolor
La Cuca
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
2. De Música Ligera
Soda Stereo
3. Clandestino
Manu Chao
4. Entre dos tierras
Héroes del Silencio
5. Gimme tha power
Molotov
6. Persiana americana
Soda Stereo
7. Bolero falaz
Aterciopelados
8. Oye como va
Santana
9. Déjate caer
Los Tres
10. Afuera
Caifanes
11. Sin documentos
Los Rodriguez
12. Sr. Cobranza
Bersuit Vergarabat
13. Cuando pase el temblor
Soda Stereo
14. Las flores
Café Tacuba
15. Señor Matanza
Mano Negra
16. Mala vida
Mano Negra
17. We are south american rockers
Los Prisioneros
18. Florecita rockera
Aterciopelados
19. Triste canción de amor
El Tri
20. La ingrata
Café Tacuba
21. El duelo
La Ley
22. En la ciudad de la furia
Soda Stereo
23. El baile de los que sobran
Los Prisioneros
24. La chispa adecuada
Héroes del Silencio
25. Vasos vacíos
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs feat. Celia Cruz
26. La celula que explota
Caifanes
27. La leyenda del hada y el mago
Rata Blanca
28. Muchacha ojos de papel
Almendra
29. Nos siguen pegando abajo
Charly García
30. La balsa
Los Gatos
31. Frijolero
Molotov
32. Lucha de gigantes
Nacha Pop
33. Puto
Molotov
34. La bamba
Los Lobos
35. Pachuco
Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio
36. Lobo hombre en París
La Unión
37. Mil horas
Los Abuelos de la Nada
38. Mariposa technicolor
Fito Páez
39. Maldito duende
Héroes del Silencio
40. Ni tú ni nadie
Alaska y Dinarama
41. Ji ji ji
Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota
42. Primavera 0
Soda Stereo
43. Lamento boliviano
Enanitos Verdes
44. Black is black
Los Bravos
45. La locomotora
Café Tacuba
46. Cuando seas grande
Miguel Mateos
47. La bamba
Ritchie Valens
48. Puente
Gustavo Cerati
49. Vagabundo
Robi Draco Rosa
50. El loco
Babasónicos
51. El amor después del amor
Fito Páez
52. Los dinosaurios
Charly García
53. Rasguña las piedras
Sui Generis
54. No dejes que..
Caifanes
55. Flaca
Andrés Calamaro
56. Demoliendo hoteles
Charly García
57. Nubes
Caifanes
58. ¿Qué ves?
Divididos
59. Bienvenidos
Miguel Ríos
60. Desaparecido
Manu Chao
61. En algun lugar
Duncan Dhu
62. Maldito sea tu nombre
Angeles del Infierno
63. Espiral
Porter
64. Abre la puerta
Triana
65. Para no olvidar
Los Rodriguez
66. El baile y el salón
Café Tacuba
67. Salve
La Polla Records
68. El metro Balderas
Rockdrigo Gonzáles
69. Mejor no hablar de ciertas cosas
Sumo
70. La flaca
Jarabe de Palo
71. Tren al sur
Los Prisioneros
72. De mis pasos
Julieta Venegas
73. Devuéveme a mi chica
Hombres G
74. Resistiré
Barón Rojo
75. Viento
Caifanes
76. Voto latino
Molotov
77. Y lo que quiero es que pises sin el suelo
Catupecu Machu
78. Detrás de los cerros
Jaguares
79. La plaga
Los Teen Tops
80. A quien le importa
Alaska y Dinarama
81. Mr. P Mosh
Plastilina Mosh
82. Lady blue
Enrique Bunbury
83. Avalancha
Héroes del Silencio
84. Comprendes Mendez
Control Machete
85. Todos juntos
Los Jaivas
86. Veneno en la piel
Radio Futura
87. Insurrección
El Último de la Fila
88. Irresponsables
Babasónicos
89. Yo no soy un rebelde
Los Locos del Ritmo
90. Mal bicho
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
91. Día cero
La Ley
92. No voy en tren
Charly García
93. Ella usó mi cabeza como un révolver
Soda Stereo
94. Oasis
Puya
95. La muralla verde
Enanitos Verdes
96. Los rockeros van al infierno
Barón Rojo
97. Soun da mi primer amor
Kinky
98. Me vuelve loco (tu forma de ser)
Los Auntenticos Decadentes
99. Mentira
La Ley
100. El son del dolor
La Cuca
101. Chica de ayer
Nacha Pop
102. Cruz de navajas
Mecano
103. Alármala de tos
Botellita de Jerez
104. El genio del dub
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
105. Peces e iguanas
Bohemia Suburbana
106. Viva Satana
Babasónicos
107. Eres
Café Tacuba
108. Azul casi morado
Santa Sabina
109. No me importa morir
El Otro Yo
110. Luna de miel en la mano
Virus
111. Imágenes paganas
Virus
112. El lado oscuro
Jarabe de Palo
113. Héroe de leyenda
Héroes del Silencio
114. Molinos de viento
Mago de Oz
115. Gente que no
Los Auntenticos Decadentes feat. Todos Tus Muertos
116. Love
Zoé
117. Demolición
Los Saicos
118. Baracunatana
Aterciopelados
119. Putita
Babasónicos
120. Nasty Sex
La Revolución de Emiliano Zapata
121. Todas las hojas son del viento
Pescado Rabioso
122. Las piedras rodantes
El Tri
123. Abarajame
Illya Kuryaki & The Valderramas
124. Ya no sé que hacer conmigo
El Cuarteto de Nos
125. Bajan
Pescado Rabioso
126. Canción para mi muerte
Sui Generis
127. Fotografía
Jumbo
128. María
Café Tacuba
129. Zoom
Soda Stereo
130. Uno..dos.. ultraviolento
Los Violadores
131. Crimen
Gustavo Cerati
132. Bailaré sobre tu tumba
Siniestro Total
133. Iberia sumergida
Héroes del Silencio
134. Veneno vil
Fobia
135. Seminare
Serú Girán
136. Infinito
Enrique Bunbury
137. El anillo del capitán Beto
Invisible
138. Barro tal vez
Luis Alberto Spinetta
139. Oye cantinero
Three Souls in My Mind
140. Bailando
Alaska y los Pegamoides
141. Bestia
Hello Seahorse!
142. Kumbala
Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio
143. Dime que me quieres
Tequila
144. Yo no quiero volverme tan loco
Charly García
145. Rezo por vos
Charly García
146. Flamenco
Los Brincos
147. No me destruyas
Zoé
148. Llueve sobre la ciudad
Los Bunkers
149. Dormir soñando
El Gran Silencio
150. Escuela de calor
Radio Futura
151. Pobre de ti
Tijuana No!
152. Jugo de tomate
Manal
153. Sube a nacer conmigo hermano
Los Jaivas
154. Signos
Soda Stereo
155. Mujer amante
Rata Blanca
156. Playa azul
Los Amigos Invisibles
157. La playa
Los Planetas
158. La mataré
Loquillo y Trogloditas
159. El oso
Moris
160. Cabeza
Sentimiento Muerto
161. El ratón
Fania All Stars
162. Beber de tu sangre
Los Amantes de Lola
163. Hácelo por mi
Attaque 77
164. Ponerte en cuatro
Los Amigos Invisibles
165. La guitarra
Los Auténticos Decadentes
166. Avenida Larco
Frágil
167. A lo cubano
Orishas
168. ¿Qué hace una chica como tú en un sitio como este?
Burning
169. Guitarras blancas
Enanitos Verdes
170. La carencia
Panteón Rococó
171. Los momentos
Los Blops
172. Como mata el viento norte
La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros
173. Juegos de seducción
Soda Stereo
174. Latinoamérica
Calle 13 feat. Totó La Momposina, María Rita & Susana Baca
175. Un amor violento
Los Tres
176. Té para tres
Soda Stereo
177. Cumbia de los muertos
Ozomatli
178. Azul
Natalia Lafourcade
179. Seguir viviendo sin tu amor
Luis Alberto Spinetta
180. Estrechez del corazón
Los Prisioneros
181. Pupilas lejanas
Los Pericos
182. Yendo de la cama al living
Charly García
183. So payaso
Extremoduro
184. Meshkalina
Traffic Sound
185. Manuel Santillán, El León
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
186. El aparato
Café Tacuba
187. El revelde
La Renga
188. La rubia tarada
Sumo
189. Bombay
El Guincho
190. Londres
Hora Local
191. Día negro
La Barranca
192. Rompan todo (Break it all)
Los Shakers
193. Corazón gris
Dermis Tatú
194. Allá cayó
Desorden Público
195. Vuelta por el universo
Gustavo Cerati feat. Daniel Melero
196. El tren de las 16
Pappo's Blues
197. Sexo
Los Prisioneros
198. El vals del obrero
Ska-P
199. Peligro
Ely Guerra
200. A la orilla de la carretera
Jaime López
Nacha Pop
102. Cruz de navajas
Mecano
103. Alármala de tos
Botellita de Jerez
104. El genio del dub
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
105. Peces e iguanas
Bohemia Suburbana
106. Viva Satana
Babasónicos
107. Eres
Café Tacuba
108. Azul casi morado
Santa Sabina
109. No me importa morir
El Otro Yo
110. Luna de miel en la mano
Virus
111. Imágenes paganas
Virus
112. El lado oscuro
Jarabe de Palo
113. Héroe de leyenda
Héroes del Silencio
114. Molinos de viento
Mago de Oz
115. Gente que no
Los Auntenticos Decadentes feat. Todos Tus Muertos
116. Love
Zoé
117. Demolición
Los Saicos
118. Baracunatana
Aterciopelados
119. Putita
Babasónicos
120. Nasty Sex
La Revolución de Emiliano Zapata
121. Todas las hojas son del viento
Pescado Rabioso
122. Las piedras rodantes
El Tri
123. Abarajame
Illya Kuryaki & The Valderramas
124. Ya no sé que hacer conmigo
El Cuarteto de Nos
125. Bajan
Pescado Rabioso
126. Canción para mi muerte
Sui Generis
127. Fotografía
Jumbo
128. María
Café Tacuba
129. Zoom
Soda Stereo
130. Uno..dos.. ultraviolento
Los Violadores
131. Crimen
Gustavo Cerati
132. Bailaré sobre tu tumba
Siniestro Total
133. Iberia sumergida
Héroes del Silencio
134. Veneno vil
Fobia
135. Seminare
Serú Girán
136. Infinito
Enrique Bunbury
137. El anillo del capitán Beto
Invisible
138. Barro tal vez
Luis Alberto Spinetta
139. Oye cantinero
Three Souls in My Mind
140. Bailando
Alaska y los Pegamoides
141. Bestia
Hello Seahorse!
142. Kumbala
Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio
143. Dime que me quieres
Tequila
144. Yo no quiero volverme tan loco
Charly García
145. Rezo por vos
Charly García
146. Flamenco
Los Brincos
147. No me destruyas
Zoé
148. Llueve sobre la ciudad
Los Bunkers
149. Dormir soñando
El Gran Silencio
150. Escuela de calor
Radio Futura
151. Pobre de ti
Tijuana No!
152. Jugo de tomate
Manal
153. Sube a nacer conmigo hermano
Los Jaivas
154. Signos
Soda Stereo
155. Mujer amante
Rata Blanca
156. Playa azul
Los Amigos Invisibles
157. La playa
Los Planetas
158. La mataré
Loquillo y Trogloditas
159. El oso
Moris
160. Cabeza
Sentimiento Muerto
161. El ratón
Fania All Stars
162. Beber de tu sangre
Los Amantes de Lola
163. Hácelo por mi
Attaque 77
164. Ponerte en cuatro
Los Amigos Invisibles
165. La guitarra
Los Auténticos Decadentes
166. Avenida Larco
Frágil
167. A lo cubano
Orishas
168. ¿Qué hace una chica como tú en un sitio como este?
Burning
169. Guitarras blancas
Enanitos Verdes
170. La carencia
Panteón Rococó
171. Los momentos
Los Blops
172. Como mata el viento norte
La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros
173. Juegos de seducción
Soda Stereo
174. Latinoamérica
Calle 13 feat. Totó La Momposina, María Rita & Susana Baca
175. Un amor violento
Los Tres
176. Té para tres
Soda Stereo
177. Cumbia de los muertos
Ozomatli
178. Azul
Natalia Lafourcade
179. Seguir viviendo sin tu amor
Luis Alberto Spinetta
180. Estrechez del corazón
Los Prisioneros
181. Pupilas lejanas
Los Pericos
182. Yendo de la cama al living
Charly García
183. So payaso
Extremoduro
184. Meshkalina
Traffic Sound
185. Manuel Santillán, El León
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
186. El aparato
Café Tacuba
187. El revelde
La Renga
188. La rubia tarada
Sumo
189. Bombay
El Guincho
190. Londres
Hora Local
191. Día negro
La Barranca
192. Rompan todo (Break it all)
Los Shakers
193. Corazón gris
Dermis Tatú
194. Allá cayó
Desorden Público
195. Vuelta por el universo
Gustavo Cerati feat. Daniel Melero
196. El tren de las 16
Pappo's Blues
197. Sexo
Los Prisioneros
198. El vals del obrero
Ska-P
199. Peligro
Ely Guerra
200. A la orilla de la carretera
Jaime López
Best Songs of First Age of Latin Rock (1958-1982).
1. Oye como va
Santana (1970)
2. La bamba
Ritchie Valens (1958)
3. Muchacha ojos de papel
Almendra (1969)
4. Rasguña las piedras
Sui Generis (1973)
5. La bals
Los Gatos (1967)
Santana (1970)
2. La bamba
Ritchie Valens (1958)
3. Muchacha ojos de papel
Almendra (1969)
4. Rasguña las piedras
Sui Generis (1973)
5. La bals
Los Gatos (1967)
Best Songs of the Golden Age of Rock en Español (1983-1997).
1. Matador
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (1993)
2. Persiana americana
Soda Stereo (1986)
3. La ingrata
Café Tacuba (1994)
4. Bolero falaz
Aterciopelados (1995)
5. De música ligera
Soda Stereo (1990)
6. Entres dos tierras
Héroes del Silencio (1990)
7. Cuando pase el temblor
Soda Stereo (1985)
8. La célula que explota
Caifanes (1990)
9. Las flores
Café Tacuba (1994)
10. Gimme tha power
Molotov (1997)
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (1993)
2. Persiana americana
Soda Stereo (1986)
3. La ingrata
Café Tacuba (1994)
4. Bolero falaz
Aterciopelados (1995)
5. De música ligera
Soda Stereo (1990)
6. Entres dos tierras
Héroes del Silencio (1990)
7. Cuando pase el temblor
Soda Stereo (1985)
8. La célula que explota
Caifanes (1990)
9. Las flores
Café Tacuba (1994)
10. Gimme tha power
Molotov (1997)
Best Songs of the Latin Alternative Era (1998- ).
1. Clandestino
Manu Chao (1998)
2. Eres
Café Tacuba (2003)
3. Sr. Cobranza
Bersuit Vergarabat (1998)
4. Espiral
Porter (2004)
5. Puente
Gustavo Cerati (1999)
Manu Chao (1998)
2. Eres
Café Tacuba (2003)
3. Sr. Cobranza
Bersuit Vergarabat (1998)
4. Espiral
Porter (2004)
5. Puente
Gustavo Cerati (1999)
Latin Rock in the U.S.
Latin Rock in the United States includes a variety of bands and sounds, creating a diverse and innovative music scene. In the earliest rock and roll styles of the late 1940s and early 1950s, the piano or saxophone was often the lead instrument, but the guitar replaced or supplemented these instruments in the middle to late 1950s. After World War II, many Chicano bandleaders and musicians like Don Tosti and Lalo Guerrero stepped onto the stage, forging a sound and culture that reflected their desire to be "American."
The Mexican American sound they created was characterized by a fusion of African American musical communities south of downtown, English language lyrics and Latin American musical traditions. The most famous pioneer of the genre is Ritchie Valens, the first Mexican-American music star and one of The Beatles' major influences. In the early 1960's, producer Eddie Davis dreamed of creating a Latino-flavored Motown on his Rampart Record label (Brown Eyed Soul), noting the unique Latino feel in the way these bands played R&B. This unique flavor can be seen in "Whittier Boulevard" by Thee Midniters, which influenced garage bands around the country and popularized the inexpensive farfisa organ.
The definitive Latin rock group was Santana, whose combination of bluesy electric guitar, Latin percussion and organ caught the imagination of national and international audiences, beginning with their break-out performance at the 1969 Woodstock festival. Santana had hits both with original compositions and with rock-flavored covers of Latin dance numbers, including Oye Como Va, first recorded by Tito Puente in 1963. The success of the band Santana in the late 1960s led numerous young musicians in California to experiment with combining elements of rock, blues, funk, soul, latin jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Chicano rock adopted the rhythm and blues-based style of African American music and utilized the electric guitar. It also melded influences from Latin American music and included themes of the Chicano culture of the southwest.
The vigorous R&B, rock and roll, punk scenes of L.A.'s Chicano Eastside helped shape American popular music, even as the constant infusion of immigrant laborers from Mexico and Central America continued to provide new musical ideas and identities. Since the 80's, bands like Los Lobos embraced American roots music, while infusing plenty of their own cultural perspective into the mix. Puerto Ricans and Caribbean Latinos also participated in the development of those styles and, by the mid-20th century, their population grew not only in numbers, but in the music industry. Boogaloo became the first response of Caribbean music that tuned with the sound of rock n' roll.
The Golden Age of Rock en Español in Latin America and the proliferation of Spanish-language media in the United States during the 80's and 90's facilitated communication between the artists in the US and artists across the border. Latin alternative music, a term used in recent years, has current demographics in its favor, as the Hispanic minority in the United States grows and extends beyond the established urban centers. This population shift brings the promise of a public that will increasingly embrace bilingual music as a reflection of their own experiences in the United States.
The Mexican American sound they created was characterized by a fusion of African American musical communities south of downtown, English language lyrics and Latin American musical traditions. The most famous pioneer of the genre is Ritchie Valens, the first Mexican-American music star and one of The Beatles' major influences. In the early 1960's, producer Eddie Davis dreamed of creating a Latino-flavored Motown on his Rampart Record label (Brown Eyed Soul), noting the unique Latino feel in the way these bands played R&B. This unique flavor can be seen in "Whittier Boulevard" by Thee Midniters, which influenced garage bands around the country and popularized the inexpensive farfisa organ.
The definitive Latin rock group was Santana, whose combination of bluesy electric guitar, Latin percussion and organ caught the imagination of national and international audiences, beginning with their break-out performance at the 1969 Woodstock festival. Santana had hits both with original compositions and with rock-flavored covers of Latin dance numbers, including Oye Como Va, first recorded by Tito Puente in 1963. The success of the band Santana in the late 1960s led numerous young musicians in California to experiment with combining elements of rock, blues, funk, soul, latin jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Chicano rock adopted the rhythm and blues-based style of African American music and utilized the electric guitar. It also melded influences from Latin American music and included themes of the Chicano culture of the southwest.
The vigorous R&B, rock and roll, punk scenes of L.A.'s Chicano Eastside helped shape American popular music, even as the constant infusion of immigrant laborers from Mexico and Central America continued to provide new musical ideas and identities. Since the 80's, bands like Los Lobos embraced American roots music, while infusing plenty of their own cultural perspective into the mix. Puerto Ricans and Caribbean Latinos also participated in the development of those styles and, by the mid-20th century, their population grew not only in numbers, but in the music industry. Boogaloo became the first response of Caribbean music that tuned with the sound of rock n' roll.
The Golden Age of Rock en Español in Latin America and the proliferation of Spanish-language media in the United States during the 80's and 90's facilitated communication between the artists in the US and artists across the border. Latin alternative music, a term used in recent years, has current demographics in its favor, as the Hispanic minority in the United States grows and extends beyond the established urban centers. This population shift brings the promise of a public that will increasingly embrace bilingual music as a reflection of their own experiences in the United States.
Criteria: The next list ranked the 10 most important song that made a contribution to Latin Rock and US Contemporary music but also become part of the music history of American music. After this, the songs are listed chronologically according to cultural and musical Impact at the time since Proto-Rock N Roll until Latin Alternative.
1. La bamba
Ritchie Valens
2. Soul Sacrifice (Woodstock version)
Santana
3. Suavecito
Malo
4. La Bamba
Los Lobos
5. Insane In The Brain
Cypress Hill
6. Viva Tirado!
El Chicano
7. Heaven
Los Lonely Boys
8. El Ratón
Fania All Stars
9. Low Rider
War
10. Oye Como Va
Santana
Ritchie Valens
2. Soul Sacrifice (Woodstock version)
Santana
3. Suavecito
Malo
4. La Bamba
Los Lobos
5. Insane In The Brain
Cypress Hill
6. Viva Tirado!
El Chicano
7. Heaven
Los Lonely Boys
8. El Ratón
Fania All Stars
9. Low Rider
War
10. Oye Como Va
Santana
1940s
Pachuco Boogie
(1948) - Don Tosti
Marijuana Boogie
(1949) - Lalo Guerrero
(1948) - Don Tosti
Marijuana Boogie
(1949) - Lalo Guerrero
1950s
Tequila
(1958) - The Champs
C'mon, Let's Go
(1958) - Ritchie Valens
Donna
(1958) - Ritchie Valens
Hippy Hippy Shake
(1959) - Chan Romero
(1958) - The Champs
C'mon, Let's Go
(1958) - Ritchie Valens
Donna
(1958) - Ritchie Valens
Hippy Hippy Shake
(1959) - Chan Romero
1960s
Charlena
(1960) - The Sevilles
Angel Baby
(1961) - Rosie & The Originals
Let's Dance
(1962) - Chriz Montez
If I Had a Hammer
(1963) - Trini Lopez
Talk To Me
(1963) - Sunny & The Sunglows
Farmer John
(1964) - The Premiers
La La La La La
(1965) - The Blendells
I Who Had Nothing
(1965) - Little Ray
Wooly Bully
(1965) - Sam The Sham & the Pharaohs
Land of 1000 Dances
(1965) - Cannibal & the Headhunters
Whittier Blvd
(1965) - Thee Midniters
Jump, Jive and Harmonize
(1966) - Thee Midniters
96 Tears
(1966) - Question Mark & The Mysterians
The Party's Over
(1967) - The Latin Souls
Bang Bang
(1967) - Joe Cuba
Hector
(1968) - The Village Callers
Cruise
(1968) - The Ambertones
Mendocino
(1968) - Sir Douglas Quintet
A Deeper Shade of Soul
(1968) - Ray Barretto
Light My Fire
(1968) - José Feliciano
Crazy Baby
(1969) - Little Joe & The Latinaires
Jingo
(1969) - Santana
Evil Ways
(1969) - Santana
(1960) - The Sevilles
Angel Baby
(1961) - Rosie & The Originals
Let's Dance
(1962) - Chriz Montez
If I Had a Hammer
(1963) - Trini Lopez
Talk To Me
(1963) - Sunny & The Sunglows
Farmer John
(1964) - The Premiers
La La La La La
(1965) - The Blendells
I Who Had Nothing
(1965) - Little Ray
Wooly Bully
(1965) - Sam The Sham & the Pharaohs
Land of 1000 Dances
(1965) - Cannibal & the Headhunters
Whittier Blvd
(1965) - Thee Midniters
Jump, Jive and Harmonize
(1966) - Thee Midniters
96 Tears
(1966) - Question Mark & The Mysterians
The Party's Over
(1967) - The Latin Souls
Bang Bang
(1967) - Joe Cuba
Hector
(1968) - The Village Callers
Cruise
(1968) - The Ambertones
Mendocino
(1968) - Sir Douglas Quintet
A Deeper Shade of Soul
(1968) - Ray Barretto
Light My Fire
(1968) - José Feliciano
Crazy Baby
(1969) - Little Joe & The Latinaires
Jingo
(1969) - Santana
Evil Ways
(1969) - Santana
1970s
Idle Hands
(1971) - Harlem River Driver
Do What You Want To Do?
(1971) - Willie Bobo and The Bo-Gents
Ghtetto Brothers Power
(1971) - Ghetto Brothers
Cucara Macara
(1972) - Harvey Averne Barrio Band
What is Hip?
(1973) - Power of Tower
The Bottle
(1973) - Joe Bataan
The Ghetto
(1973) - La Clave
Show Me the Way to Your Heart
(1973) - Ruben and the Jets
Whatcha Gonna Do
(1973) - Azteca
Been Had
(1974) - Sapo
Wasted Days & Wasted Nights
(1974) - Freddy Fender
Barrio Suite
(1975) - Tierra
Fencewalk
(1975) - Mandrill
Mira Pa'ca
(1975) - Chango
Don't Push Me Around
(1977) - The Zeros
Survive
(1978) - The Bags
(1971) - Harlem River Driver
Do What You Want To Do?
(1971) - Willie Bobo and The Bo-Gents
Ghtetto Brothers Power
(1971) - Ghetto Brothers
Cucara Macara
(1972) - Harvey Averne Barrio Band
What is Hip?
(1973) - Power of Tower
The Bottle
(1973) - Joe Bataan
The Ghetto
(1973) - La Clave
Show Me the Way to Your Heart
(1973) - Ruben and the Jets
Whatcha Gonna Do
(1973) - Azteca
Been Had
(1974) - Sapo
Wasted Days & Wasted Nights
(1974) - Freddy Fender
Barrio Suite
(1975) - Tierra
Fencewalk
(1975) - Mandrill
Mira Pa'ca
(1975) - Chango
Don't Push Me Around
(1977) - The Zeros
Survive
(1978) - The Bags
1980s
Attitude
(1980) - The Brat
El Lay
(1982) - Los Illegals
S/F
(1983) - Con Safos
Hombre Secreto
(1984) - The Plugz
Don't Worry Baby
(1984) - Los Lobos
Flor de Mal
(1985) - Cruzados
(1980) - The Brat
El Lay
(1982) - Los Illegals
S/F
(1983) - Con Safos
Hombre Secreto
(1984) - The Plugz
Don't Worry Baby
(1984) - Los Lobos
Flor de Mal
(1985) - Cruzados
1990s
Adios Mexico
(1990) - The Texas Tornados
Kiko And The Lavender Moon
(1992) - Los Lobos
It's Now or Never
(1994) - El Vez
Manifold De Amour
(1994) - Latin Playboys
Portate Mal
(1994) - María Fatal
Camino A Casa
(1995) - Ley de Hielo
El Coo Cooi
(1995) - Voodoo Glow Skulls
Cumbia Del Sol
(1995) - The Blazers
La Migra
(1995) - Brujeria
Asesinos
(1997) - Los Crudos
Revolution
(1998) - Aztlan Underground
Cumbia De Los Muertos
(1998) - Ozomatli
El Canoero
(1998) - Los Super Seven
(1990) - The Texas Tornados
Kiko And The Lavender Moon
(1992) - Los Lobos
It's Now or Never
(1994) - El Vez
Manifold De Amour
(1994) - Latin Playboys
Portate Mal
(1994) - María Fatal
Camino A Casa
(1995) - Ley de Hielo
El Coo Cooi
(1995) - Voodoo Glow Skulls
Cumbia Del Sol
(1995) - The Blazers
La Migra
(1995) - Brujeria
Asesinos
(1997) - Los Crudos
Revolution
(1998) - Aztlan Underground
Cumbia De Los Muertos
(1998) - Ozomatli
El Canoero
(1998) - Los Super Seven
2000s
ías De Los Angeles
(2001) - Del Castillo
Jarocho Elegua
(2002) - Quetzal
Guajira (I Love U 2 Much)
(2003) - Yerba Buena
L'Via Viaquez
(2005) - The Mars Volta
Van Nuys (Es Very Nice)
(2006) - Los Abandoned
(2001) - Del Castillo
Jarocho Elegua
(2002) - Quetzal
Guajira (I Love U 2 Much)
(2003) - Yerba Buena
L'Via Viaquez
(2005) - The Mars Volta
Van Nuys (Es Very Nice)
(2006) - Los Abandoned
Edited By: Jose Luis Mercado