What are Salsa's best music?
If you are here, it's probably that you like to dance salsa, or listen to music related to this type of dance. If this is the case, this is good news because in this article, we will answer the question "What are the best music of salsa ?”
In addition, know that salsa is not only a type of dance. Indeed, it is a form of energy and culture (sometimes even an art of living).
In this article, we will approach the following subjects:
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“The best music (top 10) of salsa”;
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“Cuban or Puerto Rican salsa: what differences in music?” ;
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“How to recognize good salsa music to practice or listen?”
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And “The different types of salsa”.
Are you ready? Let's go!

The best music (top 10) of salsa
When we talk about Best Salsa music, it is difficult not to think of the legendary songs that instantly make you want to move.
Here is a list of essentials :
1. Celia Cruz - Vida is a carnival
It is literally impossible to talk about salsa without mentioning Celia Cruz. His song "Vida is a carnival"Is much more than a simple song. Indeed, his optimistic words and her catchy rhythm make this music an absolute classic that never ages. Listen to it once, and you will have trouble not getting up to dance.
2. Buena Vista Social Club - Chan Chan
This is an iconic piece of His Cuban. Indeed, music “Buena Vista Social Club"Is perfect for enjoying an atmosphere that is both sweet and bewitching. The latter is aimed at beginner dancers, as well as lovers of more" posed "rhythms.
3. Marc Anthony - Vivir Mi Vida
Marc Anthony is a real star in the world of contemporary salsa. Yes, "Vivir mi vida"Is not only a song, it is a piece that embodies the joy of life. Its popularity in the dancing evening is undeniable, and it is always unanimous thanks to its overflowing energy.
4. Hector Lavoe - Periódico de Ayer
If you like the pieces in deep words, this song ofHector Lavoe is a must. Indeed, the title “Periódico de Ayer"Perfectly mixes melancholy and causing rhythms. In addition, it represents the golden age of the New York salsa.
5. El Gran Combo of Puerto Rico - Sin Salsa no Hay Paraíso
This emblematic group is often nicknamed "University of salsa", And we understand why with this song."Sin Salsa no Hay Paraíso"Celebrates salsa in all its splendor. It is a real must-have in a Dancing evening playlist.
6. Grupo Niche - Cali Pachanguero
“Grupo Niche", Originally from Colombia, marked the history of salsa with this title. This song mixes rhythm with Latin passion, and pays homage to Cali, considered the World Salsa capital.
7. Willie Colón & Rubén Blades - Pedro Navaja
Thanks to its captivating history and its catchy rhythm, “Pedro Navaja"Has become one of the greatest successes of the narrative salsa. Indeed, this song embodies both musical style and the art of telling stories.
8. Lalo Rodríguez - Fri, Devorame Otra Vez
The title "Fri, Devorame Otra Vez”Is a perfect example of the Romantic salsa. This bewitching piece brings emotion and sensuality to the heart of melodies. We recommend it for a close dance.
9. Oscar d'Ieon - Llorarás
The Venezuelan maestro LEON Oscar conquered millions of hearts with its title “Llorarás"It is a timeless classic that combines vibrant percussion and catchy melody.
10. Celia Cruz & Johnny Pacheco - Toro Mata
To finish this top 10, we're going to talk about Celia Cruz and legendary Johnny Pacheco. This exceptional collaboration offers a rhythmic and festive version of the Peruvian classic "Toro Mata". This piece is clearly a must for lovers of Pure and traditional salsa.
Why this choice of songs?
These songs are in the top of the ranking of the best Salsa music because they embody the very essence of this musical style. What is powerful with them is all the energy and the emotions they transmit. This makes them timeless titles.

Cuban or Puerto Rican salsa: what differences in music?
There Cuban salsa and the Puerto Rican salsa are two musical styles that share common origins, but which are distinguished by rhythms, instruments and a well -to -their atmosphere. So how do you recognize them? Here is a simple decryption that will enlighten you.
1. Cuban salsa
Cuban salsa, often called timba, has Afro-Cuban musical traditions. Indeed, it incorporates elements of Her, from the Rumba and even Mambo.
Here are 3 elements that distinguishes it :
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His rhythms are faster and syncopated. Besides, the latter make music lively and full of energy.
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His instruments are percussion like the congas and bongo. They are the ones who give this impactful and festive side.
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His words are generally playful and often improvised. They provide unique spontaneity.
2. Puerto Rican salsa
For its part, Puerto Rican salsa is influenced by more modern orchestras. In addition, she is sometimes nicknamed romantic salsa because she often emphasizes sentimental words.
Here are 3 elements that distinguishes it :
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His rhythms are more fluid and regular.
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His instruments are generally made up of Trumpets and trombones, and a piano to structure melodies.
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His words evoke Frequently the theme of love and nostalgia in order to provoke strong emotions.
How to recognize good salsa music to practice or listen?
First, know that there is a Incredible diversity of music in the world of salsa. Indeed, since there are many types of salsa (Romantica, Dura, Mambo, etc.), each of them has specificities.
In addition, some songs are great for dancing evenings, while others lend themselves better to a simple listening.
So how do you make the right choice? Here are some tracks to find your way.

The different types of salsa
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The Salsa Romantica
There Salsa Romantica emphasizes words and emotions. In addition, as we talked about above, his themes are often centered on love and relationships. This is why we find a gentle melody, sometimes even melancholic.
This type of salsa is good for dancing But also to share it with her ears.
A suitable song East "Ven, Devorame Otra Vez" from Lalo Rodríguez.
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Salsa Dura
There Salsa Dura is traditional and percussive, and favors intense rhythms. It’s the perfect dance style for Pure salsa lovers And for rather dynamic interpretations.
A suitable song East "Periódico de Ayer" by Héctor Lavoe.
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Salsa Mambo
There salsa mambo is inspired by the great Mambo orchestras. The melodies are quite technical, and the copper section of the group predominates. In addition, it is more suitable for advanced dancers who like to play with rhythmic variations.
A suitable song East"Toro Mata" from Celia Cruz & Johnny Pacheco.
The criteria of a good piece
To get good salsa music, some elements are essential:
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A well -defined tempo. The music must have a clear structure, with a tempo neither too fast nor too slow. This facilitates sequences and makes dance more fluid.
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Rhythmic breaks. Musical breaks make it possible to highlight certain moments, and to play with interpretation.
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A catchy melody. The melody and the percussion must make you want to move, almost automatically.
3 salsa music to dance
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"Cali pachanguero" de Grupo niche.
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"Sin Salsa no Hay Paraíso" From El Gran Combo by Puerto Rico.
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And "El Penal" de Bárbaro fine on Mayimbe.
3 Salsa music to listen to
Some songs are not really made to dance, but rather to be savored, like a good wine.
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"Pedro Navaja" by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades.
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"Chan Chan" from Buena Vista Social Club.
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And "llorarás" D'Oscar d'Etón.
Why choose the right type of salsa?
Because salsa is not just music, it is an experience. If you dance, favor dynamic pieces with a clear rhythmic structure. If you just want to enjoy musical wealth, choose more introspective songs.

Improve your skills with Salsanueva!
The article is now coming to an end. Indeed, we have seen together the best music of salsa, whether to dance or listen to. However, why limit yourself to listening when you can live salsa?
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