Read on for the Latin Notas staff picks of 10 Latin songs of the summer to include on your playlist, in no particular order.
“Vivir Mi Vida,” Marc Anthony
Anthony’s return to salsa is not your typical salsa track, but more a “baila baila,” feel-good track. “Vivir Mi Vida” is a celebration of life and an ode to happiness and optimism. As an industry observer put it, “it’s the kind of song people want to sing in stadiums.” The good vibes worked. Marc Anthony premiered “Vivir Mi Vida” at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in April, and the track subsequently premiered on Univision stations nationwide. It has topped Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart for eight consecutive weeks.
“Te Gusta,” Grupo Treo featuring Elijah King
Tropical rhythm? Check. Electronic dance beat? Check. Reggaeton? Check. Bilingual lyrics? Check. Pop melody? Check. Senseless sing along chorus (“Na Na Na Na Na Na”)? Check. Works for Zumba classes? Check. Video with girls in bikinis? Check. Venezuela’s Grupo Treo have put just about every element for a summer hit into one track, and it works. A hands-in-the-air success.
“Limbo,” Daddy Yankee
Yankee penned this track specifically for the Zumba fitness program, and although it peaked on the chart at the beginning of the year, it shows no sign of abating. “Limbo” spent a total of 15 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, and today, it remains on the chart’s top five. In the meantime, the Puerto Rican star also released “Summertime” (not a cover of the original). On the contrary, at press time, “Limbo” was still one of the five top Latin songs in the country, thanks to an infectious dance beat and worldwide recognition and, not to be scoffed at, over 114 million views on YouTube.
“Allí Estaré (I’ll Be There),” Arthur Hanlon, feat. Karlos Rosé
Several 1950s and ‘60s tracks have been converted to bachata, but Hanlon’s take on “Ill Be There” is a departure. Born and raised in Detroit, Hanlon brings his Motown piano to bachata, and with the help of pop/dance arrangements, and the production of David Cabrera (Ricky Martin), this version of “I’ll Be There” works in most any summer setting, from club to beach to romantic night. Add Karlos Rosé’s sweet vocals and you get a Michael Jackson resemblance with distinct personality. Both Hanlon and Rosé have topped Billboard’s tropical airplay charts before with memorable dance tracks. This week, “I’ll Be There” enters the Top 10 and seems on its way to become an encore performance for both artists.
“Sin Tí,” Chino y Nacho
The Venezuelan duo is known for their blend of almost innocent romance with danceable beats. “Sin Ti” is a love song, set to a lilting merengue beat. Its lyrics are sweet and effective, its beat irresistible. If summer songs are meant to be as romantic as they are danceable, then this is the right combination. “Sin Ti,” currently sitting at No. 21 on the Hot Latin songs chart, is climbing.
Page 2: Draco Rosa, Los Amigos Invisibles, Jenniifer Lopez and More
“Para Celebrar,” Salsa Giants (produced by Sergio George)
Salsa is synonymous with hot summer nights, whether it’s blaring from open car windows or sweating up a dance floor. George’s super group recording “Salsa Giants” came out June 25. It’s a live album from the 2012 Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival, featuring Marc Anthony, Oscar D’León, Cheo Feliciano, Luis Enrique, and other well-known artists. The breezy feel-good single “Para Celebrar,” has a festive, carpe diem message, and a rolling rhythm that’s just right for summer days, and nights. “Para Celebrar” stands at No. 4 this week on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart.
“Esto Es Vida,” Draco Rosa
Singer/songwriter Draco Rosa came back from cancer to reach a new level of stardom this year with his album “Vida.” Out of a record filled with sublime songs, this version of the intensely romantic “Esto Es Vida” rises like a phoenix from the ashes. Originally released on 2009’s “Amor Vincit Omnia,” Juan Luis Guerra joins Rosa here on this sexy, healing acoustic rock ballad manages to sum up the meaning of life in four minutes. Set the right course by starting a road trip with this song.
“Lo que me gusta,” Los Amigos Invisibles
Los Amigos Invisibles always know how to get the party going thanks to their disco-funk-acid jazz inspired music. The Venezuelan band mates, now based in the U.S., recently completed nearly two dozen North American tour dates in support of their latest album “Repeat After Me.” The set features “Lo que me gusta”/”What I like.” The memorable and upbeat song plays on the love theme, which is further elaborated on the band’s black-and-white music video in a comedic tale about the nerd vs. the handsome lead. Lead singer Julio Briceño’s vocals are rich, smooth and allow this pop tune to shine.
“Damaso,” Gerardo Ortiz
The new generation of regional Mexican fans have made 23-year-old singer/songwriter Ortiz one of the biggest names of the genre. Admirers of the crooner have also catapulted the brass-driven “Damaso” into a hit not only on the Billboard charts, but at nightclubs throughout the country where Ortiz’s radio-friendly compositions have earned him the title of the King of Corridos. The song’s lead character named Damaso lives the good life — nonstop party with plenty of cars, friends and cash. It’s on the Top 5 of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart.
“Live It Up,” Jennifer López featuring Pitbull
In true diva form, Jennifer Lopez continues to fire-up the club scene with another glam pop song and collaborative effort with rapper Pitbull. “We can do anything we want,” Lopez sings throughout the high-energy anthem that gives us every reason to head to the beach. Approaching nearly 30 million video hits on VEVO, the explosive song is sure to keep expanding around the globe as J. Lo’s musical empire grows.