Puro '90s

Cuban music experienced an unprecedented renaissance during the '90s, thanks to the Buena Vista Social Club and its achingly beautiful anthem - the Ry Cooder-produced "Chan Chan." The "Macarena" was the unavoidable dance craze of the decade, whereas Ricky Martin's "Livin' la Vida Loca" symbolized the fusion of Latin and mainstream sensibilities.

One of the key Latin albums of the '90s was Café Tacuba's kaleidoscopic Re, which included hits such as the banda-rock nugget "La Ingrata." "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" underscores the fun-loving legacy of tejano icon Selena. "El Amor de Mi Tierra" encapsulates Carlos Vives' tasty mixture of Colombian vallenato and pop.

While the Latin Music Explosion was in full bloom, a number of artists outside of all the exposure were creating some of the best recordings of their career - like Willie Colón's salsa romántica duet "Idilio," Soda Stereo's hypnotic rock single "Disco Eterno" and Los Bukis' sentimental ballad "Tu Cárcel." "Oportunidad" showcases the experimental artistry of a young Julieta Venegas.

The '90s was the decade in which Latin music finally came of age in this country, with artists such as Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, and Shakira conquering the U.S. airwaves as part of the so-called Latin Music Explosion. At the same time, the Latin alternative movement blossomed thanks to the efforts of brilliant bands like Café Tacuba, Molotov, and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs. Here's a magical mystery tour through the many styles and genres of a phenomenal decade.