Salsa Romántica

Romántica legends Frankie Ruiz and Lalo Rodríguez concentrate on the fleshly aspects of romantic love on the mega-hits "Desnúdate Mujer" and the near-pornographic "Devórame Otra Vez." A hard salsa group from Colombia, Grupo Niche adapted itself to the romántica sound on expertly constructed pieces such as the torrid "Una Aventura."

The addictive melody of "Tú No Le Amas, Le Temes" showcases the considerable talents of Luis Enrique, a singer, percussionist, and songwriter from Nicaragua. With his powerful voice and high-emotion delivery, Nuyorican singer Marc Anthony was the one performer who transcended the boundaries of salsa romántica and became an international pop star.

A lesser known moment from the heyday of salsa romántica, Willie González's "No Podrás Escapar De Mí" sums up the format's supple beats and pop-friendly chords. The most famous salsa orchestra ever to emerge from Japan, Orquesta de la Luz reproduced the new style's mannerisms to perfection.

A reaction to the hardcore salsa dura school that dominated tropical music during the '70s was perhaps to be expected. In the '80s, a new sound emerged from New York and Puerto Rico, mixing salsa with Latin pop, slick production values, and sugary lyrics. Eddie Santiago, Tito Rojas, and Frankie Ruiz became the new movement's superstars. These days, the pervasive influence of salsa romántica can be heard in the music of Marc Anthony, Víctor Manuelle, and Gilberto Santa Rosa. Be carried away on Una Aventura with this complete set.