Salsa

Carried on warm Caribbean winds from its island homeland to the far reaches of el mundo Latino, salsa music has grown and changed with time and place to take its place as the soundtrack not just to party-time dancetravaganzas but also to identity, community, and pride. That’s why we’ve done our best to bring you only the best of salsa’s Basics, from the iconic ritmos of Tito Puente’s “Oye Como Va,” to the legendary duet of Célia Cruz & Johnny Pacheco on “Quimbara,” to the polished 21st-century salsa-pop of superstar sonero de la juventud Victor Manuelle and “Tengo Ganas.”

“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” cry Coco Freeman & U2, but they should try looking in Next Steps for more salsa greats.

Salsa inspiration comes from all over as Colombian merrymakers El Grupo Niche get it going on with the party-starter sounds of a sultry “Cali Pachanguero,” and embajadores musicales El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico while away the hours waiting for the all-important “suena, suena, suena” of “El Telefono.” The Fania All-Stars recall the glory days of their namesake New York record label with the lounge-y, retro sounds of “Juan Pachanga,” while vocalist-supreme Frankie Ruiz can only concentrate on what happens después de la danza on the salsa erotica of “Desnudate Mujer.”

“Dejame Sonar,” plead Tito Puente & Tony Vega, so we’ll leave them to their fantasías while we head to Deep Cuts to keep dancing.

Two great salsa playlists and still you want a little more? Well, then, feast your ears on the salsa dura of “Un Poquito Más” from El Trombon Criollo Jimmy Bosch, try a taste of foreign flavors with the polished sounds of Japanese devotees Orquesta de la Luz and “Tu Eres el Hombre,” or enjoy the sweet treat that is Célia Cruz and a homemade “Crocante Habanero.” Salsa pioneer Willie Rosario knows the party can keep going strong “Cuando Se Canta Bonito,” but just in case, salsa sorceror Markolino Dimond is standing by to conjure some beatastic “Brujeria.”

You can hear its Cuban roots in the bright and steady son of “Candela” from Buena Vista Social Club; you can hear its branches in everything from the breakout New York Sound of Willie Colón’s “Idilio,” to the combo Colombiano Fruko y Sus Tesos’ righteous “El Preso,” to Miami hero Willy Chirino’s victorious “Los Campeones de la Salsa.” It’s in la fuerza of “El Todopoderoso” from the late, great “El Cantante” Héctor Lavoe, the 21st-century tribute of superstar Marc Anthony and his electric version of Lavoe’s “Aguanile,” and the ritmos románticos of Luis Enrique’s “Yo No Se Mañana.” It’s the glory of salsa, and now, with our carefully compiled Essentials playlist, you can hear lo mejor de lo mejor whenever and wherever the spirit, and the rhythm, move you.