2014: Top 5 Latin albums according to wordbyfernie

By Fernie Ruano Jr.

Romeo Santos’ grip on the charts, Carlos Vives’ revival, Marc Anthony’s touring (again), Enrique Iglesias teaming with Gente de Zona to record “Bailando”, a mainstream hit and arguably the most popular Spanish-language song in years, and the continued growth of streaming in Latin America elevated the Latin music industry to new heights in 2014 – a year that also warmed the hearts of Latin music fans everywhere with albums they will be talking about, if not dancing too, for decades.

Here now are my Top 5 Latin albums of the year.

Juan Luis Guerra (‘Todo Tiene Su Hora’): Guerra, for decades Latin music’s “Thinking Man” for his social conscious, pop culture-lathered lyrics, will undoubtedly have you falling in love, if he hasn’t already, with a bevy of ballads and bachata-fused salsa. And as usual, Guerra’s experimentation with the arrangements make for a fresh listen; an upbeat one, too.

Carlos Vives (‘Mas+ Corazon Profundo’): It’s along the same lines of 2013’s “Corazon Profundo”, Vives’ first studio album in eight years. But the album was so beautifully done, from the exquisite lyrics to the blistering arrangements it deserves plenty of love.

Romeo Santos (‘Formula, Vol. 2’): You must have a commercial that has forever been stuck in your conscious? That’s what Santos’ albums are littered with: easy-listening and sensual lyrics that are hard to erase from the soul, even if you don’t dig bachata. “Propuesta Indecente” is to die for, especially if you’ve been a little naughty this time of year.

Ricardo Arjona (‘Viaje’): Arjona doesn’t just croon about falling in love with an imperfect woman; he takes you on a lyrical adventure to do so. And his most recent album is another example, including in the title track where he describes her curves as the “Himalaya” and breasts as the “Karakorum”.

Pepe Aguilar (‘MTV Unplugged’): For years in the shadows of contemporary and fellow ranchera star Alejandro Fernandez, Aguilar, although popular all over Latin America, scores with a live recording that gives his most loyal fans a true understanding of his vocal prowess and versatility.

Don’t agree with my selections? Have some of your own favorite albums? You can contact me at wordbyfernie@gmail.com.

Do you want to know more about this 305-reeking, beach-bumming, Cuban food-obsessed dude? Well, then.. You can connect with Fernie @wordbyfernie (Twitter) and Fernie Ruano (Facebook). Who knows? If he really likes you, he might even give you his email.