Andrew Listens to... Latin Rhythms (feat. Aly Retzlaff)
In another exciting collaboration, I get introduced to a genre that I really should have been paying more attention to. Props to Aly for curating this experience for us!
For my next collaboration for this project, I knew that I wanted to cover another gap in my musical appreciation, and I knew that Aly Retzlaff held the keys. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I’ve never given Latin Pop and other associated genres any attention outside of those rare occasions where a Latin American act became so massive it became undeniable (Shakira, Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias). To be honest, I was intimidated by music in a language I did not speak. So, I asked Aly to put together a primer; a list of songs to spark joy and curiosity and to help me break into a genre I’ve found out of reach.
Aly: La música es el lenguaje universal del alma. For those of you who know me, you know that I'll dance to no music and my hubs needs some encouragement. When selecting these songs, I vetted them based on how he reacted in dance, lyric memory (he doesn't speak Spanish), and nostalgic vibes. It could have been way longer but I hope it feels like a party that brings light, love and euphoria.
Andrew Listens to… Latin Rhythms (Linked to Spotify)
Noche de Travesura by Hector “El Father”
La Tortura (feat. Alejandro Sanz) by Shakira
Danza Kuduro by Don Omar and Lucenzo
DOLLAR by Becky G, Myke Towers
Tusa by KAROL G and Nicki Minaj
X (feat. Maluma & Ozuna)-Remix by Nicky Jam, J Balvin
Bailando by Enrique Inglesias and Descemer Bueno and Gente De Zona
Rompe by Daddy Yankee
Calma-Remix by Pedro Capó and Farruko
LA NOCHE DE ANOCHE by Bad Bunny and ROSALÍA
La Gozadera (feat. Marc Anthony) by Gente De Zona
The List
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Aly: Noche de Traversuras: Hector is an OG. Reggaeton started pretty much in Puerto Rico and this guy was renowned for his impact on the genre. He discovered some of the best artists that have defined the next generations of Latin pop, reggaeton, and more so it's a tribute to him and the history of reggaeton in a way. I felt like we needed more of an OG song to kick it off because there's a lot of newer stuff coming.
Andrew: I struggle to write about music I can’t understand because so much of my appreciation stems from the lyrics. So in this post, I’ll be trying to really dial in on the sound of the song and the feelings that it evokes in me. “Noche de Traversuras” blends sharp and spiky rapping, steel pan, and arpeggiated guitar with an effortless smooth chorus with a tremendously talented backup singer. It elbows its way into your brain and makes you move, crowding out any other thoughts (not a background work for Excel work to be sure)
Aly: La Tortura: I remember listening to this song before I had my license, but once I got my license, it was on repeat in the car. I mean; after driving around for hours, I listened to it at least three or four times again before I was willing to go inside. I had to scream it, sing it, everything. It is full of nostalgia and their partnership is phenomenal, with their voices complimenting each other in their uniqueness. If you haven't seen the music video, you are absolutely missing out and it's a must.
Andrew: It is undeniable to me that Shakira is one of the most iconic artists in any genre in the last hundred years of music, even under the cultural rock that I find myself in. I really enjoyed “La Tortura” for the blend between Shakira’s breathy and emotional alto with Sanz’s scratchy tenor. Even without any lyrical context, the chemistry is palpable. I also enjoy the loose and kinda jazzy bass work that gives the song a fun bounce and the vaguely Caribbean rhythm guitar and drum work. Also, who doesn’t love an accordion solo?
Aly: Danza Kuduro: This song came out as part of the fast and the furious movie soundtrack. If you know me, you know I'm a huge Fast and the Furious series fan (even though I'm really upset about the last couple). This song brings back absolute summer vibes, which is what we need right now. It also makes me think of being in the club with some of my closest friends and just living life, feeling free, and enjoying it. How can you not dance to it?!
Andrew: I don’t know where and I don’t know how, but I feel like I’ve always known this song. The tight cymbals with the dynamic duo of accordion and synth make “Danza Kuduro” an imminently danceable track. Also, I’m pretty sure this hit the US radio in my senior year of high school when I was at the peak of my radio consumption. I’ve never seen any of the Fast and the Furious movies (sorry Aly!) but maybe this’ll be my excuse?
Aly: DOLLAR: Becky G is one of those artists who has evolved while staying true to her roots throughout her career. Growing up in California, she didn't speak fluent Spanish and has shared this feeling of imposter syndrome diving into the Latin music scene. As she has fully embraced her Mexican heritage, she moved away from American pop. This song is one from her debut and first Spanish language album and it is a freaking bop. My husband and I went through a bit of an obsession and had the whole thing on replay, so give it a listen. Plus, she's sassy AF and we love her for it.
Andrew: We’re really in the third iteration of my music blog project. Back in 2020 I solicited album recommendations from my friends, and at that time Aly recommended MALA SANTA by Becky G. Now listening to “DOLLAR” feels like an old friend. It’s got a sleek and sexy club bass line, which pairs well with Becky G’s buoyant and flirtatious tone. And I guess we see again the pairing of sexy and scratchy in the feature by Myke Towers. Can’t fault it for working!
Aly: Tusa: Imagine this song coming on while you're driving in the car with your girls. You can't tell me that this isn't a vibe! It's an absolute female powerhouse and the tonality of Karol g's voice is gorgeous. Plus, we love a cross-country, cross-genre collaboration!
Andrew: Look, I will always be a sucker for an orchestral backing in a genre where you don’t expect it. And “Tusa” comes at you elegantly, powerfully, and so deeply felt. Nicky Minaj is a bold feature that can quickly pull all focus, but in duet with Karol G, she’s expertly matched.
Aly: X: Talk about heavy hitters. This song has four of the top producing artists, and the way this drove a club wild will always stick in my mind. That saxophony-sqeaky jam that is complemented by the upbeat that is quintessential to reggaeton makes your hips sway, knees bend, and time flow. There's something about Maluma's voice that is wicked smooth and makes my body feel things that I won't put in writing.
Andrew: Aly is right, the synthy-sax is deeply iconic. I probably heard J Balvin more than any other artist while I was at Gage Park High School in City Year. I didn’t get it then, but paired with Nicky Jam, Maluma, and Ozuna, I totally get it. There’s a confident sexiness to these artists that comes out so easily in “X”.
Aly: Bailando: This song created a sound wave across the genre and brought new people to it. The music video makes you want to find a community, a local bar, and just kick it with people who are like family. Every time we listened to this one back in the day (which was A LOT), my dad would go 'bailando, by sea oh' and while I'll still roll my eyes, I do think it's pretty punny. Gracias Enrique.
Andrew: Enrique Iglesias’s “Bailando” had the country in a choke hold in 2014. Again, this was a song so massive, even I knew it. Obviously, I knew Enrique Iglesias from his 2010 “Tonight (I'm Fuckin' You)" which was so cocky a declaration that I’ve paid attention every time I’ve had a chance I’ve had to see if Enrique Iglesias had the talent to back it up… and he really does. “Bailando” is a song that I can sing along to even when I know none of the words, a major feat.
Aly: Rompe: If you're sitting when this song comes on, no you're not. I think my back hurt for days after it came out from the, eh em, totally unsavory dancing that occurred. Daddy Yankee has a way of making songs that scratch an itch you didn't know you had. It was hard to pick just one of his songs when creating this playlist, but this one, the one goes hard, and I'll break it down anytime it's on.
Andrew: When I was a kid, I attended a language learning summer camp organized by Concordia College. Now I went to the German camp, but at the weekly dances, they would play music from all across the various languages represented, including “Gasolina” and “Rompe” by Daddy Yankee. I learned to enjoy dancing at these events, and I draw a direct line to the thumping beats of reggaeton.
Aly: Calma: When I say this song is my safe haven I can't actually explain why, but it is. There's something about Farruko's sound that makes me feel like I'm on a beach with a pitcher of sangria just staring at the ocean waves in Puerto Rico. This remix is the only version of this song I'll put on repeat when I need some happy, calm and sensual vibes. Again, hips are moving, grab someone and just dance slow and close. I dare you to not smile when it's on.
Andrew: After several club bangers, I really enjoyed getting to “Calma” on Aly’s playlist. It’s so relaxed, slow and smooth. It really does feel like sunlight through the trees. There is something ever so slightly Country about this song, with the acoustic guitar. Imagine it sung in a Nashville accent and you’ll hear what I mean.
Aly: La noche de anoche: The way this song made me nosedive into these two artists is what put it on this list. They complement each other in the lyrics, in the way they sound together and man, the way Rosalia just kills this, is something almost spiritual. I get chills the second it starts. Also, who doesn't want to have that kind of night with a lover?!
Andrew: I don’t know ROSALIA, but I know Bad Bunny, and together they create something deeply sexy in “LA NOCHE DE ANOCHE”. Bad Bunny has a really interesting voice, like he’s pitching down every note. The effect is that he sounds really perpetually sad. I don’t know if that’s anywhere in the song, but I get the sense that this is a love song that is meant for one night and maybe not many more. And from my last post, you know how I feel about doomed love.
Aly: La Gozadera: Closing out this list I had to honor another legend - Marc Anthony. It's not my favorite song, but when it comes on and the crowd knows him, it's a new world. This song lifts everyone up, lets you forget if times are hard just for a bit, and makes you look around at your life with gratitude and joy. Honestly, it's a euphoric experience if you're with the right crowd (that crowd could just be you).
Andrew: This is another song that feels a million years old and entirely timeless. “La Gozadera” really swings, with bold brass and call and response. This song feels like the last song at a party before the lights come back on, a last hurrah of togetherness and joy going off into the night.
Honorable Mentions
Aly: I couldn't just check the box, so here are a few more. For reasons of vibes, the love of the unique reggaeton rhythm, and a sneaky tee up to an upcoming post, these honorable mentions are worth every second.
El Perdon (with Enrique Iglesias) by Nicky Jam
(AH: WHY IS ENRIQUE IGELSIAS SO SEXY??)
Hey Ma (feat. Camila Cabello) by Pitbull & J Balvin
(AH: Oh hey, Pitbull. I’m so glad you sound the same in every language)
HP by Maluma
(AH: Another dark, sleek and sexy production)
Envolver by Anitta
(AH: Is this song sad and desperate? Is that just me?)
NUEVAYoL by Bad Bunny
(AH: Honestly, this might be my favorite of the bunch. The combination of a killer sample and a sweet and sticky beat has not left my brain in days)
I want to thank Aly for willingness to expose me to new sounds and her infectious joy with which she brings to her music.
Next time: Andrew Listens to… Enter the Haggis