The monthly chart for September 2024 recognizes another selection of ten new additions to the growing universe of contemporary salsa songs. This is, of course, a subjective selection. As usual, narrowing it down to just ten songs was not an easy task. As in past charts for the radio show Encanto Tropical (on World Salsa Radio), there were several outtakes which made it a gut wrenching process!
Here are my choices for the best salsa songs for September 2024 on Encanto Tropical.
The chart is especially packed with great tunes when compared to previous months. Notably, it's a balance between European artists and those from the Americas. Italy's La Maxima 79 takes the pole position with its banging track "Yo Traigo Salsa" from their latest album, X. The second and third positions are nods to fantastic dance tunes by new material from Spanish Harlem Orchestra, directed by Oscar Hernandez with "Bailador" and Manny Martinez from the San Francisco Bay Area with "Los Buenos Son Más". His latest album, In the Zone, is a masterpiece -- three of its tracks have appeared on my charts.
Boyacá is a new band for me, but their entry on the list, "Dame de Eso", is certainly noteworthy. Roniel Alfonso and Willy Garcia team up for a fantastic production in "Esa Mujer A Mi Me Gusta" to finish the top five. Then comes prolific Swedish songwriter and musician, Thomas de Paula Eby, with yet another fantastic tune marking this year, with "Son Lindas". The final four tunes I regard as essential DJ material to diversify a set. These are Maylo Martinez's well-prodcued romantica, "Primera Cita"; Havana Caliente's "Otro" with great Cuban vibes; another lively and punchy Cuban tune by Mario Crespo Martinez, "Baby Llamame", and another superb instrumental, "Ida y Vuelta", by trombonist and songwriter El Vikingo de la Salsa with pianist Marco Puma.
For other "Top-10" lists, see the Charts page in the Radio section.
Source
Songs are chosen from the Contemporary Salsa - 2024 playlist that I curate with my colleague, DJ Rem in France, on Spotify. Hats off to him for his work in finding great new music, some of which end up on my charts.
The Selection Process
The criteria for selection includes danceability, originality, instrumental aspects, lyrical meaning, whether there is a certain 'punch' and, of course, personal appeal. Charts are not intended to be authoritative -- this is definitely a subjective area. Three other important points deserve explaining. First, an emission of a track can be due simply to my lack of awareness -- while I try to keep up-to-date with new releases, my schedule is busy, and my day job leaves me with limited time to dedicate myself to this labour of love; so naturally, I can easily miss a song that -- all things being equal -- should have got on a list. Second, I make my selections for myself; I am not one to copy what others are choosing. Third, among my criteria for selecting tracks is that a track must have been released within the last four months. Having said all that, I am welcome to feedback and suggestions, so contact me and let's discuss!
Encanto Tropical on Spotify
Just recently I made a new playlist comprising only of Encanto Tropical chart selections in 2024 -- that is ten songs a month, so with September 2024, the total now comes to ninety songs. Check it out by clicking on the image below!
