As promised, before I start work 2day, labor day (seems more like laboring day), will write a bit about another favorite from the 80s, Gloria Estefan. Her music was a bit strange in the 80s landscape of Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner but I credit her for giving Cuban, if not Latin, music, the popularity and acceptance it enjoys now. Long before jLo or even the late Selena, Gloria was the breakthrough Latin act. Admit it, even when people hear "Conga," now, watch their toes or feet or fingers sway to the beat. She's been known for those hot and fast Latin-flavored numbers ("Get on Your Feet," "Rhythm's Gonna Get You") but I also love her ballads, from the breathtaking "Here We Are," the luminous "Can't Stay Away From You," the aural "Don't Wanna Lose You" and the grand "Coming Out of the Dark". Her album of covers, "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me," is one heck of an album especially on the track "Turn the Beat Around" which seemed to have been written for her.
And although I love Stacy Lattisaw's reading of "Love on a Two-way Street", I give Gloria's version brownie points. There's really something about her Latin accent and phrasing that breathes so much emotion into each and every song. That American Idol devoted an episode on her music is proof of her music's lasting quality.
And although I love Stacy Lattisaw's reading of "Love on a Two-way Street", I give Gloria's version brownie points. There's really something about her Latin accent and phrasing that breathes so much emotion into each and every song. That American Idol devoted an episode on her music is proof of her music's lasting quality.
