10 Classic Tejano Albums To Have In Your Music Collection

Tejano music is a rich and diverse genre that blends elements of Mexican, European, African, and American musical traditions. Tejano music has produced many legendary artists and albums that have influenced the culture and identity of Texas and beyond. Here are 10 classic Tejano albums that you should have in your music collection.

Selena, “Amor Prohibido”

Selena Quintanilla-Perez, known simply as Selena, was the undisputed Queen of Tejano music and one of the most beloved and influential Latin artists of all time. Her fifth and final studio album, Amor Prohibido, was released in 1994 and became one of the best-selling Latin albums in history. The album featured hits such as “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom”, “No Me Queda Mas”, and the title track, which dealt with forbidden love and social prejudice. The album showcased Selena’s versatility and charisma, as well as her fusion of Tejano, cumbia, pop, and R&B.

Little Joe, “Para La Gente”

Little Joe Y La Familia is a legendary Tejano band that has been making music for more than six decades. The band has won several Grammy awards and nominations for their albums, but one of their most acclaimed works is Para la Gente (For the People), released in 1972. This album was a huge success in the Tejano community, as it showcased the band’s musical sophistication and versatility. The album featured a mix of genres, such as rancheras, boleros, cumbias, and rock and roll, and included songs that expressed social and political themes, such as “Las Nubes” (The Clouds), “La Bala” (The Bullet), and “El Rebelde” (The Rebel). Para la Gente is widely considered a classic and influential album in Tejano music history, and it reflects Little Joe’s vision of creating music for the people.

Emilio Navaira, “Acuérdate”

The album features 12 songs that showcase the talent and versatility as a singer and songwriter for Emilio Navaira. The album includes romantic ballads, such as “Acuérdate” and “Como Le Hare”, as well as upbeat and danceable tracks, such as “Te Quiero Asi” and “La Rama del Mezquite”. The album also demonstrates Emilio’s fusion of Tejano, country, pop, and Norteño music.

La Mafia, “Estas Tocando Fuego”

La Mafia are one of the most popular and enduring groups in Tejano music history. They have won multiple Grammy awards and sold millions of records worldwide. Their 1991 album, Estas Tocando Fuego, was one of their best-selling albums and featured their signature song of the same name. The album also included songs such as “Me Estoy Enamorando”, “Nuestra Cancion”, and “Si Quiere Dios”. The album showcased La Mafia’s smooth and sophisticated sound, as well as their fusion of Tejano, cumbia, and pop.

David Lee Garza Y Los Musicales, “13/92”

One of the classic albums from David Lee Garza y Los Musicales is 13/92, which was released in 1992 and featured 10 songs that showcased the group’s talent and versatility as a Tejano band. The album included romantic ballads, such as “Lo de Nosotros Se Acabo” and “Te Has Ido de Mi”, as well as upbeat and danceable tracks, such as “She’s Not Alone” and “Caballo Alazan Lucero”.

Latin Breed, “Breakin’ The Rules”

Breakin’ The Rules is a classic album by Latin Breed, a Tejano music group that was formed in 1969 and is still active today. The album was released in 1989 by Discos CBS International and features nine tracks of various styles, such as cumbia, ranchera, polka, and ballads. Some of the songs are covers of popular hits, such as “I Wanna Know Your Name” by The Intruders and “I’m Just An Average Guy” by The Masqueraders. The album also includes a medley of some of Latin Breed’s earlier songs, such as “Tu Lo Quieres” and “El Tejano Enamorado”. The album showcases the talent and versatility of Latin Breed, as well as their influence on the Tejano music scene.

Bobby Pulido, “Desvelado”

Bobby Pulido is a singer who has been one of the leading figures of Tejano music since the 1990s. He is the son of legendary Tejano singer Roberto Pulido. His 1995 album, Desvelado, was his second studio album and featured his breakthrough hit of the same name. The album also included songs such as “Le Pedire”, “Vanidosa”, and “Se Murio de Amor”. The album showcased Bobby’s youthful and energetic style, as well as his fusion of Tejano, country, and pop.

Jimmy Gonzalez Y Grupo Mazz, “Quien Iva A Pensar”

Quien Iva A Pensar is a 2000 album by Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz. The album features 10 songs that blend Latin rhythms, pop melodies, and romantic lyrics. Some of the songs are covers of popular hits, such as “Por Amarte Asi” by Cristian Castro and “Corazon Espinado” by Santana and Mana. The album was nominated for a Tejano Music Award for Album of the Year – Tejano and received positive reviews from critics and fans. Quien Iva A Pensar was one of the first albums that Jimmy Gonzalez released after his former partner Joe Lopez left the group in 1999.

A.B. Quintanilla Y Los Kumbia Kings, “Amor, Familia y Respeto”

Amor, Familia y Respeto is the first studio album by A.B. Quintanilla y Los Kumbia Kings, a Mexican-American cumbia group formed by A.B. Quintanilla and introduced the world to the smooth vocals of DJ Kane. The album was released on March 23, 1999, by EMI Latin and features a fusion of cumbia, reggaeton, hip-hop, and other genres. The album includes collaborations with artists such as Sheila E., Vico C, Fito Olivares, and Roger Troutman. The album received positive reviews from critics and spawned several singles, such as “Azúcar”, “Fuiste Mala”, and crossover hit “U Don’t Love Me”.

Lydia Mendoza, “La Gloria de Texas”

Lydia Mendoza was one of the first and most influential female stars of Tejano music. She was known as “La Alondra de la Frontera” (The Lark of the Border) and “La Cancionera de los Pobres” (The Songstress of the Poor). She recorded hundreds of songs in her long career, mostly in the ranchera and corrido genres. Her 1980 album, La Gloria de Texas, was a compilation of some of her most famous songs, such as “Mal Hombre”, “Amor Bonito”, and “La Valentina”. The album showcased Lydia’s powerful and expressive voice, as well as her guitar skills and her social and political messages.

These are just some of the classic Tejano albums that you should have in your music collection, but there are many more to discover and enjoy. What are your favorite Tejano albums? Let us know in the comments below.

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