Latin pop in the context of "Dance and music of Latin America"

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⭐ Core Definition: Latin pop

Latin pop (Spanish: pop latino), also referred to as Spanish-language pop (Spanish: pop en español), is a subgenre of popular music defined primarily as pop music performed in Spanish. While its foundation lies in the structural and commercial conventions of international pop music—memorable melodies, rhythmic regularity, electric instrumentation, and broad appeal—it is often enriched by stylistic influences from Latin American and Iberian musical traditions.

Emerging from Spanish-speaking musicians, Latin pop remains distinct from other Latin genres such as rock en español, tropical, reggaeton, and dance, though it may incorporate elements of these styles. In this sense, the fusion with Latin or Hispanic folk genres is characteristic but secondary to its central definition as pop music in Spanish.

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👉 Latin pop in the context of Dance and music of Latin America

The music of Latin America refers to music originating from Latin America, namely the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions of the Americas south of the United States. Latin American music's origins are a mix of the music of the continent's indigenous peoples with the musical traditions brought to the continent by European colonists and African slaves. Due to its highly syncretic nature, Latin American music encompasses a wide variety of styles, including influential genres such as cumbia, bachata, bossa nova, merengue, rumba, salsa, samba, son, candombe and tango. During the 20th century, many styles were influenced by the music of the United States giving rise to genres such as Latin pop, rock, jazz, hip hop, and reggaeton.

Geographically, it usually refers to the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions of Latin America, but sometimes includes Francophone countries and territories of the Caribbean and South America as well. It also encompasses Latin American styles that have originated in the United States such as, New Mexico music, Tejano, various forms of country-Western, as well as Chicano rock, Nuyorican rap, and Chicano rap. The origins of Latin American music can be traced back to West Africa, Central Africa, Indigenous, and the Spanish and Portuguese conquest of the Americas in the 16th century, when the European settlers brought their music from overseas. Latin American music is performed in Spanish and Portuguese.

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Latin pop in the context of Latin American music

The music of Latin America refers to music originating from Latin America, namely the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions of the Americas south of the United States. Latin American music also incorporates its African influences into the music of Latin America, while maintaining the identity of indigenous music of Latin America. Due to its highly syncretic nature, Latin American music encompasses a wide variety of styles, including influential genres such as cumbia, bachata, bossa nova, merengue, rumba, salsa, samba, son, candombe and tango. During the 20th century, many styles were influenced by the music of the United States giving rise to genres such as Latin pop, rock, jazz, hip hop, and reggaeton.

Geographically, it usually refers to the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions of Latin America, but sometimes includes Francophone countries and territories of the Caribbean and South America as well. It also encompasses Latin American styles that have originated in the United States such as, New Mexico music, Tejano, various forms of country-Western, as well as Chicano rock, Nuyorican rap, and Chicano rap. The origins of Latin American music can be traced back to West Africa, Central Africa, Indigenous, and the Spanish and Portuguese conquest of the Americas in the 16th century, when the European settlers brought their music from overseas. Latin American music is performed in Spanish and Portuguese.

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Latin pop in the context of True Blue (Madonna album)

True Blue is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on June 30, 1986, by Sire Records. In early 1985, Madonna became romantically involved with actor Sean Penn, and married him six months later on her 27th birthday. Additionally, she met producer Patrick Leonard while on the Virgin Tour, and formed a professional relationship with him. The first songs they created together were "Love Makes the World Go Round", and the ballad "Live to Tell," which was featured in the film At Close Range, in which Penn starred.

In late 1985, Madonna and Leonard began working on her third studio album; she also enlisted the help of former boyfriend Stephen Bray, with whom she had worked on her previous record Like a Virgin (1984). Titled True Blue, the record saw Madonna co-writing and co-producing for the first time in her career. Inspired by Madonna's love for Penn, to whom she dedicated it, True Blue is a dance-pop album that features influences of Motown sound, girl groups, and Latin pop.

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Latin pop in the context of La Isla Bonita

"La Isla Bonita" (Spanish for "The Beautiful Island") is a song by American singer Madonna from her third studio album, True Blue (1986). Initially composed as an instrumental demo by Patrick Leonard and Bruce Gaitsch for Michael Jackson, it was presented to him but ultimately rejected. The track was later developed by Madonna, who added lyrics and co-produced it with Leonard. Marking her first foray into Latin pop, the song features flamenco guitar, Latin percussion, maracas, and several lines sung in Spanish. The lyrics reference an island called San Pedro, whose location remains ambiguous; Madonna described the song as a tribute to Latin Americans.

Released on February 25, 1987, as the fifth and final single from True Blue, "La Isla Bonita" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its melody, production, and romantic tone. It became a commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart in the United States. Internationally, it reached number one in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, West Germany, and Austria. The track has since appeared on several Madonna compilations, including The Immaculate Collection (1990) and Celebration (2009), and has been cited as an influence on the work of later artists.

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Latin pop in the context of Los del Río

Los del Río (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈlos ðel ˈri.o], "those from the river"), also known as the Del Rios, are a Spanish Latin pop and dance duo formed in Dos Hermanas, Andalusia, in 1962. Consisting of Antonio Romero Monge (born 17 February 1940) and Rafael Ruiz Perdigones (born 10 November 1938), they have released over 20 albums since their formation, beginning with Luces de Sevilla in 1967. The duo are best known for their hit 1993 dance single "Macarena", which went on to become a worldwide success after it was remixed by Bayside Boys in 1995.

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