"Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa)" by the Fania All-Stars

A foundational piece of Latin music excellence.

Hello! 😊👋

Welcome to a new edition of the Daily Music Picks newsletter!

Today’s music pick is an indelible early-1970s window into Latin musical and cultural excellence.

Genre: Salsa, Cha-Cha, Guaguancó, Guajira

Label: Fania

Release Date: August 26, 1971

Vibe: 💃

Of North America’s most important contributions to the cultural landscape of the 1970s, New York’s salsa explosion may be the most significant. Its influence has touched everything from glam rock to disco and R&B to hip-hop and has inspired countless free-wheeling musicians. Of all the cultural documents showcasing what its label calls the “exciting lifestyle of New York Latinos” of the period, none are more exhilarating than Our Latin Thing.

This album is the soundtrack for the film of the same name and represents arguably the finest collection of Latin superstars ever on one recording: Johnny Pacheco, Rubén Blades, Willie Colón, Ray Barretto, Ismael Miranda, and Héctor Lavoe, to name just a few. And, after a 40th anniversary remastering that markedly improved the sound quality, these live performances now sound better than ever. From the infectious groove of “Descarga Fania” to the nearly 17-minute centerpiece “QuÍtate Tú,” there’s a lot to love here for salsa and guaguancó veterans and newbies alike.

It’s Friday. It’s summer. Take my advice and play this one on the best quality speakers you have, preferably with the windows open and the sun shining in.

👉 Don’t forget to click the album image to stream the album on your favorite platform 👈

Got thoughts on this album? Did you love it? Sound off in the comments.