I’m hardly a fan of greatest hits collection. However, the artists and songs on this collection make it worth repeated listening. Fania Records is synonymous with the explosion of salsa music in New York during the 1960s and 1970s, and this compilation delivers an outstanding collection of classic and near-classic songs that capture the era’s raw energy and innovation. Featuring one of my all-time favorites, Celia Cruz, as well as icons such as Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón, Ray Barretto, and Rubén Blades, this 2-LP set is an excellent find for both collectors and newcomers to the genre.  Fania delivers a 2-LP heavy vinyl set in deluxe sleeves, fitting this great music. 

The song selection is expertly crafted, highlighting essential hits that showcase the evolution of salsa dura, boogaloo, and Latin jazz. Some of my favorites include:

• Mi Gente – Héctor Lavoe’s powerful anthem of unity.

• Quimbara – Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco’s explosive collaboration for two legends.

• Pedro Navaja – Rubén Blades’ iconic storytelling masterpiece.

Each song brings salsa’s vibrant and complex rhythms to life, featuring intricate horn sections, driving percussion, and passionate vocal performances.

The album shines on vinyl with a bold and vibrant cover. The back cover is equally compelling, featuring black-and-white portraits of the artists and a circular tracklist design that adds a vintage aesthetic. 

This compilation is an essential piece of Latin music history. Whether you’re an audiophile looking for high-quality vinyl pressings of salsa classics or a newcomer exploring the roots of Latin music, Fania Records: The Latin Sound of New York (1964-1978) is a vibrant and essential ride.

Nightlights from this four sides of classic music include: 

1. Pete Rodriguez – “I Like It (I Like It Like That)”

A boogaloo anthem that became a crossover hit, this track is full of tasty piano riffs and call-and-response vocals that make it impossible to sit still. This song is a cornerstone of the Latin boogaloo movement of the ’60s.

2. Eddie Palmieri – “Café”

A deep, soulful track that blends jazz with traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms, “Café” is one of Eddie Palmieri’s signature pieces. His avant-garde piano work and the song’s atmospheric storytelling about coffee and culture make it a standout.

3. Héctor Lavoe – “Mi Gente”

A salsa classic, this song is a rallying cry for Latin unity and pride. Héctor Lavoe’s voice is full of passion, and the song’s arrangement is led by brassy horns and lively percussion.

4. Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz – “Agúzate”

A fiery descarga (jam session) with incredible piano solos and fast-paced lyrics, “Agúzate” is one of Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz’s most energetic and dynamic tracks. The duo’s chemistry is on full display. 

5. Celia Cruz & Johnny Pacheco – “Quimbara”

Celia Cruz’s electrifying voice meets Johnny Pacheco’s masterful arrangements in this high-energy, percussion-driven track. “Quimbara” is arguably one of the greatest salsa songs ever recorded and a defining moment in Celia’s career. You can never go wrong with Celia Cruz or Johnny Pacheco. 

6. Ismael Rivera y Sus Cachimbos – “Las Caras Lindas”

It is a profoundly moving song that celebrates Afro-Caribbean beauty and heritage. Ismael Rivera’s unique voice delivers a soulful and heartfelt performance over a beautifully layered arrangement.

7. Héctor Lavoe – “El Cantante”

One of Lavoe’s most autobiographical songs, written by Rubén Blades, “El Cantante” is a haunting yet powerful reflection on the life of a salsa star. It’s emotionally charged and features one of Lavoe’s best vocal performances. This is a stunner. 

8. Ray Barretto – “Indestructible”

It is a driving and energetic song with Barretto’s signature conga-heavy sound. The lyrics talk about resilience and strength, fitting for one of salsa’s most respected musicians—another energetic classic. 

All sixteen tracks on Fania Records: The Latin Sound of New York (1964-1978) leave you wanting more and push you to explore each artist. That’s probably the best compliment a compilation can garner.