Latin music can most easily be described by breaking it down into three main groups, each of which has its own respective subgroups: mainstream, tropical, and regional Mexican.
"Mainstream" is basically the Latin market's version of Top 40. It is usually straight-ahead pop music, not much different in style than American or Euro pop. It's also the only type of Latin music that has virtually no true Latin influences, other than the language it is sung in. Principle subgroups are balada, pop, and rock en Espanol (though such other styles as danzon, boleros, and trios may fall into this category as well).
Literally translated, "balada" means ballad. This style varies from typical pop music in that it generally appeals to an older demographic -- 35 and up, for the most part. It's pretty standard pop, featuring songs centering on love and heartbreak that will be familiar to fans of Elton John, Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, or Michael Bolton. Balada has broad appeal, with fans spread evenly throughout the U.S.
Key balada artists are Julio Iglesias, Juan Gabriel, Jose Jose, and Ana Gabriel. Others include Jon Secada, Emmanuel, Dyango, Lupita D'Alessio, Rocio Durcal, Mijares, Amanda Miguel, Pandora, Franco De Vita, Ricardo Montaner, Marisela, Alvaro Torres, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Miriam Hernandez, Rafael, Guadalupe Pineda, Ednita Nazario, Yolandita Monge, Vikki Carr, and Jose Feliciano.
Latin "pop" appeals to a much younger audience, generally 18 to 30 year olds. It is very mainstream in style a la Mariah Carey or the Spice Girls. Usually mid-tempo (sometimes almost dance music), Latin pop's biggest appeal is to the eyes rather than the ears. There's usually nothing groundbreaking either musically or lyrically, but the performers are very attractive and boy does it sell -- especially in California, Chicago, New York, Miami, and Puerto Rico.
Key pop players are Ricky Martin, Thalia, and Shakira. Others include: Luis Miguel, Enrique Iglesias, Fey, Alejandra Guzman, Christian, Lucero, Paulina Rubio, Mana, Chayanne, and Paty Manterola.
Rock en Espanol is more cutting edge than pop music and does not appeal to as broad an audience (U.S. fans are concentrated in California, Chicago, Puerto Rico and Texas and most range in age from 15 to 25). Most often the lyrics have very strong political content and occasionally strong language. Spanish rock is also the only mainstream genre to include indigenous sounds to any extent, by blending traditional Latin-American instruments and rhythms with American styles like punk, ska, and rock.
Key rock en Espanol acts include: Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Maldita Vecindad, Cafe Tacuba, Jaguares/Caifanes, Los Aterciopelados, Victimas Del Doctor Cerebro, Soda Stereo, Divididos, El Gran Silencio, and Molotov -- several of whom can be heard on Rhino's Reconquista! The Latin Rock Invasion.
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