La suave música de cuba (the soft music of cuba) 

Established in 1996, Buena Vista Social Club is an ensemble of Cuban Musicians who showcase Cuba’s rich culture through their music. Now coming up in age, the group’s 25th anniversary of their most popular, self-titled album dropped this year in remembrance of their mark throughout Havana, Cuba. The anniversary project includes 19 tracks, serving as alternate versions of original songs with a sprinkle of other unreleased tracks that didn’t make the cut the first time. 

In contrast to the common misconception that Spanish music makes people want to get up and dance immediately, Buena Vista Social Club: 25th Anniversary Edition would make anyone want to relax and reflect, curl up with a good book or indulge in deep conversation, maybe all three! It almost pulls one away to where they can get lost in its melodic, soothing aura. 

Referencing the soft tones mentioned above, a good handful of the tracks are full of jazz sounds with piano while adding a hint of Cuban/Spanish spice i.e. trumpets, maracas and a certain twinge in the acoustic guitar. When listening to Spanish music, these instruments are essential in giving it that distinguishable flare that sways softly back and forth. The main jazz-like songs that stand out the most, to name a few, are: “Dos Gardenias,” “Mandinga,” “Siboney,” “Ensayo” and “Pueblo Nuevo.” While the melodies of each song are almost one and the same, the feelings they invoke differ through the tone in the vocals. One doesn’t have to understand Spanish to know how much emotion is behind each word that is sung. These five tracks alone create a beautiful, heart-wrenching project. 

While jazz and soft tones take up the majority of this album (a confident 95 percent), there are a couple of songs to get up and salsa to on the dance floor. “Vicenta” is a track that’s coated heavily with playful acoustic guitar, maracas and bongos. The harmonies of the group members add a layer of catchiness that, once again, doesn’t call for one to know or understand Spanish and will bring out a happy emotion. “Candela,” which translates to “Candle,” pops out as the track with the most exciting flare and upbeat tempo. The vocals exclaim a bit more than “Vicenta,” thus making “Candela” louder and bolder. The BMP is a lot faster than any song on Buena Vista Social Club: 25th Anniversary Edition, which is the perfect opportunity to put on your dancing shoes. 

The most interesting song that could be considered the odd one out is “El Diablo Suelto,” which translates to “The Devil on the Loose.” The tone it gives off is reminiscent of a tap-dancing show or background music for a silent film. The fast-paced piano is much different from the jazz-like piano throughout most of the album. However, the title does correlate to the overall feel, as it is easy to imagine a “devil” running amuck while this track plays. 

Buena Vista Social Club: 25th Anniversary Edition pays homage to the icons of Cuban culture. This melodic project teleports people to Havana, relaxing and enjoying its beaches and street life. Buena Vista Social Club beautifully captures the various dynamics of Latinx culture and music.