Gloria Estefan Albums Ranked
With sales of more than 100 million albums, more than three-dozen number one singles, and a shelf-full of awards, singer/songwriter Gloria Estefan is arguably the most successful crossover artist in Latin music history. Pre-dating the first global Latin pop explosion by a decade, Estefan paved the way for artists such as Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira, to name a few. Her achievements, both solo and with Miami Sound Machine (co-led with producer-multi-instrumentalist husband Emilio Estefan, Jr.) began with the release of the European club smash “Dr. Beat” in 1984. She scored at home with “Conga” in 1985, and “The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” in 1987. These trademark Estefan jams wed slick Miami pop to polyrhythms from her native Cuba. She effortlessly moved between Latin and Anglo approaches, employing elements of cumbia, funk, son, montuno, guajira, rhumba, soul, and pop. Estefan hit number one for the first time with 1988’s polished ballad “Anything for You,” and ruled the ’90s charts with hit singles including “Turn the Beat Around,” “Mi Tierra,” and “Oye.” Her platinum albums, including 1996’s Destiny, did the same. Her run continued in the 21st century with the multi-platinum Alma Caribeña and 2007’s gold-certified 90 Millas. 2013’s Standards, her last outing before an extended recording break, registered at 20 on the Top 200. Philanthropists and humanitarians, the Estefans were the first couple to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Gloria was the first Cuban-American singer/songwriter to receive a Kennedy Center Honor. The couple have been graced with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress. A Tony-nominated Broadway musical, On Your Feet, was based on their lives and music. Here are all of Gloria Estefan albums ranked.
Don’t miss out on the music of Gloria Estefan below! Click to enjoy her original songs that are definitely modern classics!
10. Abriendo Puertas
“The greatest latin music in the world! Gloria’s fantastic! She’s the first DIVA of latin music! Shakira, J.LO, Ricky Martin and others can only dream about recording such a great album like this. Gloria rules! This cd gives you the chance to get to know something about traditional latin music. The rhythms are superb! The melodies are sweet and catchy!”
9. Destiny
“In 1996 Gloria Estefan recorded “Destiny”, one of the best studio albums in her career. After “Into The Light” had been released in 1991, Estefan produced a lot of different albums (compilation, album of covers, two hot-latin projects etc.). In 1996 she was ready for comeback with another english album. “Destiny” shows how mature singer Gloria could be. More than a half of tunes are ballads. They are brillantly done. The best tracks are: “Show Me The Way Back To Your Heart”, “I Know You Too Well” and title track. If you like hot-latin dance songs, you’ll love “You’ll Be Mine (party time)” and “Higher”.
8. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me
“It’s not as strong as “Into The Light” or “Mi Tierra” but it ranks among the best cover albums of the 90′. Title track is so sweet. “Everlasting Love” is club classic and “Turn The Beat Around” is without a doubt one of the greatest cover songs of all times. Other highlights include: sweet and melancholy “Traces”, acoustic “Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying” and very emotional “Love On A Two Way Street”. Great album, but many people may prefer the original versions of these songs.”
7. Greatest Hits
“This is my favorite album. I’ve been listening to these love songs while walking for the last 30 years. Songs like “Can’t Stay Away From You” … “Anything For You” … Don’t Wanna Lose You” and “Words Get In The Way.” For me these songs speak to my heart… maybe they will for you. Try it you’ll fall in love all over again.”
6. Into The Light
“Into The Light” was called a ‘comeback’ album for Gloria Estefan back in the early 1991. It was ‘comeback’ after Gloria’s accident that happened in 1990 that left her unable to perform for few months. I think it was spectacular ‘comeback’, one of the greatest in music history. Even though many people disagree with my opinion I still consider this album to be Gloria’s the best english studio album in her career. “Coming Out Of The Dark” was strong, #1 single with great and uplifting message, “Seal Our Fate” (that sadly was not hot seller) gave Gloria chance to rock a little, “Nayib’s Song” was beautiful song dedicated to her son and “Mama Yo Can’t Go” was very sad song about her homeland Cuba.”
5. Gloria!
“Gloria!” is probably the best studio album that Gloria Estefan recorded since “Into The Light”. It’s non-stop disco album without sappy ballads. That means, if you want to have some fun, go and buy this truly wonderful album. All songs are connected together but each of them sound strong on its own. Best cuts are: first single and opener “Heaven’s What I Feel”, “Oye” (full of latin fever), “Don’t Stop” (ultra dance track), “Don’t Let This Moment End” (probably the best dance record of Estefan’s career) and “I Just Want To Be Happy”. Truly amzing dance album!”
4. Cuts Both Ways
“This is a TERRIFIC pop album; it really bothers me that music like this ends up with a low average score because of all the elitist rock snobs on here who choose not to appreciate this kind of thing and fail to give it proper credit; oh well, I know how much I love it and how good it makes me feel when I want to reflect on life, or dream romantic dreams, or dance the night away! Unlike the group’s previous two albums, there are absolutely no duds on here (though some songs are obvious standouts), and this is probably the best example of the sound of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine; you NEED this album!!”
3. Let It Loose
“Here’s where Gloria gets the top billing. We know the hits “Anything for You”, “1-2-3”, “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” and “Can’t Stay Away From You”. Not sure if that last one has stood the test of time despite being a big hit, as I wouldn’t consider it a ballad staple like “Anything For You” or “Don’t Wanna Lose You Now” from the next album. But it’s one of those tunes you might still hear at some unhip coffee joint that still has ashtrays on the tables or a bus terminal after midnight, while you ponder what the hell to do with your life.”
2. Primitive Love
“Gloria Estefan touched my world big time with her release of Conga years ago. Primitive Love played repeatedly on my cassette-playing boom box. After I thought I’d grown out of these tunes, an orchestra in Anchorage, Alaska played Conga. Estefan’s oldies still get me grooving. While I can’t say I’m a Miami Sound Machine addict anymore, this album, now as a CD in my stereo, has resumed bringing to me its fun energy and beat.”
1. Mi Tierra
“After her Latin pop hits in the eighties she turned to a more serious style for this one. In the ballad Con los años que me quedan (“With the Years I’ve Got Left”) she sings with expression and wisdom. Mi Tierra (“My Earth”) is a tribute to Cuba, the country where she was born but where she work probably never return. In Ayer (“Yesterday”) a flower reminds her of the one who has left her. It has Caribbean rhythms with some scat singing and instruments like congas, timbales and the small requinto guitar. It goes deeper than her earlier work, while still sensually alluring.”
