Gloria Estefan Songs 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 songs ranked.
Don’t miss out on the music of Gloria Estefan below! Click to enjoy her original songs that are definitely modern classics!
10. Always Tomorrow (Greatest Hits, 1992)
“I love this song. It describes how I feel about life, all the transitions and valleys, I savor it all. Things will never stay the same, the only one sure thing is change. No matter what happens to us all next — Love is why we are here.”
9. Coming Out of the Dark (Into the Light, 1991)
“Gloria’s third and final #1 hit in US. “Coming Out Of The Dark” was the first single from her 1991 “Into The Light” album. It’s beautiful song recorded with gospel choir that adds special energy to the track. Song tells about Gloria’s recovery from nearly fatal bus accident.”
8. Don’t Wanna Lose You (Cuts Both Ways, 1989)
“It’s one of the greatest hit singles in Gloria’s career. It was her second #1 hit in US and deservedly so. It’s beautiful ballad that’s perfectly sung by Gloria. I can’t imagine anybody else performing this song. “Don’t Want To Lose You” is a timeless hit. Spanish version is also great!”
7. Mi Tierra (Mi Tierra, 1993)
“If you are a Gloria fan you already know, it’s fantastic. If you’re not, you will be. Especially if you speak Spanish, as this is an all Spanish album. Some of the greatest all time latin artists collaborated on the album. These are not her pop songs in Spanish format, these are authentic hits of their own. If you love cilantro, adobo, and recallito you have to have this album.”
6. Anything for You (Let It Loose, 1987)
“Anything For You” is such a beautiful song. It’s one of the greatest singles of Gloria Estefan’s career. Melody is just sweet, and even lyrics are strong. It’s simply one of the best ballads of the 80’s. Plus, Gloria’s voice will melt your heart!”
5. Words Get in the Way (Primitive, 1985)
“This song takes me back to Summer camp. I remember it being played on the radio. A radio, sounds funny now huh? Not just any radio, it was a clock radio, and she would always leave it on for most of the day. So for some reason, this song triggers memories of summer camp when I was like 9 or 10. It was one of the most fun, memorable moments growing up. Crazy how some memories stick!”
4. 1-2-3 (Let It Loose, 1987)
“I don’t know why, but I think that “1,2,3…” is the best dance song that Estefan released in the 80’s. It has everything: great vocals, great arrangement and lyrics that you can learn in just one minute and sing along.”
3. Conga (Primitive, 1985)
“This song is a classic–energetic and inviting. I may not do the best conga, but the grands enjoy it when we get up and move it-move it-move it. This is a song that will make you move with it. It helps me to get my house work done in the morning.
2. Turn the Beat Around (Turn the Beat Around, 2016)
“This song for me is a moment frozen in time. It changed my taste in music the first time I heard it. Outside of the classic rock world, I’d been 100% anti-pop. If your album sold anywhere other than backstage after your show, you were a sellout.”
1. Hoy (Unwrapped, 2003)
‘Wrapped” (“Hoy”) is first single from Gloria 2003 underrated studio album “Unwrapped”. This song (as well as the whole album) should have topped charts and made wonderful comeback for Gloria. Instead this song became hit only in Latin America. I think, it’s one of the most beautiful songs of her career. Beautiful lyrics, great melody and unusual arrangement make this song truly special. Spanish version is even better, because her voice sounds much better when she sings in her native language.”
