The Best Latin Pop Music of 2012

From Romeo Santos to Jenni Rivera, check out some of the best Latin pop music from 2012.

Best Latin Pop Albums of 2012

This was a banner year for Latin pop—a genre that’s often eclipsed by the more marketable (and, let’s be honest, better publicized) reggaeton and Bachata. But there was plenty of excellent pop music released by Latin artists in 2012, from the anthemic club bangers of Gloria Trevi and Lucenzo to the heart-wrenching ballads of Jesse & Joy and Manuel Carrasco.

And then there was Ricky Martin, who released his first all-Spanish album in over a decade, and Jencarlos Canela, who finally stepped out of his big brother’s ( Enrique Iglesias) shadow with an excellent solo debut.

Here are our picks for the best Latin pop albums of 2012:

-Gloria Trevi, “Gloria”
-Lucenzo, “En buena compania”
-Jesse & Joy, “¿Con quien se queda el perro?”
-Manuel Carrasco, “Inercia”
-Ricky Martin, “Música + Alma + Sexo”
-Jencarlos Canela, “Jenn carlos”

Best Latin Pop Songs of 2012

Every year, a fresh crop of Latin pop songs emerges and quickly becomes the soundtrack to our lives. From club bangers to heart-wrenching ballads, these are the best Latin pop songs of 2012.

“Baila Baila Baila” by Ozuna
“Baila Baila Baila” is one of those songs that’s impossible to resist dancing to. It’s catchy, upbeat, and full of energy, making it the perfect song to get any party started.

“Déjame Amarte” by Carlos Vives ft. Sebastián Yatra
This feel-good track from Colombian superstar Carlos Vives is all about enjoying the simple things in life and being grateful for what you have. It’s the perfect song to put a smile on your face and appreciate the good moments.

“El Perdón” by Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias
This massive hit from Nicky Jam and Enrique Iglesias is all about forgiving and forgetting. It’s a catchy tune with a positive message that will stay stuck in your head for days.

“Hasta Que Salga el Sol” by Daddy Yankee
Daddy Yankee is one of the biggest names in Latin music, and “Hasta Que Salga el Sol” is one of his catchiest tracks. It’s the perfect song for hitting the beach or the club and letting loose.

“La Mordidita” by Ricky Martin ft. Yotuel
Ricky Martin enlisted Cuban group Gente de Zona for this reggaeton-infused track, which quickly became one of the biggest hits of his career. It’s a fun, flirty song that will get you moving every time you hear it.

Best Latin Pop Artists of 2012

The Latin pop music scene was very exciting in 2012, with a number of new and established artists releasing great music. Here are some of the best Latin pop artists of 2012:

-Romeo Santos: Romeo Santos is a Bachata singer who rose to fame as a member of the popular group Aventura. In 2012, he released his solo debut album Formula, Vol. 1, which topped the Billboard Latin charts and received critical acclaim.

-Enrique Iglesias: Enrique Iglesias is a hugely successful Spanish pop singer who has been making music for over two decades. In 2012, he released his ninth studio album,Sex and Love, which featured the hit singles “I’m a Freak” and “Turn the Night Up.”

-Marc Anthony: Marc Anthony is a superstar in the Latin music world, and he released his first album in over four years in 2012. Titled3.0, the album was a huge success, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Latin charts, and won Anthony a Latin Grammy for Best Salsa Album.

-Juanes: Juanes is a Colombian rock singer who has been making music since the early 2000s. His fifth studio album,Para Ti Con Amor, was released in 2012 and was very well-received by fans and critics alike.