#479 Selena, 'Amor Prohibido' (1994)

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This story is really sad. I had heard of Selena (mostly because I knew of the biopic starring JLo), but knew nothing of her or her music. I gave the album a spin first before researching. I then listened again after the research. Selena was well on her way to becoming a star. In fact, in her short career, she’d go on to become one of the most influential Latin artists of all time. A year after releasing this, her fourth album, she was murdered at the age of 23 years old by friend, and former manager of her Selena Etc. Boutique stores after a dispute about money.

I don’t understand a word of this record, but that doesn’t matter. The rhythms and melodies transcend language, as does her voice. The album apparently deals with unrequited love, infidelity and social division. It’s been certified 36x Platinum in the US. That’s an insane amount of records sold. I would have loved to have seen how the Mexican-American Texas native’s career would unfolded had she not died. Would she have crossed over like Shakira and Ricky Martin? We’ll never know. I’m glad I got the opportunity to listen to this album, though. A real special listen.

#rs500albums