Los Angeles Azules 10 best songs plus one

People love listening to all the different instruments, and the tempo keeps them on their toes ready to dance. The grooves of the “Cumbia Fusion" music resonates deeply with audiences. They have bridged generations, and they are recognized as Latin Music icons. 

Los Angeles Azules have a humble beginning originating in Iztapalapa, a borough of Mexico City, in the early 1980s. With the Mejia Avante family as its base, the band initially played traditional cumbia, a genre deeply rooted in Colombian music. They began playing at local events, and slowly gained recognition in the Mexican music scene.

What sets Los Ángeles Azules apart from other cumbia bands is how they incorporated synthesizers, electronic beats, and a full orchestra to their music, giving it a vibrant, distinctive sound. This fusion not only modernized cumbia but also made it more accessible to younger audiences.

Los Angeles Azules received the Hispanic Heritage Award in 2024. They also were included in Rolling Stone's list of "25 Best Spanish Language Songs of 2024."

Cumbia fusion meets Cumbia Sinfónica

Over the years, Los Ángeles Azules has collaborated with Philharmonic Orchestras to make groundbreaking projects known as "Cumbia Sinfónica." The projects included highly innovative versions of their classic hits, turning them into symphonic masterpieces. Their versatility and commitment to pushing the boundaries of cumbia is what has propelled them to Icon status.

Often, the music of Los Angeles Azules is cited for eliciting strong emotions. A lot of it is due to the compelling vocals. 

The voices singing these melodies pull strongly on the feelings of listeners. This element to their music is comparable to other phenomenal artists. It is the voice(s) accompanying the warmth of the music that awes the fans. Songs are sung as if they are the last song that will ever be sung in the world.

Their breakthrough came with the release of the song titled, “Como Te Voy a Olvidar” in the mid-1990s. There have been many hits from the group over the years, and many of them have been re-recorded with famous guest vocalists. 

Los Ángeles Azules have toured extensively, always giving energetic live performances while featuring a full orchestra and spectacular visuals. They have garnered a global following, from the United States to Europe to Latin America, of course.

10. "Cumbia Para Gozar"

This is really the best introduction to the band. It’s a warm-up song. It’s showing the potential of all the cumbia. And, vocally, there is a boast that is “cumbia mexicana.” Los Angeles Azules is spreading its wings and wants to show the world their brand of the original Colombian genre. “Gozar” translates in English to “Enjoy.” This remains the theme of the band. Cumbia is to be enjoyed. 

9. "Entrega De Amor

The earliest hit for Los Angeles Azules is this one from 1994. Right away, the signature accordion punches, the bass sways, and then the trombone triumphs. From this successful song, so many others blossomed after. There is a rich, weighty voice to accompany the diversity of sounds from the band. 

8. "17 Anos"

Dynamic horns dominate in sections of this song. There is a subtlety to how they are used melodically, as well, when they are not dominating. The songwriting is tremendous to incorporate so many instruments and maintain a terraced shifting of loud to soft then loud again. This is a repeated theme for many of their songs. 

7. "Ay Amor"

Any ticket in the world to see a live concert of Los Angeles Azules is a hefty price, usually more than $100 for cheap seats. There’s a lot of musicians to pay off for them to make a profit. Plus, there’s coordinating dancing and occasional raps played in the middle of songs. They are well aware of the artistry they espouse, and they know the party atmosphere they bring to an event.

6. "Mi Nina Mujer"

Sex sells for Los Angeles Azules. Many of their songs are sumptuous love songs, sung with a luscious charm. There are whispers to full gallant bursts of energy, like a bird desperately calling out to its imagined lover. By their very nature, these songs woo hearts and instigate passions.

5. "Mis Sentimientos"

The organ is a mainstay in this song, as well as the percussion instruments. The gentlemen harmonize at the beginning and during interludes. It is obvious how much this band has practiced to become what they are. They are legends. They perfected their art for more than 40 years. 

4. "Nunca Es Suficiente"

Wow…to see Los Angeles Azules on the beach. That would be marvelous. Traveling to see this band would be a highlight and bucket list thing to do for a lot of people. They played more than 30 cities in the United States on their last tour ending earlier this year. Like previously mentioned, the most famous Latin singers in the world have asked to perform with the band. On YouTube, there is a version of all their hits featuring someone different, men and women.

3. "Como Te Voy A Olvidar"

The band’s most famous song is this one. It is recognizable from the get-go. There are millions of views of the different versions of this song on YouTube. One could estimate that it is approaching half a billion or more. This is one of the most famous Latin songs of all time. The brass solo stands out, but it is the combination of voice, percussion, and lyrics that make it timeless. “How could I ever forget you” rings true with each note. 

2. "Sin Ti No Se Vivir"

A trumpet solo gets things started, and the voice constantly matches the intensity of sounds throughout. There is magic happening in the music while the desperate singer discovers he doesn’t know if he can live without his love. He is at a loss, and this comes through loud and clear. 

1. "20 Rosas & El Liston De Tu Pelo"

We have a tie at the top of the countdown. Both songs are so beautiful in their arrangements and are so heartily and artistically sung that it was decided to keep them on top together. 20 Rosas is easy to understand. El Liston De Tu Pelo is the “The ribbon of your hair.” The duet contrasts of male and female vocalists is tremendous in this one.

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