Produced by the legendary Sergio George (who was just starting to shape the sound of the 90s), this track had a fresh energy. It was slick, fast, and featured a vocal intensity that made you sweat just listening to it.

While the romantics crooned, Willie Rosario kept the duro (hard) salsa alive. This album is a masterclass in timing. If you wanted to show off your turns, you waited for Willie.

There are years that define a decade, and then there is 1988 .

If you are building a playlist for a party tonight, don't just look at the greatest hits of the 70s. Jump to 1988. Add a little Eddie Santiago. Add a little Ray Sepúlveda.

This was the year of the sneaking into the brass section—just a touch, not enough to kill the vibe, but enough to make the records sound massive on club speakers. The Anthems You Know (And The Deep Cuts You Need) If you were at the Copa or the Palladium (or the local community center in the Bronx or Cali, Colombia) in 1988, you were dancing to these: