This album "GRAN COMBO - Romantico y Sabroso" is the 1987 studio album released by Puerto Rican salsa group, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. The album is considered El Gran Combos first release dominated by the distinct sub-genre known as salsa romantica.
Released in 1987, Romantico y Sabroso by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico represents a key moment in the evolution of salsa. This album marks the group’s first venture into the style known as salsa romántica, a sub-genre that emphasizes romantic themes and smoother, more melodic arrangements. Produced by Ralph Cartagena and Bobby Rodriguez, Romantico y Sabroso brings a fresh, heartfelt take on salsa, reflecting the band’s ability to adapt to changing musical tastes while staying true to their Puerto Rican roots.
Embracing Salsa Romántica
By the late 1980s, salsa romántica was gaining popularity, characterized by its focus on love, longing, and emotional storytelling. El Gran Combo, known for their high-energy and socially conscious salsa, embraced this new direction with Romantico y Sabroso, infusing their music with softer, more sentimental tones while maintaining the rhythmic foundation of salsa that they had perfected over the years. The album stands as a testament to the band’s versatility and their willingness to explore new musical expressions.
Production and Sound Quality
Recorded in Colombia and released under COMBO Records (RCSLP 2068), the album’s production emphasizes clarity and warmth, which enhance the emotional resonance of each track. The vinyl format, weighing 230 grams, captures the rich tones of the band’s instruments, particularly the smooth brass and percussive elements that give salsa romántica its distinctive flavor. Cartagena and Rodriguez’s production work ensures that every song on the album conveys the band’s newfound romantic focus, with polished arrangements and a restrained yet evocative performance style.
Track Highlights and Musical Themes
Romantico y Sabroso is a collection of songs that tell stories of love, yearning, and introspection. Each track brings a unique aspect of romance to life, whether it’s the joy of newfound love, the pain of separation, or the hope for reconciliation.
Legacy and Impact of Romantico y Sabroso
As El Gran Combo’s first salsa romántica album, Romantico y Sabroso holds a unique place in their discography. While the band was already known for their energetic and socially engaged music, this album introduced fans to a softer, more romantic side. It allowed El Gran Combo to reach a broader audience, including listeners who preferred the gentler, emotion-driven style of salsa that was becoming popular in the late 1980s.
The album’s success helped pave the way for other salsa groups to explore romantic themes, contributing to the wider adoption of salsa romántica across Latin America and beyond. For fans of El Gran Combo, Romantico y Sabroso offers a fresh perspective on the band’s sound, showing their ability to evolve while honoring the roots of salsa music.
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Music Genre: Salsa Romantica |
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Album Production Information: The album: "GRAN COMBO - Romantico y Sabroso" was produced by: Ralph Cartagena, Bobby Rodriguez |
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Record Label & Catalog-nr: COMBO Records RCSLP 2068 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1988 Colombia |
Complete Track-listing of the album "GRAN COMBO - Romantico y Sabroso" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "GRAN COMBO - Romantico y Sabroso" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "GRAN COMBO - Romantico y Sabroso" |
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The album cover for Romantico y Sabroso by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico features a close-up portrait of a woman with a sophisticated, glamorous look, evoking the romantic theme of the album. She has short, styled black hair and wears bold, shimmering makeup with deep red lipstick. Her gaze is soft and introspective, directed slightly upward, adding a sense of mystery and allure. She is adorned in sparkling jewelry, including a large, intricate necklace and dangling earrings, giving her a refined, elegant appearance. The album title Romantico y… Sabroso is written in a stylish white cursive font in the bottom left corner, while the band’s logo, in a vibrant red and blue triangle, is prominently displayed at the top. This cover embodies the album’s romantic essence and El Gran Combo’s suave take on salsa romántica. |
Album Back Cover Photo of "GRAN COMBO - Romantico y Sabroso" |
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Close-up Photo of Record Label for "GRAN COMBO - Romantico y Sabroso"
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, also known as "La Universidad de la Salsa," is one of the most iconic salsa bands in the world. The group was formed in 1962, and since then, it has become a beloved institution in Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America. In the 1980s and 1990s, El Gran Combo continued to produce hit after hit, solidifying their status as one of the most important salsa bands in history.
During the 1980s, El Gran Combo released a series of albums that became instant classics. These included "En Acción," "El Gran Combo '82," "Aquí No Se Sienta Nadie," and "Happy Days." These albums featured some of the band's biggest hits, including "El Menú," "La Loma del Tamarindo," "La Fiesta de Pilito," and "El Gran Combo Boogaloo." The band's unique blend of salsa, boogaloo, and other Latin rhythms made them a hit with fans all over the world.
In addition to their musical accomplishments, El Gran Combo was also known for their high-energy live performances. The band's shows were known for their tight arrangements, lively choreography, and infectious energy. Fans would pack stadiums and dance the night away to El Gran Combo's signature sound.
As the 1980s turned into the 1990s, El Gran Combo continued to produce hit albums and singles. The band's 1990 album, "El Swing del Gran Combo," featured the hit single "Achilipú," which became one of the band's biggest hits of all time. Other hit albums from this era included "Por el Libro" (1991) and "Nuevo Milenio - El Mismo Sabor" (1999).
Throughout the 1990s, El Gran Combo remained at the forefront of the salsa scene, despite the rise of other genres such as reggaeton and merengue. The band's enduring popularity was a testament to their incredible musicianship, catchy melodies, and ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.
In 1992, El Gran Combo celebrated their 30th anniversary with a massive concert in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The concert, which was attended by over 50,000 fans, featured some of the band's biggest hits and was a testament to their lasting legacy.
Today, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico continues to tour and perform, bringing their unique brand of salsa to fans all over the world. The band's enduring popularity is a testament to their incredible talent and the timeless appeal of their music. As long as there are fans who love to dance and sing along to classic salsa hits, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico will continue to be one of the most beloved bands in Latin music history.
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Learn more
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