Gloria Estefan – Abriendo Puertas

Artist: Gloria Estefan
Name of CD: Abriendo Puertas
Release Date: September 26, 1995

Gloria Estefan's album “Abriendo Puertas” is the embodiment of the Latin American Christmas spirit. Enjoy Estefan's "Latino" Christmas carols and party along with millions of Spanish and non Spanish speaking Christians all over the world who play this album each and every year!

The title song “Abriendo Puertas” (English: “Opening Doors”) is one of Gloria Estefan's the best known Christmas songs. The song is a magnificent combination of Colombian Vallenato and Cuban Guaracha/Salsa. My ultimate favorite song on the album is the second one, with the inspiring title “Mas Alla” (“Beyond”), which is a Bolero/Ballad. The song with its lyrics of hope, peace and love still gives me goose bumps every time I just think about it. The combination of Gloria's angelical voice, the heavenly choir and the church bells resonate very deep under my skin.

See a video clip of Gloria Estefan singing a classical version of Mas Alla live.

The song “Tres Deseos” (“Three Wishes”) is a Merengue song, which can be compared with Juan Luis Guerra's “Merengue Guayanesa” style. Very spicy indeed! The tambora of the aguinaldo song “Farolito”  takes you right to the heart of South America. “Nuevo Dia” (“New Day”) is a masterfully arranged Salsa song. Nuevo Dia is the right song to open with on New Year Years day. I love the guitar play and the orchestration of the last song - “Felicidad” (“Happiness”) - which is a combination of Colombian Vallenato and Cuban Charanga music.

Gloria Estefan's album “Abriendo Puertas”is an iconic music album, which most Latin Americans and the rest of the Spanish speaking portion of the world population has in their collections. If you are a Salsa dance addict, or you just love Latin music, do not miss the chance to buy this album and play the songs during the Salsa parties in December. Abriendo Puertas is also excellent as background music during Christmas dinners and to accompany the fireworks on New Years Day. 

Sing along with the Karaoke version of Mas Alla!

Track list
1. Abriendo Puertas (Opening Doors)
2. Mas Alla (Beyond)
3. Dulce Amor (Sweet Love)
4. Tres Deseos (Three Wishes)
5. Farolito (Little Star)
6. La Parranda (The Big Party)
7. Nuevo Dia (New Day)
8. Milagro (Miracle)
9. Lejos De Ti (Far From You)
10. Felicidad (Happiness)

About the author:
Sederick Short is a salsa dance teacher, choreographer and entertainer. He’s been teaching Salsa from 1997, and he’s been dancing all kind of street dance styles for more than 26 years. He also grew up with music: his father was a bass guitar player and his mother was a singer in several small bands on the island of Curacao. These bands often practiced at their home since the time he was a young boy. Currently, he's also the content manager of www.onlinesalsa.com. He can be reached at sederick@onlinesalsa.com, or by typing his name on Facebook.