The English translation of Gloria Estefan's "Oye Mi Canto" is "hear my voice," and this collection of Spanish essentials showcases an instrument more infused with passion and conviction than is often evident in the artist's mainstream output. The set opener, "Mi Tierra," is a nostalgic tribute to Cuba, and sets the tone for an album that makes quite an artistic statement. The eighteen songs here encompass the last twenty years of Gloria's career, from front-woman of the Miami Sound Machine ("No Te Olvidare" and "Si Voy A Perderte") to emerging solo artist (an inspired, gospel-fueled "Desde La Oscuridad," the Spanish counterpart to 1991's "Coming Out Of The Dark") to Latin songstress (the majority of the songs, culled from her three Grammy-Award-winning albums, 1993's "Mi Tierra," 1995's "Abriendo Puertas," and 2000's "Alma Caribena"). Also included are a sampling of non-album tracks, the most noteworthy being the #1 single "No Pretendo," a sultry ballad driven by flamenco guitars, and an alternate, more danceable version of "Hoy." The material blends a wide variety of styles and rhythms, from traditional Cuban balladry (the signature song "Con Los Anos Que Me Quedan") to salsa (the club anthem "Oye," "No Me Dejes De Querer," and "Hoy") and regional Mexican (the bubbly "Abriendo Puertas"). And while there are some glaring omissions here-namely, the beautiful ballads "Mas Alla" and "En El Jardin," both of which were chart-toppers, and the infectious "Corazon Prohibido," which peaked at #2-this album, as a whole, presents a striking and impressive array of sound and substance, with its singer resonating both maturity and confidence. Simply put, her voice is undeniable.

I've been waiting for a compilation like this from Mrs. Estefan! I always believed that she was one of the few female latin pop singers who really has something to offer! I'd dare to put her right next to the classics such as Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz, Willie Colon, and even La Lupe!
Yes she's dabbled with pop quite extensively but you cannot deny that she's recorded some brilliant latin tracks from albums like Abriendo Puertas and of course Mi Tierra-an album that is already a classic in the latin music world.
This compilation offers the best of her spanish language recordings and it's worth checking out!

This is a good compilation of Spanish hits from Ms. Estefan. Even though I have heard most of these before through her original Spanish-spoken albums, and as bonus tracks on her albums, it is still nice to pop this little ditty into the CD player and enjoy them back to back. "Santo Santo" is a really good dance song....and it has a very modern Latin feel to it. It would be nice if Gloria would come out with some new music. It's been a while. She deserves respect for being one of the pioneers of Latin-flavored music in the U.S. Hopefully, this will not be the last of her Spanish-spoken hit collections.

First Gloria's Hits with Miami Sound Machine are missing. I wonder why, considering they were recorded then with the same label.

Which one's I miss here? Let's see...

Otra Vez (1981): Me Enamoré, Sola, Haz Logrado Olvidar, Atiéndeme, Baila Conmigo, Quedemos Como Amigos.

Rio (1982): Dingui-Li-Bangue, No Será Fácil, Yo Tambien Quiero Bailar, No Miraré, Tu Sabes Quererme.

A Toda Máquina (1984): A Toda Máquina, Lucharé, Dr. Beat, Si Me Contaras, Que Triste Es Volver a Empezar.

I hope someday we can enjoy this recordings in a CD format...

This is one of the best CD's ever by Gloria Estefan. It is vibrant, energetic and a joy to listen to!