Oro Salsero 20 Exitos by David Pabón – A Salsa Gem That Still Shines
Alright, let’s talk about Oro Salsero 20 Exitos by David Pabón. Released back in ’94 under the Rodven label, this album is a straight-up salsa banger from start to finish. It’s got that classic Latin vibe that just makes you wanna grab someone and hit the dance floor—or at least shuffle awkwardly if you’re home alone like me right now.
First off, I gotta say, with 20 tracks on here, it’s kinda overwhelming. But don’t sweat it—there are some real standouts that’ll stick in your head for days. Two tracks that really stood out to me? “Como Lo Haces Conmigo” and “Mis Ganas Se Quedaron.” Let me break ‘em down real quick.
“Como Lo Haces Conmigo” hits different. The beat slaps hard, but what gets me every time is how smooth David Pabón sounds over the horns. Like, dude could probably sing the phone book and still make it sound romantic. The lyrics talk about love and longing, but not in a cheesy way—it feels real, raw even. And honestly, who hasn’t wondered how their partner does it so well? (Wink wink.) This one just begs to be played loud with all the windows down.
Then there’s “Mis Ganas Se Quedaron,” which… wow. Talk about emotional gut punch. The piano intro sets the mood, and once Pabón starts singing, you can feel the regret dripping off his words. It’s one of those songs where you’re like, “Yeah, I’ve been there too, man.” You know when you try to move on after a breakup, but deep down, you’re still stuck on them? That’s this song in a nutshell. By the second chorus, I was ready to text my ex—and trust me, that’s not something I do lightly.
The rest of the album keeps the energy high, though. Tracks like “Ahora Tengo Ganas” and “Vete Con El” keep the salsa fire burning bright. Even the repeats (“Me Equivoque De Nuevo,” anyone?) feel intentional rather than lazy, like they’re reminding you of themes worth revisiting. Plus, shoutout to whoever decided to throw in some slow jams like “Quererte Así”—perfect for catching your breath mid-dance party.
What’s wild about Oro Salsero 20 Exitos is how timeless it feels. Sure, it came out almost 30 years ago, but the passion and groove haven’t aged a day. It’s the kind of album that reminds you why salsa will always have a place in music lovers’ hearts. Whether you’re into dancing, vibing, or just reminiscing about past relationships, this record has something for everyone.
Random thought: Listening to this album made me realize how underrated David Pabón is. Dude deserves more flowers! Maybe he should’ve leaned into social media back in the day—who knows what TikTok would’ve done for him?
So yeah, if you’re looking for an album that’s packed with emotion, rhythm, and enough nostalgia to fill a dance hall, give Oro Salsero 20 Exitos a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up salsa-ing around your living room in your pajamas.
