Exitos De Ayer Yesterday Hits by Various: A Latin Firecracker That Still Burns
Alright, let’s get this straight—this album slaps. Released in 1970 under Tico Records, Exitos De Ayer Yesterday Hits is a no-nonsense explosion of salsa and guaguancó rhythms that’ll knock your socks off. And yeah, it’s got that raw, unfiltered vibe that screams US-Venezuelan heatwave collab. If you’re looking for some sterile studio perfection, keep walking. But if sweaty dance floors and heart-pounding beats are your thing? Welcome home.
First up, “Guajira Guantanamera.” Oh man, where do I even start with this one? This isn’t just a track; it’s an anthem. The horns hit like a punch to the gut, and the piano riffs? They’re so sharp they might as well be knives slicing through your soul. You can feel every ounce of passion dripping from the vocals—it’s like the singer’s life depends on making you move. Every time this comes on, I’m transported back to summer nights when the air was thick with humidity and cheap rum. It’s impossible not to hum along or bust out some awkward salsa moves (don’t judge me).
Then there’s “El Negrito Del Batey,” which hits different but still packs a wallop. This tune has grit. Like, REAL grit. It doesn’t mess around with fancy intros—it grabs you by the collar and says, “Listen up!” The percussion here is INSANE, all rolling drums and relentless cowbells that make your head nod whether you want it to or not. Plus, the call-and-response sections? Chef’s kiss. Pure energy. When this plays, people stop talking mid-sentence because they know something special is happening. It’s the kind of song that makes you wanna grab a partner—or a lamp—and spin until you fall over.
But look, I gotta say—it’s wild how these tracks have aged. Sure, 1970 feels like ancient history now, but damn if this album doesn’t still slap harder than most modern stuff. Maybe it’s the authenticity. These artists weren’t trying to chase trends or TikTok clout—they were pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into each note. And honestly, that’s what makes Exitos De Ayer Yesterday Hits stand out even today.
Final thought? Listening to this album feels like stepping into a time machine… except instead of nerdy scientists or shiny gadgets, you’ve got cigar smoke, rum bottles, and enough rhythm to shake the earth. Weirdly enough, though, halfway through writing this review, my cat started staring at me like I was speaking another language. Guess she couldn’t handle the vibes either. So maybe skip this one if you hate fun—or cats.
