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Alt.Latino's guide to Chicano soul

Joe Bataan is featured on this episode of <em>Alt.Latino</em>.
JC Olivera
Joe Bataan is featured on this episode of Alt.Latino.

The genre commonly referred to as "Chicano soul" has that "you know it if you hear it" kind of sound.

It's a bicultural interpretation of late 1950s and early '60s African American R&B ballads by Mexican American youth, influenced by the operatic style of Mexican rancheras. Broken hearts, unrequited love and loving the wrong person are often the main themes.

Real talk: it's the smooth, bilingual vocals of Malo's 1972 hit "Suavecito" expressing the thrill of a new love that is still heard at lowrider car shows or the pleas of "You're Still A Young Man' by Tower of Power, to name a few examples.

This week Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre unpack the genre and how the tradition is being reborn by a crew of young artists making it sparkle anew.

Songs featured in this episode:

  • Malo, "Suavecito"
  • Joe Bataan, "I Wish You Love, P1. 1"
  • Tower of Power, "You're Still A Young Man"
  • Thee Sacred Souls, "Can I Call You Rose?"
  • The Altons, "Soon Enough"
  • Thee Sinseers feat. Joey Quinones, "Seems Like"
  • Mikey Jimenez, "Takin' All My Lovin'"

Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Suraya Mohamed, with editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.

Copyright 2024 NPR

Felix Contreras is co-creator and host of Alt.Latino, NPR's pioneering radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture since 2010.
Anamaria Artemisa Sayre
Anamaria Sayre is a multimedia producer for NPR Music with a focus on elevating Latinx stories and music. She's the producer for Alt.Latino, NPR's pioneering radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture, and the curator of Latin artists at the Tiny Desk.