Amor Prohibido

Released in March 1994 exactly a year before Selena would be shot and killed by her ex-fan club president, this CD demonstrates a band at the peak of its creative force. The hits were obvious--the eloquent "Amor Prohibido," on love conducted in secret, and "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," a magical pop tune that could work in any dance club. "Cobarde" and "El Chico" were easy cumbias to like; "Fotos y Recuerdos" was an ironic message on having only photographs and memories left. But highly underrated was the lovely and stoic "No Me Queda Mas," on facing the end, yet keeping a sense of dignity and self-worth. --Ramiro Burr