The New Oldies: #6 Album of the Year 2025: Gloria Estefan: Raíces

Something seems to be missing these days. It seems that record companies, radio stations, and streaming services are pushing some the great established musicians to the background. As a result these veteran artists are not getting the attention they deserve. Enter the Top 10 Album Countdown: The New Oldies. The main point is simple – to make this list you must have at least 20 years of producing established music. The album by the artist must have been released between November 1st, 2024 and October 31st, 2025.

#6 Album of the Year 2025: Gloria Estefan: Raíces

Gloria Estefan, first built her name as a member of the Miami Sound Machine. She wouldn’t eventually become the face of the band and would move on to a solo career. In 2025, Estefan would celebrate her 50th year in the music business. She would release Raíces. The name Raíces is Spanish for roots, and that is exactly what she goes back to on this collection.

Raíces would also be a mostly Spanish album. It was her first Spanish album since 2007’s 90 Milias. I say mostly, because there were two English tracks towards the end of the album. Still the mostly Spanish lyrics allow Estefan to go back to her “roots”.

Raíces is best described as Latin or Tropical Adult Contemporary. It’s not a high energy album, nor is it throwback to the Miami Sound Machine days. It’s good smoothie easy-listening Latin music with a tropical vibe. The English tracks showcase Estefan as. storyteller, and while I might not be able to translate the Spanish tracks, I get the feeling those tracks do the same thing. As I mentioned on Prime Time Jukebox Episode 176, it’s feast or famine for me with Estefan. In this case, this album is on the Feast side.