Rompiendo Barreras

CD Details

Amazon.com

In the early ’90s, Bronco rose quickly to dominate the norteño field like no other band since the heyday of the famed Los Tigres del Norte. But like Grupo Limite, they shifted slightly from a roots norteño sound to a lighter, more dance-friendly, popish norteño feel. Tunes here like “Que No Me Olvide” and “Amigos Con Derecho No” ring with easily danceable grooves and catchy vocal harmonies. Tropical cumbias were a specialty for this foursome, and they dished up treats spiced to perfection with electronic percussion, horn flourishes, and hooky melodies in such tunes as “Suenos Rotos,” “No Te Creas,” and “Devuelveme el Corazon.” The four–José Guadalupe Esparza, Ramiro Delgado, and brothers Javier and José Luis Villarreal–were a tight ensemble on stage and downright charming with their matching Western outfits and elaborate stage backdrops. Esparza was the music genius, producing this album and writing 6 of the 15 tracks on the CD. –Ramiro Burr