What makes Urbano by Elvis Crespo notable?

Urbano received significant acclaim within the Latin music community, earning Crespo a Billboard Latin Music Award nomination for Tropical Album of the Year. The album's hit single 'Báilalo' became a staple at Latin dance events, further cementing Crespo's influence on the merengue genre during the early 2000s. Released in 2002, Urbano marked Elvis Crespo's third studio album and came after his breakthrough success with the hit single 'Suavemente' from his debut. At this point in his career, Crespo was solidifying his status as a leading figure in Latin music, having already won a Grammy Award for Best Merengue Album with his previous work.

Urbano works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, vibrant dance floor vibes and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Urbano?

Urbano has 14 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Urbano

Elvis Crespo · 2002

54 min · 14 tracks · salsa

A vibrant fusion of merengue and salsa that ignites the dance floor with infectious rhythms and passionate melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Báilalo — This track embodies the album's energetic spirit, driving listeners to the dance floor with its catchy hooks and vibrant beats.
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Amarte así — A romantic ballad that showcases Crespo's vocal range and emotional delivery, adding depth to an otherwise upbeat album.
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Señora tambora — This track highlights traditional merengue elements while also displaying Crespo's ability to blend genres, making it a signature piece on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Urbano showcases vibrant rhythms and engaging melodies typical of salsa, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of brass instrumentation throughout, particularly in the horn sections that drive the rhythmic energy.
Each track maintains a danceable tempo, with only one song, 'Amarte así', slowing down significantly to create a moment of contrast.
The lyrics often focus on themes of love and celebration, which are common in salsa music, but they are delivered with Crespo's distinctive vocal style.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
vibrant dance floor vibes
gradual builds and payoffs
engaging rhythmic grooves

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2002, Urbano marked Elvis Crespo's third studio album and came after his breakthrough success with the hit single 'Suavemente' from his debut. At this point in his career, Crespo was solidifying his status as a leading figure in Latin music, having already won a Grammy Award for Best Merengue Album with his previous work.
Stylistic neighbors: Juan Luis Guerra· Los Hermanos Rosario· Tito Puente