The Best Of Los Van Van

The Best of Los Van Van was released in 1999 under the Hemisphere label, a subsidiary of EMI designed to bring global music to a wider international audience. This compilation served as a critical introduction to the work of Juan Formell and Los Van Van, the preeminent Cuban dance band that defined the 'songo' rhythm. It emerged at a time when interest in Cuban music was surging globally, acting as a curated gateway for listeners beyond the Caribbean who were beginning to explore the evolution of post-revolution Cuban dance music.

The collection highlights the band's sophisticated fusion of Afro-Cuban percussion, jazz-influenced arrangements, and rock-inspired electric bass lines. Juan Formell, who founded the group in 1969, was noted for his innovative use of electronics and his ability to translate the pulse of everyday life in Havana into danceable hits. By the time this compilation was issued, the band had achieved legendary status in Cuba, and the album’s tracklist was selected to capture the breadth of their influence, effectively showcasing why the group remained the standard-bearer for timba and songo for three decades.