Canto Porque es Necesario Cantar: The New Song Movement in Chile, 1973-1983

Abstract

Para el camino Canto a la angustia y a las alegrias. Canto porque es necesario can tar para ir dejando una huella en los dias, para ir diciendo cosas prohibidas. For the Road I sing of anguish and joy. I sing because it's necessary to sing to leave my mark on time, to say forbidden things. Latin American New Song is distinct from the usual stereotypes of Latin American popular music. Songs such as Para el camino do not fit into the common categories of salsa, ballads, Spanish-language versions of U.S. hit songs or popularized traditional styles such as the ranchera and cumbia. Although New Song is not as well known as the more typical styles, its greater social significance has achieved an impact in Latin America far beyond the musical realm.