July 18 marks 25 years since the release of Selena’s chart-topping posthumous album Dreaming of You, which included previously-unreleased English tracks along with Spanish hit songs that were recorded between 1992 and 1995.
With songs like “I Could Fall in Love,” “Dreaming of You,” “Missing My Baby,” “El Toro Relajo” and “Tú, Solo Tú,” Selena’s Dreaming of You hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart on Aug. 5, 1995.
The set was released four months following her untimely death and in honor of its 25th anniversary, Billboard’s Latin editors picked six tracks, from classics to lesser-known (but just as great) songs, from the chart-topping album Dreaming of You.
Check them out below.
“I Could Fall in Love”
This ultra-romantic song opens the album. The dreamy R&B-tinged pop ballad, which has a Selena on the brink of heartbreak if she allows herself to fall in love, peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. — GRISELDA FLORES
“Missing My Baby”
On “Missing My Baby,” which originally formed part of Selena’s third studio album Entre a Mi Mundo (1992), Selena sang in her native language and did not shy away from new experimental sounds, bringing to life a soulful R&B ballad. Selena details her relationship with her baby and expresses anguish when he’s not around. — JESSICA RIOZ
“Wherever You Are (Donde Quiera Que Estés)”
Following their successful collaboration “Donde Quiera Que Estés” released in 1993, Selena and Barrio Boyzz recorded a second version with Los Barrio Boyzz singing in English. Like the original, this one is a fusion of Latin R&B, soul and pop. Both versions were the only collabs between the group and Selena. The Spanish version peaked at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs in 1994 and ruled the survey for six consecutive weeks. — G.F.
“El Toro Relajo”
Known for her global-appealing tejano and cumbia rhythms, the late singer also tapped into rancheras and mariachi, paying homage to her Mexican roots. Originally written by Felipe Bermejo, popular mariachi “El Toro Relajo” was recorded by Selena in 1994 and formed part of the Don Juan DeMarco movie soundtrack, released in 1995. — J.R.
“Tú, Solo Tú”
Evoking sadness and nostalgia from a failed relationship, Selena’s forceful and heartfelt rendition of “Tú, Solo Tú,” backed up by a mariachi, puts the singer’s vocals at the forefront of this heartbreak song. With lyrics like “you, only you, have filled my life with mourning, opening a wound in my heart,” Selena’s pain caused by a heartbreak is palpable. “Tu Solo Tu” is one of Selena’s longest-charting songs on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs survey. On July 22, 1995, the track peaked at No. 1 and crowned the tally for 10 weeks. — G.F.
“Dreaming of You”
Selena’s Dreaming of You hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, on Aug. 5, 1995, and part of its success is thanks to the title track, which still resonates with fans 25 years later. With its lullaby-type melodies and hopeful lyrics, the Queen of Tejano is dreaming about her crush every night until she finally conquers him — a perfect anthem for hopeless romantics. — J.R.
