The Gipsy Kings are from the gypsy settlements in Arles, and Montpelier, in the south of France. The group began back in the 1970s and is made up of singers and guitarists from the Reyes and Baliardo families. Lead singer Nicolas Reyes is the son of famed Flamenco singer José Reyes. Their music really took-off in 1986 when they began to work with record producer Claude Martinez. The band's trademark is the indigenous music called the rumba flamenco, with its frenetic guitar work and passionate vocals. The rumba - which originated in Africa - traveled from Zaire via the slave trade to Cuba and the New World, then back to Barcelona, where it was adopted by the Gypsies.

The group sings in gitane, a dialect mixing French, Spanish, and Catalan. "The Best of the Gipsy Kings" is an 18-track, single CD that includes much of their finest work. Cuts like "Djobi, Djoba," "Bem, Bem, Maria," "Escucha Me," and "Baile Me," will literarily move you - your feet, then your hands and shoulders...you just have to dance to this music. The dramatic "Viento del Arena" is pure sound of Spain with a gypsy touch. The mournful "Triste Pena," and "Amor" are ballads with roots plainly in flamenco. And "Volare" is a classic, with a slightly different take - gypsy style.

I have yet to hear anything that I do not like from the Gipsy Kings. There is only music that I love, and music that I like very much. This CD is a compilation of the best of the best!


I am never tired of it!   March 25, 2000
34 out of 35 found this review helpful

I can listen to the Gipsy Kings at any point in the day. There are songs on this album to uplift me and songs to relax me. I don't understand the language, but I find myself trying to sing along. It is that good.

All of their albums are wonderful, but this is by far the best. I find myself repeating the tracks on this album. The guitar music is incredible. I have never heard anyone play a guitar so well and with such swift and intricate notes. The singing is just as wonderful, and each song has its own personality. You will never feel like you are listening to the same song over and over. The Gispy Kings have true talent, and it is wonderful to listen to such great music.

As a side note, I believe that one of their songs, "Bamboleo," was used in a Burger King commerical. Their music is out there. People don't realize it. Get this album today. It is worth it.


Always great listening and never fails to cheer me up.   December 9, 2003
Timothy Read (Los Angeles, CA)
23 out of 24 found this review helpful

This is so unlike most music I buy. Most of the stuff I listen to is rock, and I tend to like loud music. However, I've always liked jazz and classical, so I've got my ear open for sounds outside of my normal listening diet.

At one point in college I was going to sit in for a few friends who had an informal flamenco gig. I wanted to get an ear for what I might be playing, so one of the guitarists recommended this disc.

Am I ever glad he did.

Somehow, this album is one I can always get into. It's got great rhythms all the way through, and interesting guitar lines (if you're into King Crimson/Guitar Craft, this may scratch an itch for you). But what's great about this album is that it's very song-driven. Great, usually upbeat songs that make you feel cheerful, even if you don't know what's being said.

The sound on this album is good -- varying in quality in places (some live tracks; tracks from different albums). But you never miss anything important.

The greatest compliment I can give this album (besides the fact that after having owned it for years it still gets heavy play) is that it it's one of the few recordings I hear with totally innocent ears. I don't try and pick apart its production, I don't try and analyze every bit. I just sit back and enjoy -- which is perfect virtually any time.

Strongly recommended -- no matter what you're into. Just listen to a sample.


Flamenco Dreams!   March 22, 2000
Morado (cincinnati, ohio USA)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

Flamenco at its finest. The Gipsy Kings are masters at capturing raw emotion in their music. Never before have I heard such difficult guitar strumming and scales played with such proficiency. Some of my favorite songs are: "Un Amor"-Romantic and sensual. "Viento Del Arena"-Real Middle-Eastern feel to it, with a powerful vocal track by Senor Reyes. "Quiero Saber" and "Triste Pena" are also excellent. Yes, there is Spanish reggae, because "Escuchame" is just that, and it works. "Love and Liberte" is a gorgeous instrumental, and also happens to be the sample Jennifer Lopez uses in the song "Should have Never," FYI. Highly recommended to all, even non Spanish speakers. Listen to the music, it trancends all. Que Dios te bendiga!


Great CD with amazing energy.   August 24, 1998
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

It's true, even if you don't know flamenco, you'll love this one. If you do, then you know these guys are great--their high energy joy is great to work to, or play it just to cheer up! Beautiful, dense guitar work, infectious rhythms, touching vocals--this uniqe band has it all. I don't understand a word they're singin', but my husband and I love them and are shopping for more of their titles!