Feliz Navidad (Menudo album)
| Feliz Navidad | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Compilation album by | ||||
| Released | 1983 | |||
| Genre | Christmas | |||
| Label | Profono Internacional | |||
| Menudo chronology | ||||
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Feliz Navidad (official title including subtitle: Feliz Navidad — Con 14 Éxitos Navideños) is a compilation album released by the Puerto Rican group Menudo in 1983 under the label Profono Internacional.[1] The tracklist features fourteen songs previously released on two of the group’s Christmas-themed studio albums: ¡Felicidades! (1979) and Es Navidad (1980), both originally released by Padosa Records.[2][3] The LP includes a colorful 12" x 12" Christmas card printed in four colors, featuring a holiday greeting from the quintet.[4]
The aforementioned albums were recorded by two different lineups of the group. While ¡Felicidades! was performed by members Fernando Sallaberry, René Farrait, and the Meléndez brothers—Carlos, Óscar and Ricky—, Es Navidad featured Óscar and Ricky Meléndez, René Farrait, Johnny Lozada, and Xavier Serbiá.[5] Despite this, the cover showcases newer members, all dressed as Santa Claus: Ricky Meléndez, Johnny Lozada, Xavier Serbiá, Miguel Cancel, and Charlie Massó.[4]
Regarding its production, the backing vocals on the included tracks were enhanced by professional singers, including the group’s vocal coach, Marilyn Pagán.[6] The two source albums were commercial successes. Es Navidad sold over 143,000 copies in Venezuela by October 1984,[7] while the remastered digital version of ¡Felicidades! peaked at No. 70 on Mexico’s iTunes charts.[8]
Commercial performance
[edit]The album performed well in the United States, charting on Billboard’s Latin albums ranking.[9][10] That same year, capitalizing on the buzz around member Miguel’s departure and Menudo’s growing popularity, the label released three more of the group’s albums. Together, the four albums achieved an impressive milestone, selling 750,000 copies in just three days.[11]
Track listings
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "La Gallina" | H. de Jesus | René Farrait | 4:07 |
| 2. | "Traigo Una Parranda" | H. de Jesus | Xavier Serbiá | 2:51 |
| 3. | "Noche De Paz" | Gruber, Mohr | René Farrait | 2:33 |
| 4. | "Las Nubes" | D.a.r | Johnny Lozada | 2:44 |
| 5. | "Las Navidades" | H. de Jesus | Ricky Meléndez | 3:02 |
| 6. | "Ensillando Mi Caballo" | D.a.r. | Carlos Meléndez and Fernando Sallaberry | 2:33 |
| 7. | "Chiji Navideño" | H. de Jesus | All group members | 2:50 |
| 8. | "Mi Parranda" | H. de Jesus | Óscar Meléndez | 2:50 |
| 9. | "El Tamborilero" | Adapted by E. Diaz | Johnny Lozada | 3:11 |
| 10. | "Eso Es Lo Mío" | H. de Jesus | Óscar Meléndez and René Farrait | 3:13 |
| 11. | "Ñaqui Quiñaqui" | H. de Jesus | All group members | 3:21 |
| 12. | "Voy También" | C. Alonso | Johnny Lozada | 2:32 |
| 13. | "Año Nuevo Y Reyes" | J. de D. Guzmán | Johnny Lozada | 1:59 |
| 14. | "Plena Borinqueña" | D.a.r | Fernando Sallaberry | 2:50 |
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1983–1984) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Top Latin Albums – Califórnia (Billboard)[9] | 10 |
| US Top Latin Albums – Flórida (Billboard)[10] | 14 |
| US Top Latin Albums – Nova Iorque (Billboard)[9] | 6 |
| US Top Latin Albums – Texas (Billboard)[9] | 2 |
References
[edit]- ^ "Menudo - Music Biography, Credits and Discography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved 2013-06-15..
- ^ Menudo (1979). ¡Felicidades! (Media notes). Puerto Rico: Padosa. DP 1007.
- ^ Menudo (1980). Es Navidad (Media notes). Puerto Rico: Padosa. Dp-1009.
- ^ a b Menudo (1983). Feliz Navidad — Con 14 éxitos navideños (Media notes). United States: Profono Internacional. TPL-1405.
- ^ Carter, Brooke (July 20, 2023). "What Happened to Menudo". Gazette Review. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ Ruiz 1999, pp. 26–27
- ^ "In Venezuela We obtain this results!" (PDF). Cash Box. October 13, 1984. p. 32. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
The albums listed can be identified by their catalog numbers in the country.
- ^ "Es Navidad (Remastered) - Menudo". www.top-charts.com. April 9, 2023. Archived from the original on February 1, 2025. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Billboard Special Survey Hot Latin LPs" (PDF). Billboard. January 7, 1984. p. 41. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- ^ a b "Billboard Special Survey Hot Latin LPs" (PDF). Billboard. December 17, 1983. p. 58. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- ^ Ruiz 1999, p. 52
Bibliography
[edit]- Ruiz, Damarisse Martínez (1999). Menudo: El reencuentro con la verdad (in Spanish). Hato Rey: Publicaciones Puertorriqueñas. ISBN 1-881713-71-7.