Twenty-five years ago, Thalia welcomed the new millennium with Arrasando, an album that would redefine her career and take her to new heights in the music industry, despite already being a star.
With an eclectic tracklist of 12 songs that fused pop with elements of dance, R&B, and Latin rhythms, Arrasando spent two weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Albums chart and reached No. 4 on Top Latin Albums. It also topped the charts with “Entre el Mar y una Estrella,” its most successful single, which hit No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs, Latin Airplay and Latin Pop Airplay, while tracks like “Arrasando,” “Regresa a Mí,” and “Rosalinda” also made appearances on the charts.
Released on April 25, 2000, by EMI Latin, the album was produced by Emilio Estefan, Roberto Blades, Kike Santander, and Thalia herself, who also co-wrote eight of the songs.
“The songs on this album are a turning point in my career as a performer, producer, and especially as a songwriter,” Thalia tells Billboard about her sixth studio album. “It’s one of my greatest sources of pride, and knowing that it’s still ‘Arrasandooo’ (triumphing) after 25 years confirms that when things are made with passion and with a team that understands your vision, they resonate in people’s hearts forever.
“This album represents an unforgettable and powerful moment in the music industry at the start of the new century,” the Mexican superstar adds. “It explores those early musical fusions in the industry in 2000 that back then weren’t as common as they are today.”
With more than 2 million copies sold, Arrasando received a wave of accolades, including the Latin Grammy for best engineered album (by engineer Juan Carlos “Charly” Ríos), the Star Award for Thalia at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, and the Premio Lo Nuestro Artist of the People Award, among others.
A quarter of a century later, the Billboard Latin staff dives back into its songs, counting them down below and ultimately getting to our very favorite.
Thalia
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“Pata Pata”
In this Spanish-language version of the classic popularized by South African icon Miriam Makeba in the 1960s, Thalia maintains the original’s infectious rhythm and cadence while inviting the listener to let go and shake their hips. With lyrics by Edgardo Franco (El General), who released a bilingual version in 1998 (the same year Chayanne recorded his own with Makeba), Thalia’s “Pata Pata” — one of many iterations of the song — respects its essence as a vibrant celebration of dance and movement. In case you were wondering, the title (in Xhosa language) means “touch, touch.”
“No Hay Que Llorar”
In this R&B-infused ballad, the ever-positive Thalia encourages us not to weep over heartbreak at the end of a relationship. “No need to cry when we think that love will leave/ No need to suffer when we feel like it will never come back,” she sings passionately over classic guitar and keyboard, while a robotic male voice repeats the song’s title in the background. With lyrics by Thalia and music by Lawrence Dermer, “No Hay Que Llorar” has that ’90s R&B sound reminiscent of Boyz II Men.
“Quiero Amarte”
Ready to give love and to be loved again, Thalia delivered the sweet “Quiero Amarte” (I want to love you). This flirty song laces the Mexican singer’s pop essence with futuristic beats and light reggae undertones, making it the perfect sound for the then Y2K era. Lyrically, she sings about wanting to love and care for someone without worrying about getting hurt again. “I want to love you freely and think/ That if I suddenly fall/ It’s your arms that will be there,” she sensually chants.
“Reencarnación”
The fourth single from Thalia’s seminal album brings a refreshing burst of energy, and dives deep into themes of transformation and spiritual rebirth. Co-written by Robi Draco Rosa and Thalia, and co-produced by Emilio Estefan, the track stands out as a triumphant celebration of renewal and self-discovery. Blending flamboyant electro-pop influences with traditional Mexican trumpets, “Reencarnación” creates a dynamic fusion that pushes the boundaries of her usual repertoire. It’s an empowering tune that encourages listeners to embrace new beginnings.
“Menta y Canela”
With a tropical rhythm that transports us to a beach party atmosphere, “Menta y Canela” (Mint and Cinnamon) is a cheerful and fun song about the incomparable feeling that occurs in the early stages of falling in love. “This tickle I feel inside/ Makes me completely lose my mind/ It rises, rises, rises with all the pressure/ It passes and devastates the heart,” says part of this song written by Thalia and Pérez Prado, which is as fresh and sensual as its title.
“Suerte en Mí”
Steering away from her pop, ballads and traditional Mexican music, “Suerte en Mí” finds Thalia exploring Latin dance and rumba melodies. Meant to hit the dance floor, the song is provocative and sexy, where the singer narrates being lucky to have finally found “the one.” “I have luck in me/ For finding you on my path with ease […] When you look at me I feel special/ When you hug me I want to faint,” she sings in the track. Produced by Emilio Estefan Jr. and Lawrence P. Dermer, the song is a Spanish version of Gloria Estefan’s 1998 track “Lucky Girl” — also produced by Estefan and Dermer.
“Siempre Hay Cariño”
Just when you thought you were feeling down, comes Thalia with a friendly reminder that “Siempre Hay Cariño” (There’s Always Affection) —an inspirational song about hope and love. In the first 50 seconds of the song, the Mexican singer is accompanied by a weeping orchestra before it transitions into a lively bossanova. “Goodbye sadness, don’t come back again/ That in life there is no time to cry […] Love came into my life, I will never cry again/ Pain, I bid you farewell/ That today my heart sings again,” says the uplifting lyrics.
“Tumba la Casa”
With “Tumba la Casa,” the Mexican singer ventures into urbano-pop territory, delivering a dynamic performance that continues to electrify today. Backed by pulsating keyboard melodies and irresistible rhythms, the song radiates pure energy, making it a natural fit for the dance floor. Radiating pure dance-floor energy, the track showcases Thalia’s undeniable charisma, heightened by the infectious “Tumba la Casa” chant woven throughout its 4.5 minutes — a sample of Sancocho’s ’90s house classic. Once again, she proves she can command a party anthem just as effortlessly as a heartfelt ballad.
“Rosalinda”
As the theme song for the 1999 telenovela of the same name starring Thalia, “Rosalinda” offers a contagious mix of pop and cumbia, accompanied by passionate lyrics courtesy of Kike Santander. With lines like “When passion calls us/ We find ourselves face to face/ To love each other madly/ And surrender ourselves without reservation to love,” and Thalia’s signature delivery, “Rosalinda” works as part of the eclectic Arrasando — although it may remind us more of other telenovela classics by the Mexican star, such as “María Mercedes,” “María la del Barrio” and “Marimar.”
“Regresa a Mí”
Infused with an electro-pop shimmer, “Regresa a Mí” highlights Thalia’s commanding vocal range. It brims with a bittersweet intensity, as the lyrics fervently plead for a lost love to return. The song’s glossy production deliberately leans into a playful, almost kitschy charm, creating a contrast between its nostalgic theme and its vibrant, slightly theatrical vibe. Thalia’s Auto-Tune-enhanced vocals add a modern edge while still preserving the emotional weight of the song. The result? A track that feels dramatic yet self-aware, making it a standout for fans of sentimental ballads wrapped in a polished, retro-futuristic package.
“Arrasando”
Though it only peaked at No. 25 on the Latin Pop Airplay chart, the album’s title track and third single release is one of Thalia’s most defining party songs to date. “Arrasando,” which can loosely translate to “triumphing” or “kicking ass,” is a vibrant club-friendly tune backed by techno-fused mambo and Thalia’s quick-paced rap skills. The lyrics are just as feel-good as the melody, sending a positive and powerful message about living life: “Arrasando with life/ Harvesting joy/ No obstacle can stop me/ Enjoying a new day.”
“Entre el Mar y una Estrella”
“Entre el Mar y una Estrella” is as majestic as its name (Between the Sea and a Star), and its magic remains intact even 25 years after its release. As the opening track of Thalia’s album, it beautifully captures emotions of longing and love through poetic lyrics and a tender melody. “And even though you’re gone, you’re still with me/ I feel the breath of your love,” she sings in Spanish, her voice floating over a breezy backdrop adorned with twinkling strings. Her vocal delivery effortlessly balances passion and vulnerability, evoking a sense of nostalgia and hope, while the orchestral arrangements create a timeless sound that solidifies this song as one of her most cherished classics.
