Album: Romances

Introduction
"Romances" is the twelfth studio album by Mexican vocalist, Luis Miguel, released in 1997. The album is the 3rd installment of his "Bolero" series, following the effective "Romance" (1991) and "Segundo Romance" (1994). Produced by Luis Miguel himself, along with renowned composer and producer Armando Manzanero, the album is a collection of 13 tracks that completely represent the golden era of Boleros, a Latin music style understood for its psychological, romantic ballads.

Background and Production
For "Romances", Luis Miguel teamed up once again with Armando Manzanero, who had actually taken part in the previous 2 albums of the "Romance" series. Manzanero chose the songs for the album, intending to present a fascinating collection that would transcend the borders of time, age, and nationality. The production process took six months, and the album includes more than 30 musicians who added to the album's abundant noise.

In addition to Manzanero, Luis Miguel got the aid of other respected authors and artists, including Juan Carlos Calderón, who composed the tune "Dormir Contigo", and Bebu Silvetti, who served as the album's musical director and arranger.

Structure and Style
"Romances" consists of a carefully curated selection of Boleros, including both widely known classics and some lesser-known gems. The album remains true to the Bolero custom, with its rich orchestrations, genuine lyrics, and passionate singing efficiencies. Each song narrates of love, heartbreak, or yearning, making the album a psychological journey through the numerous stages of a romantic relationship.

Luis Miguel displays his impressive singing variety and control throughout the album, effortlessly conveying the feelings inherent in the lyrics. The rich plans, consisting of strings, piano, horns, and percussion, serve to elevate and match Miguel's powerful voice.

Commercial Performance
"Romances" was an industrial success, reaching top on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, where it held the top area for 7 weeks. The album likewise peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it one of the highest-charting Spanish-language albums in the United States at the time.

Worldwide, "Romances" caught the hearts of fans worldwide, offering more than 4.5 million copies and attaining multiple accreditations, consisting of Platinum and Gold. The album's lead single, "Por Debajo de la Mesa", reached primary on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart, while several other tracks likewise discovered success on numerous Latin music charts.

Awards and Accolades
"Romances" earned Luis Miguel a number of awards and nominations, further cementing his status as one of the most successful and reputable Latin artists of his time. The album won the 1997 Billboard Latin Music Award for "Pop Album of the Year" and got a Grammy nomination for "Best Latin Pop Performance". Luis Miguel won the World Music Award for "World's Best Selling Latin Male Artist" (1997) in acknowledgment of the album's remarkable sales and impact.

Legacy and Influence
More than 20 years after its release, "Romances" stays a cherished and well-known album within Luis Miguel's discography. The album not only played a considerable function in popularizing Bolero music to a broader audience but also demonstrated the adaptability and skill of the vocalist as he explored numerous musical styles throughout his profession. The success of "Romances" developed a new standard for Latin artists and solidified Luis Miguel's reputation as one of the most renowned and influential performers in Latin music history.