In 1985, I found Flans and their debut album. After they had hooked me as a fan, Flans released their second album 20 Millas (20 Miles), and that solidified my status as a Flans Fan. I was addicted. 20 Millas might just be the best album of 1986.
Flans made a name for themselves on their debut album with hits like “No Controles” (You Don’t Control) and “Bazar.” They wasted no time in releasing their sophomore album and the hits continued and so did the fame. Under the control of the band’s creator, Mildred Villafañe, the group might have seemed like a cookie-cutter group with the cute blonde, the mature one, and the rebel but Flans was more than a look. They were true singers and individuals that were just like their on-stage personas.
20 Millas isn’t ’80s pop. Listening to this album 35 years later and placing the music in history and what it compared to at the time. 20 Millas wasn’t ’80s pop, it was FLANS. Pop, rock, soulful ballads, and a precise work of art. 20 Millas is a testament to great music that can stand the test of time and be relevant today. We have seen that with the reunion of Ilse Ivonne Mimi for a Primera Fila concert. They were album to keep their signature sound without sounding tired and old. Very few groups can do that.
I was addicted. 20 Millas might just be the best album of 1986.
I spent 1986 listening to this album and probably nothing more. Back then I didn’t know what covers were and thought everything Flans sang was originals. The more I explored the history of Latin pop and my favorite bands/groups, I came to find out that even the best groups used other people’s music for the security of a hit. Flans were no exception.
In 1985, Melissa Manchester released the single, “Energy”, which would grow into the Spanish version, “Hoy Por Ti, Mañana Por Mi” (Today For You, Tomorrow For Me). Who knew? The song was a hit like the six other singles Flans released from this album. Now when I think of singles, I fall back on what I saw on television. Songs like “Timido” (Shy), and “El No Es Un Rocky” (He Is No Rocky) were hits. Most of the time, I will say that the singles are not my favorites but this time, everything is a favorite. Except for one. I’ll say I am not a fan of the last song, “Me Juego Todo”
By far, this album might just be my favorite Flans album; although each album has a special place in my heart. We celebrate 35 years of 20 Millas.
Since that day, I have been study Latin pop and rock music and have become a Latin pop music historian through the publishing of articles, fanzine, and websites. My goal is to teach people about Latin pop music and the history behind it with my website, Siempre En Domingo.
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