Los Tigres del Norte pays tribute to the Mariaci icon, Vicente Fernandez, in their album that was released on January 31.
(Photo : Reuters)

Los Tigres del Norte is one of the most celebrated Hispanic bands in history. The band was first composed by Rosa Morada, Mocorito, Sinaloa, and Mexican natives. Jorge Hernandez, together with his brothers and cousins, started recording after they moved to San Jose, California in the late 1960s.

Now they're going to produce something bigger in order to pay tribute to the Mariachi icon Vicente Fernandez.

When Los Tigres del Norte first heard the song "Un Consentido de Dios," a composition by Roberto Fausto for Vicente Fernandez, the group knew that they should record it, as it was an opportunity for the group to pay homage to Fernandez.

Hernan Hernandez, member of the Los Tigres del Norte, told Billboard: "We figured that one song wasn't enough to say and sing everything that Vicente Fernández represents, his legacy and what he has done for ranchera music." He added, "We decided to record a whole album after the song inspired us to create a project of this magnitude." 

The band released its 15-track album titled "Y Su Palabra Es La Ley ... Homenaje a Vicente Fernández" that was released on Jan. 31 under Universal Music Group. The album includes Vicente Fernandez's greatest hits such as "Hermoso Cariño" and "Mujeres Divinas." 

Hernandez said that taking into consideration the hits of Vicente Fernandez was not easy because all of his songs were very extensive and unique. He said: "We started looking at what were some of his most popular songs on social media to get an idea of the ones people like. We also chose some that we personally love or have a special meaning to us individually." 

Fernandez who announced his retirement in 2016 is always in constant communication with the Los Tigres del Norte most especially during the process of making the album. Hernandez said: "We wanted him to participate in the making of the album and for him to tell us how he wanted mariachi music to be fused with our style. There was always communication between us because not only does music unite us, but also a friendship between the Fernández and Hernández families." 

The Y Su Palabra es la Ley has a special meaning for the band because their career is inspired by Fernandez's legacy. They said: "To sing this tribute to Don Vicente brings us so much joy and so much honor. He has always been an example to this institution." 

Here are the 3 essential tracks on Y Su Palabra es la Ley that pay tribute to the Mariachi icon Vicente Fernandez:

1. "La Ley del Monte"

Hernan Hernandez said: "Los Tigres Del Norte has never recorded a song by composer José Ángel Espinoza "Ferrusquilla," who is from Sinaloa like us. I, particularly, had been wanting to record one of his songs, and "La Ley Del Monte," aside from being one of Vicente Fernández's greatest hits, was written by "Ferrusquilla." I wanted to make that dream come true for myself and so I chose that song personally and I also sing it on the album. It also brings me many memories, and I've loved it ever since it was released." 

2. "Mujeres Divinas" 

Luis Hernández said: "This is a very popular song by Don Vicente's. Wherever you go in the world, people will sing along to this song. In this case, Los Tigres Del Norte made it into a duet with my brothers Jorge and Eduardo singing it. Making it a duet gave it a different touch, and their voices sound great together. This song is heard everywhere. It makes you happy and it makes you cry. It's a song we wanted to do to give it that Tigres Del Norte touch."

3. "El Último Beso" 

Hernan Hernandez said: "What makes this song even more special is that it was written by Joan Sebastian and it was one of Vicente's greatest hits. It's also different to what Vicente was used to recording in terms of rhythm. Eduardo is the one that sings this song on the album and it was as if it was written for Eduardo to sing because he loves to sing these types of songs and he truly feels the lyrics and the music. This is a special song for Vicente ... and now it's also a special song for us as well."

4. "Hermoso Cariño" 

Luis Hernandez said: "This song can be dedicated to your mom or your partner, and it's a staple in Don Vicente's repertoire. It's also a song that has that Los Tigres Del Norte norteño bass accompanied by an accordion and a six-string bass. The song adapted very naturally to our style. The fusion of both genres, norteño, and mariachi, worked so well. It just had to be included in the album because it's loved by many around the world."

5. "Un Consentido de Dios" 

Hernan Hernandez said: "This is probably the most special song because thanks to this song, our dream of wanting to pay tribute to Vicente came true. And, most importantly for Vicente to be able to enjoy this tribute. This song perfectly describes what Vicente represents, the legend he is and continues to be. This song is the one that allowed this project to happen, that's what makes it so special."

Moreover, Los Tigres del Norte has confirmed their exclusive panel conversation at the 2020 LatinFest+ by Telemundo and Billboard from April 20 to April 23 in Las Vegas.