Dreaming of You (album)

Dreaming Of You (album)

Dreaming of You is the sixth and final studio album, and second posthumous album by American Tejano pop singer Selena. It was released on 18 July 1995 by EMI Records and EMI Latin. Dreaming of You comprises previously unreleased English and Spanish-language songs, and previously released tracks. They underwent remix treatment and contain influences from the dance hall and reggae genres. The first half of the album incorporates slow and mid-tempo R&B ballads and pop songs, and the remainder incorporates Latin-inflected grooves. The album was re-released on 24 September 2002, as part of the Selena: 20 Years of Music collection; the re-release included one music video and spoken liner notes by her family, friends and her former band, Selena y Los Dinos.

By 1993, EMI Latin thought Selena should release a crossover album. The singer had already proven her capacity for achieving success—she had won a Grammy Award and several other accolades, signed a sponsorship tour with Coca-Cola, dominated the Latin music charts, and expanded the Tejano Music Movement across the United States. EMI Latin thought that since she had reached her peak in the Spanish language market, they wanted to launch her into a career as a mainstream American solo pop artist. Selena was partnered with Grammy Award winning music producers. The record label wanted to change her musical styles from Tejano and Latin Pop to Pop and contemporary R&B, which they believed would facilitate her own crossover dream. Recordings had been made and a crossover tour was being planned. However, before it was released Selena was killed by Yolanda Saldivar, a friend and former manager of the singers' boutiques.

Dreaming of You debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, and sold more than 331,000 units in its first week. Selena was the first Hispanic singer to have an album, mostly in Spanish, debut at number one. The album was among the top ten debuts of all time and among the best-selling albums for a female artist. On its release date the album sold more than 175,000 copies, a record for a female pop singer. Critics gave the album generally positive reviews; however, many said that Dreaming of You was not Selena's peak as an artist. Her previous record, Amor prohibido (1994), was considered a more consistent release and a good introduction to her work. Several tracks from the album were released as singles in the United States and other countries.