Greetings, everyone.
Great topic. I have developed a very eclectic musical taste. From folk Venezuelan music to classical music, passing through all kinds of international musical genres.
If I had to choose, though, I'd go for the music that brings me the best memories and which I find best to listen to and share with friends: Salsa.
In our culture, learning to dance is a rite of passage. In the 80s, when I was growing up, if you turned, say 13, and couldn't dance in a party or disco you were doomed.
Learning to dance the fashionable genres of the time was a must: Salsa, Merengue Paso Doble, and Disco, to name a few, were some fo the genres any teenager had to be able to dance if they wanted to fit in.
It was not so much about smoking, drinking, or driving (although in some circles that was included), but about dancing. We don't dance much lately, at least not in meetings or parties, but listening to merengue or salsa prompts us to dance, even if alone.
Salsa was probably the most difficult genre. There were always less people on the dancing floor when salsa was played.
This video by legendary Gilberto Santa Rosa summarizes different styles of salsa and related genres as it evolved over the years. Santa Rosa has been one of my favorites. This genre is cheerful, sensual, and fun. Best music for hard times.

Hope you enjoy it