L'Essentiel (Mano Negra album)

L'Essentiel is a compilation album by the French alternative rock band Mano Negra, released in 2001. It serves as a comprehensive overview of the band's career, featuring tracks selected from their studio albums, live performances, and previously unreleased material.

The album is notable for showcasing the diverse musical styles that defined Mano Negra's sound, including rock, punk, reggae, ska, Latin, and world music influences. It includes some of their most popular and recognizable songs, offering a retrospective of their energetic and politically charged music. "L'Essentiel" is generally regarded as a valuable collection for both long-time fans and those new to the band's work. The title, translating to "The Essential," accurately reflects the album's aim to present the key elements of Mano Negra's musical output.