Spanish music is known for its catchy melodies, beautiful lyrics, and passionate rhythms.
If you are looking for the best Spanish songs of all time, you cannot go wrong with classics like "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens, "Guantanamera" by Celia Cruz, or "Besame Mucho" by Consuelo Velazquez. These songs have stood the test of time and continue to be popular around the world.
Other famous Spanish songs include "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, "Bailando" by Enrique Iglesias, and "La Tortura" by Shakira. These modern hits have brought Spanish music to the forefront of the global music industry and have introduced new generations to the beauty of Spanish music.
Spanish Songs in UK Charts
Spanish music has also made a significant impact on the UK charts, with hits like "Despacito" and "Bailando" reaching number one on the charts. Other popular Spanish songs in the UK include "La Bamba" and "Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin. Whether you are a fan of traditional music or modern pop, Spanish music has something for everyone.
Here's an overview of some of the top Spanish songs that have become major hits in the UK charts:
| Song Title | Artist | Year Released | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Por qué te vas | Jeanette Dimech | 1974 | Iconic Spanish-language song, became popular due to the film 'Cría Cuervos'. Covered by many artists. |
| María | Ricky Martin | 1995 | Ricky Martin's first real hit, reached number 6 in the UK charts. |
| Despechá | Rosalía | Recent | Song about heartbreak, became a fan favorite and received critical acclaim. |
| Despacito | Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee | 2017 | Global phenomenon, one of the most streamed songs in history, brought reggaeton to mainstream. |
| Hasta siempre | Nathalie Cardone | 1997 | Tribute to Che Guevara, originally written by Carlos Puebla, became a hit in France. |
| Obsesión | Aventura | 2002 | Classic bachata song about unrequited love, blended traditional bachata with modern sounds. |
| La Tortura | Shakira ft. Alejandro Sanz | 2005 | Mix of Latin pop and reggaeton, tells a complicated and passionate love story. |
| Bailando | Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona | 2014 | Hit across Latin America and the world, alluring rhythm and easy-to-remember lyrics. |
| La camisa negra | Juanes | 2005 | About a man grieving over his relationship, mix of Colombian folklore and Latin pop. |
| Bamboleo | Gipsy Kings | 1987 | Hit in the US and worldwide, mix of Latin pop and flamenco, inspired by a Venezuelan song. |
| El condor pasa | Simon & Garfunkel | 1970 | Based on traditional Peruvian music, included on the album 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. |
| Macarena | Los Del Rio | 1993 | Phenomenon in the 1990s, dance craze, spent 14 weeks at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. |
| Feliz navidad | José Feliciano | 1970 | Popular Christmas song, has gone Platinum in multiple countries, many cover versions. |
| La bamba | Los Lobos/Ritchie Valens | 1958 | Famous Mexican song, covered by many artists, listed in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. |
| Gasolina | Daddy Yankee | 2004 | Reggaeton influence, ranked number 38 on Rolling Stone's 50 Greatest Latin Pop Songs. |
1. Por qué te vas - Jeanette Dimech
Loosely translated to “Why are you leaving?”, the song Por qué te vas from 1974 is one of the most iconic Spanish-language songs of all time.
"Por qué te vas" is a song by British-Spanish singer Jeanette Dimech, which was released in 1974 as a single from her album "Reluz", and made popular due to the film Cría Cuervos. The song was written by Spanish composer José Luis Perales and tells the story of a woman who is left heartbroken and alone after her lover leaves her. With its melancholic melody and haunting lyrics, "Por qué te vas" became a hit not only in Spain but also in Latin America and Europe, and it remains one of the most popular Spanish-language songs of all time. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has been featured in several films and TV shows, cementing its place in popular culture.
The song is so popular that it’s been covered plenty of times.
- José Luis Perales in 1987.
- Attaque 77 in 1992.
- Pato Fu in 1996.
- Masterboy in 1999.
- Javier Alvarez in 2001.
- Sabine Paturel in 2002.
- Globus in 2006.
- Suarez in 2010.
- Marquess in 2014.
- Hot Banditoz in 2016.
- Lucero in 2017.
You might have even listened to the song in Spanish classes because it’s quite slow and great for beginners to listen to.
Want to learn more about Spain?
Check out our guide.
2. María - Ricky Martin
¡Un, dos, tres!
You’ve probably heard the Spanish song María by Ricky Martin. In 1995, this was the star’s first real hit. It reached number 6 in the UK charts, and if you ask a Brit to name famous Spanish singers, Ricky will come to mind. The song tells the story of a man who is deeply in love with a woman named María, who he can't stop thinking about despite her being out of his reach. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, "María" became a huge hit for Martin, both in Latin America and internationally. The song's success helped to launch Martin's career on the global stage, and it remains one of his most iconic songs to this day.
While the lyrics aren’t very profound, some may remember the chorus:
Un, Dos, Tres
Un pasito palante Maria
Un, Dos, Tres
Un pasito patras
Even these days you can’t help but dance to this tune. Gracias, Ricky!
It may surprise you to know that Ricky Martin still has Spanish-language hits to this day!
3. Despechá - Rosalía
Rosalia is a young and talented Spanish singer, songwriter, and music producer who has taken the music industry by storm. With her unique blend of Flamenco, pop, and urban music, she has gained worldwide recognition and captured the hearts of millions of fans. Rosalia grew up in a family of musicians and started studying Flamenco singing when she was 13. She was discovered by music producer Raül Refree in 2016 and released her debut album "Los Angeles" in 2017. Since then, she has become a household name in Spain and is paving the way for a new generation of musicians with her innovative music style and fashion sense.
"Despecho" is a song about heartbreak and the emotions that come with it. Rosalia wrote the song after going through a difficult breakup and wanted to express the pain and vulnerability she was feeling. The song quickly became a fan favourite and received critical acclaim for its poignant lyrics and powerful message.
4. Despacito - Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
"Despacito" is a song by Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi featuring rapper Daddy Yankee. It was released in 2017 and quickly became a global phenomenon, breaking numerous records and becoming one of the most streamed songs in history. The song's lyrics, which are in Spanish, are a sensual ode to love and desire, and the catchy beat and infectious chorus helped to make it an instant hit. The song's success helped to bring reggaeton and Latin music into the mainstream, and it has been credited with helping to bridge cultural divides and promote understanding and unity across the world. Even today, "Despacito" remains a beloved song that continues to inspire and move people around the globe.
The song left its mark on music history and was played on almost every radio which has left a lot of people looking for Despacito lyrics in Spanish. The title basically means “slowly” or “softly” and describes the physical attraction between two people from dancing and other stuff...
Listening to this song is a good opportunity to practise a few Spanish words. Additionally, Luis Fonsi’s voice will want you to get up and dance right from the first line.
Check out our brief guide to Spain's history.
5. Hasta siempre - Nathalie Cardone
The origins of "Hasta Siempre" date back to the 1960s, when Che Guevara was a prominent figure in the Cuban Revolution. The song was written by Carlos Puebla, a Cuban composer and musician who was a supporter of the revolution. Puebla was inspired to write the song after meeting Guevara in person and being moved by his dedication to the cause. The lyrics of "Hasta Siempre" are a tribute to Guevara's life and work, and they express a deep sense of admiration and respect for his revolutionary spirit.
Fast forward several decades to 1997, when Nathalie Cardone released her version of "Hasta Siempre" as a single. Cardone's rendition of the song is a powerful and emotional tribute to Guevara, with her distinctive voice bringing a haunting quality to the lyrics. The song's music video, which was directed by French filmmaker Jean-Baptiste Mondino, features Cardone singing in front of a black-and-white image of Guevara, adding to the overall impact of the song. Cardone's version of "Hasta Siempre" became a hit in France and other countries, introducing a new generation of listeners to the story of Che Guevara and his legacy.
6. Obsesión – Aventura
Aventura’s “Obsesión” is a classic bachata song that has captured the hearts of millions of listeners around the world. Released in 2002, the song tells the story of a man who is deeply in love with a woman who doesn’t reciprocate his feelings. Despite her rejection, he can’t help but obsess over her and long for her love. The song’s lyrics are emotional and heartfelt, and they capture the pain and desperation of unrequited love.
Bachata is a genre of music that originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its distinctive rhythm, which is a fusion of African, European, and indigenous influences. Over the years, bachata has evolved and incorporated elements of other genres, including merengue, salsa, and even hip-hop and R&B. Aventura is a group that has taken this fusion to new heights, blending traditional bachata with modern urban sounds to create a unique and captivating sound that has earned them millions of fans around the world.
You can also check out some great Spanish series.
7. La Tortura - Shakira ft. Alejandro Sanz
Shakira! Shakira!
Shakira needs no introduction.
She’s had plenty of hits over the years including Hips Don’t Lie and Loca. This song from 2005 is completely in Spanish.
This song tells a complicated and passionate love story. It’s a mix of Latin pop and reggaeton, one of many types of Spanish music.
8. Bailando - Enrique Iglésias ft. Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona
With Enrique Iglésias singing this song in 2014, Bailando couldn’t be anything other than a hit across Latin America and the world.
With its alluring rhythm and easy-to-remember lyrics, this Spanish-language song even has an English-language version with Sean Paul. This song, like a lot of music, is about love and physical proximity...
Yo quiero estar contigo, vivir contigo, Bailar contigo, tener contigo, Una noche loca, con tremenda loca” (I want to be with you, live with you, dance with you, spend a completely crazy night with you.)
The song was #1 in Spain but only reached #75 in the UK!
Check out who the most famous Spaniards are.
9. La camisa negra - Juanes
The Colombian singer is famous for their song “La Camisa Negra” (The Black Shirt). This song is about a man grieving over his relationship, which is why he’s wearing a black shirt.
The beautiful music lures you in with its mix of Colombian folklore and Latin pop. The song was problematic in Italy due to the fact that black shirts were often worn by the fascists. However, that didn’t stop the song from being successful elsewhere.
Improve yourself with Spanish lessons here on Superprof.
10. Bamboleo - Gipsy Kings
The Gipsy Kings are a group from the south of France that plays Andalusian music! The group is made up of Spanish and Gypsy musicians and their songs mix Latin pop and flamenco. One of the songs in Spanish that virtually everyone knows and proof that traditional Spanish music can be a hit anywhere.
The song Bamboleo was a hit in 1987 across the world, especially in the United States of America where it reached 6th on the Billboard charts. The verses are inspired by a Venezuelan song and the chorus is that of Carmen Miranda’s song of the same name.
This song compares love to a frantic dance and calls upon you to live your life in the fullest way possible through joy and, of course, dancing.
11. El condor pasa - Simon & Garfunkel
Simon and Garfunkel introduced the world to Spanish folk music and traditional Spanish music in a new way when they covered "El condor pasa". The song was originally written in 1913 and is based on traditional music such as folk music from Peru.
Daniel Alomía Robles wrote the song originally, and his estate actually had a legal case against Simon and Garfunkel which was settled amicably.
The single sold over one million copies in Germany and was so famous due to the fact that it was included on the massive Bridge Over Troubled Water album that gained such critical acclaim.
12. Macarena - Los Del Rio
The Macarena is not just a song, it was an absolute phenomenon in some parts of the world. A lot of people know the English language version of the remix, but the original was composed and sung in Spanish.
The remix was by American-based producers The Bayside Boys and spawned a dance craze all over the world in the 1990s. It spent 14 weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and turned into one of the most famous Spanish songs ever released in the States, also huge in the UK and elsewhere around the globe.
Love it or hate it, we couldn't forget about this song, which is about a woman called "Macarena" which is a popular name in the Andalucia region.
13. Feliz navidad - José Feliciano
It is fair to say that around the world, this is one of the best-known pieces of Spanish music. You won't be learning a lot of Spanish from the sparse lyrics, but it is definitely worthy of mention.
Explore the stores in the US and UK around December and this song will be playing regularly to shoppers and festive passers-by!
The song has gone Platinum in multiple countries. It was first released by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter José Feliciano but there have been many other cover versions and Feliciano even re-recorded the song himself.
14. La bamba - Los Lobos/Ritchie Valens
This is actually a famous Mexican song that hails from the state of Veracruz. The 1958 adaptation by Ritchie Valens made it very famous and is even listed in Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The song has been covered many times including by Los Lobos for a movie adaptation of the same name. Though Valens didn't write the song from scratch, his interpretation has left a lasting impression and will be remembered in spite of his tragic story. When "La Bamba" entered the Top 40, he would see success for just two weeks before he died in a plane crash.
15. Gasolina - Daddy Yankee
Music changes with the times, and though you may not instantly think of Spain when you think of rap music, there are some very popular Spanish rappers, including Daddy Yankee!
In 2018, Gasolina was ranked number 38 on Rolling Stone's 50 Greatest Latin Pop Songs, and the song has many other accolades to its name. As one of the first rap songs (with a huge Reggaeton influence) to come out of Spain, it showed that the Spanish language can facilitate many modern styles and genres of music. Pitbull was involved in the song and has gone on to huge success since.
Can I learn Spanish with Music?
Any language teacher will tell you that music and songs sung in that language will definitely boost your learning. This is not mere hype.
Studies have shown that students who listen to songs in their target language are better able to absorb their rhythm and syntax. Later, as they are able to discern individual words, singing along serves as pronunciation practice.
Indeed, as we sing, we are less conscious of pronunciation pitfalls. We let our love of music take over, abandoning all attempts at wrangling our English accent into something that sounds like classroom Spanish.
That’s good news for our pronunciation but what does singing Spanish songs do for vocabulary learning?
You may find that your Spanish vocabulary is richer for all of the words you hear in songs that don’t feature in your language classes.
Song lyrics tend to be less formal if not downright colloquial. They incorporate a lot of slang and informal expressions that you might not encounter until much later in your language lessons.
Any way you slice it, Spanish songs are a great way to boost your language learning.
Whether you train your ear to pick out individual words or sing along to mimic the accent and fluency of the language, you cannot go wrong with using music to learn Spanish.
Why Sing in Spanish?
Thanks to artists like Pitbull creating hit songs in Spanish, there's plenty of Latin and Spanish music becoming more popular in the English-speaking world. Additionally, the most popular songs are all available on iTunes, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your music from.
While there's music like reggaeton, flamenco, merengue, and bachata that are usually in Spanish and an important part of Latin and Spanish culture, there are other genres of music that you can listen to in Spanish.
If you want to learn more about what Spanish lyrics mean, you should get in touch with a private Spanish tutor.
On Superprof, there are three main types of tutorials available: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. Face-to-face tutorials are usually the most expensive but also the most cost-effective. This is a bespoke tutorial with a single student.
Online tutorials are similar but the tutor provides the tuition over a webcam. With fewer travel expenses etc., the tutor can charge less for their tuition.
Finally, group tutorials tend to be the cheapest of the lot because there are multiple students all sharing the cost of the tutoring. That said, you'll get less individual attention from your tutor.
The Best Way to Learn Spanish Song Lyrics
The obvious advantage of learning Spanish through music is that your ear will become attuned to the spoken language.
Your Spanish textbooks may have an associated online portal or a DVD that you could access level-appropriate listening material through. Such tools are a double-edged sword.
Uncluttered by verb tenses, words and syntax you do not yet know, such soundbites expose you to no more language than you are presumably able to handle while drilling deep into the mechanics of the Spanish language.
While some might consider that a strategy for thorough learning, others might contend that such pedantry will rapidly lead to boredom with language study.
By incorporating Spanish songs into your training routine, you can have the best of both worlds!
Translating Lyrics
Another excellent exercise for learning Spanish is to translate song lyrics. Follow the steps outlined above but, as you copy each line, leave a blank line beneath it so you can write its translation.
If you are just beginning to learn this Romance language, you may not be able to convert many of your favourite songs’ words into English. That’s perfectly fine; simply plug the English version of the words you know into the blank lines beneath their Spanish counterparts.
As you learn more Spanish vocabulary, you will be able to translate more words until the whole song has a complement of English words. We strongly urge you to not use translation software for this endeavour!
In the long run, nobody has ever benefited from being given all of the answers. You may learn what your favourite songs are saying but you will not learn how to speak or understand Spanish any faster if ‘translate’ does your work for you.
Besides, how will you know the translation is accurate?
What Music Should I listen to Learn Spanish?
It would be hard to give a good answer to this question without knowing your musical tastes and your level of Spanish.
All of the songs in this article are great for learning Spanish but you probably know a few Spanish-language songs that aren’t on this list.
| Song Title | Artist(s) | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Yo Perreo Sola | Bad Bunny | Words are clearly spoken; song is not so fast |
| La Vida Es Un Carnaval | Celia Cruz | Has a flavour of past eras; lyrics aren't too complex |
| No Te Vayas | Mayel Jimenez | Slow pace, easy to follow |
| Grande Amore (Spanish version) | Il Volo | Slow-paced, multiple voices, heart-melting |
| Amarillo | J Balvin | A crisp rap, easy to pick up on |
| Búscame | Kany Garcia | A bit of Puerto Rican dialect to diversify your pure Castilian teachings |
| El Ropavejero | Los Sepultureros | Traditional Mexican style sung in easy-to-hear tempo and tone |
| Como Te Hago Entender | Roberto Roena | Easy to understand lyrics sung to a Bossa Nova beat |
| Bidi Bidi Bom Bom | Selena | Relaxed pace, clear words and too fun to only listen to once! |
| Suavemente | Elvis Crespo | Fast-paced with excellent rhythm, ideal for the advanced Spanish learner, |
Check them out... and, while you're at it, check out some of the Spanish tutors on Superprof.
You can find out more information about Spanish courses here.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
