Spanish is a romantic language that lends itself well to music. Legendary musicians like Enrique Iglesias, Reuben Blades, and Selena have left a giant footprint.
Listen to these best Spanish songs ever recorded, and you'll see why they will continue to influence and dominate the music industry.
Contents
1. “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias (featuring Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zona)
Song year: 2014
Enrique Iglesias embodies Latin music. Producing hit after hit has earned him the prestigious honor of being voted number one in Billboards' Greatest of All Time Latin Artists.
Choosing “Bailando” to represent this list's number one may be controversial. After all, “Hero,” “Subeme la Radio,” “Bailame,” “El Perdon,” “Duele El Corazon,” and many others are an impossible challenge to sort through and rank.
The song also features Sean Paul, December Bueno, and Gente de Zona to round out a stellar cast. Filmed in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the story centers around the singer falling for a beautiful flamenco dancer.
“Bailando” translated means dancing and is one of the most recognizable Spanish language songs in modern history.
2. “Waka Waka” by Shakira (featuring Freshlyground)
Song year: 2010
Nothing says Spanish like Shakira and Waka Waka uniting on many fronts during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Shakira's memorable lyrics tell the tale of how thrilling a soccer star's performance and nervous apprehension make the game for all to enjoy.
The song's vibe truly encapsulates soccer mania, though listening to Shakira’s absorbing voice may make anyone forget about sport.
3. “Nota de Amor” by Wisin and Colombian singer Carlos Vives (featuring Daddy Yankee)
Song year: 2015
This tune encapsulates Latino music. Wisin, Carlos Vives, and Daddy Yankee rap, romance the audience, and move us with reggaeton style.
Anyone who loves Latino hip hop and pop will adore this song.
Besides its catchiness, “Nota de Amor delivers complicated nuances of Latin American music thanks to the accordion notes that get squeezed into the background and bring an element of traditionalism.
4. “La Bamba” by Richie Valens
Song year: 1958
“La Bamba” is perhaps one of the most iconic songs of all time, regardless of language. Ritchie Valens put this traditional Mexican folk song on the charts in 1958.
It is about dancing and enjoying the music and rhythm. “La Bamba” has become as significant to Mexican culture as “Guantanamera” in Cuba.
Though Ritchie Valens turned the song into a hit, Los Lobos catapulted it to global recognition.
5. “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee
Song year: 2010
Gasolina is a hit by reggaeton artistry superstar Daddy Yankee. Many music experts credit the tune with opening the doors for other up-and-coming reggaeton stars.
The song's lyrics spoon feed listeners about political angst, but it's all about a woman who can shake her booty.
6. “La Incondicional” by Luis Miguel
Song year: 1988
If you feel like crying, listen to Luis Miguel's unforgettable love ballad “La Incondicional.” An ambitious accompanying video tells the story of manhood, friendship, love, and desperation.
The ballad broke several Latin music records and became a hit in Mexico, Chile, and Argentina. Its theme has a strong message for military personnel and their sacrifices.
7. “Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar (featuring Lucenzo)
Song year: 2010
“Danza Kuduro” has the power to even move the heaviest lead-footed person on the planet. This sensational Don Omar hit featuring Lucenzo is a take on an African Angolan dance rhythm.
According to Don Omar, the storyline is that dancing the Kuduro is an awful lot like dancing with a woman and feeling the beat through them.
Its infectious beat made it a worldwide dance sensation.
8. “Bamboleo” by Gipsy Kings
Song year: 1987
Perhaps this is the best song from Spain ever, though the Gipsy Kings are French. Known as a Gitano-French band, “Bamboleo” anchored the band to the charts.
The title means to dangle, sway, and wobble. It's derived in part from a Venezuelan folk song, and Reyes and his band mastered the sensational song.
Legendary Carmen Miranda and Julio Iglesias recorded their own versions of the song.
9. “Macarena” by Los Del Rio
Song year: 1993
In 1993, there wasn't a wedding or party venue that didn't draw a crowd when “Macarena” boomed on the stereo.
The irresistible dance song is about an enchanting woman named Macarena, and the lyrics are certainly bold.
It earned recognition from Billboard when it was named All-Time Best Latin Song. In 1996, the remix by Bayside Boys became an international hit. Los D
10. “El Cantante” by Hector Lavoe
Song year: 1978
Rubén Blades is a Panamanian music legend. The song “El Cantante” is iconic of Panamanian salsa flair and jazz undertones.
Written by Blades and Willie Colon, the song has a solid link to Puerto Rican salsa singer Héctor Lavoe.
As soon as you crank this salsa favorite, you'll hear the ocean and feel the heat of the tropical Panamanian vibe.
11. “Mambo No.5” by Perez Prado
Song year: 1949
It wasn't Lou Bega's creation, though the German singer reinvented the great jazz mambo into a dance sensation, taking the original instrumental to new heights.
Cuban musician Perez Prado wrote the instrumental dance song in 1949. Lou Bega revamped it fifty years later. Sadly, the music underwent the rigors of copyright law. A court finally declared it a song written by Prada and Bega.
Both renditions are fantastic to dance to, and the new lyrics complement the jazzy notes.
12. “Guantanamera” by Compay Segundo
Song year: 1940s
Cuban poet Jose Marti wrote poetry about a young man's devotion nearly a century ago. “Guantanamera” still represents Cuban patriotism to this day.
Revived into a radio hit in 1929 by Josesito Fernandez, musicians continually revamp this song to make it their own.
In 1966, The Sandpipers, an American band, turned it into a hit. Pete Seeger also recorded it as a peace song during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Company Segundo produced a superb version.
13. “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee (featuring Justin Bieber)
Song year: 2017
If there is an iconic smash hit for the ages, “Despacito” deserves the title.
Luis Fonsi wrote the tune with Erika Ender, whose influence kept the sensual overtures of the song from becoming too overt.
Although a hit in its own right and Fonsi deserves credit, when Justin Bieber remixed the tune, it blew smoke out of the water.
Several renditions of the song exist, and it has become the longest-reigning number one song of all time.
14. “Hate That I Love You” by Rihanna (featuring David Bisbal)
Song year: 2008
David Bisbal is a Spanish award-winning multi-chart topping singer who performs a duet version of “Hate That I Love You” with singing sensation Rihanna.
The song exhibits Bisbal's dreamy singer qualities, and Rihanna brings the status. Many audiences find the tension of the Spanglish version irresistible.
Though not a number one hit song, it reached number seven on the Billboard Hot List and showcases that music has no borders.
15. “Secreto de Amor” by Joan Sebastian
Song year: 2000
This Joan Sebastian song embodies everything that is Mexican banda music blended with regional influences.
“Secreto de Amor” is a sweet song evoking forbidden love during trying times. In fact, their feelings are never allowed to be expressed in public. Their love has to stay a secret, a punishment that means they need to pretend they are just friends.
It is a slow dance tune that has lyrics that linger on longing and passion.
16. “Me Llamas” by Piso 21 (featuring Maluma)
Song year: 2016
There are sultry songs, and then there's “Me Llamas.” Performed by Colombian band Piso 21, featuring a guest appearance by Maluma, pushed this tender love about infatuation to the top.
With over 773 million YouTube views, part of this song plays as the theme of a Colombian telenovela.
17. “Samba Pa Ti” by Carlos Santana
Song year: 1970
A Spanish song list without Santana’s “Samba Pa Ti” mentioned wouldn't be complete.
Carlos credits the song with a New York experience when he saw a drunk jazz saxophonist struggling with his addiction and music.
Santana still performs this guitar instrumental at concerts. He recorded it on his 1970 album Abraxas.
18. “Dos Amigos” by Julio Iglesias (featuring Zezé Di Camargo and Luciano)
Song year: 1998
“Dos Amigos” tells the world of a friendship between two men. The two men are Julio Iglesias and Placido Domingo, who performed at La Scala Opera House in Milan on the same night.
Iglesias includes this tribute to friendship in his concerts though it's now 30 years old. His resonating voice translates the story with warmth.
19. “Bon, Bon” by Pitbull
Song year: 2010
Turn the thermostat down when this best-selling hit comes on the radio. Pitbull turned heads with this autotune and electro-dance beat that had people gyrating on the dancefloor in all the clubs.
Though Pitbull has been criticized for his lyrics, he says he adores women for their vivaciousness and beauty. In that vein, “Bon, Bon” is a steamy and timeless hit.
20. “La Gozadera” by Gente de Zona (featuring Marc Anthony)
Song year: 2015
“La Gozadera” is one of those songs no one can get out of their heads as soon as they hear it. Marc Anthony adds his flair and perhaps helped launch this fun tune to fame.
Its YouTube upload boasts more than one billion hits, and one doesn't have to be proficient in Spanish to understand the song is all about having a good time.
The song is a celebration of the diversity and spirit of the Latino people. It references numerous aspects of Latin culture that have formed in places like Miami, the Caribbean, and South America.
Gente de Zona filmed at their home base in Cuba and added Anthony’s contribution in the Dominican Republic.
21. “Darte un Beso” by Prince Royce
Song year: 2013
It is one of the prettiest songs performed by American/Dominican singer Prince Royce. The song received a huge following after its release in 2013 and shot Prince Royce to stardom.
“Darte un Beso” is about an infatuation, and when the young man finally gets a kiss, the woman turns out to be a sirena (mermaid).
The music is bachata-style and influenced by Dominican and Spanish fusion in the base of the music. It also has firm roots in Taino and Sub-Saharan sounds.
22. “Abrazame Muy Fuerte” by Juan Gabriel
Song year: 2000
No Spanish song list would be complete without “Abrazame Muy Fuerte” (“Hold Me Tight”). This mariachi-influenced, tender song speaks volumes about the talented Mexican performer Juan Gabriel.
This song captures tenderness and passion and builds on the lyrics in momentum and feeling. Gabriel knows how to enchant his audience. The powerful orchestra supports the storyline with a beautiful crescendo and melodic rhythm.
23. “Yo No Soy Esa Mujer” by Paulina Rubio
Song year: 2000
It translates into “I'm Not That Woman,” and is a feminist anthem and Paulina Rubios' signature song. It reached number one in Mexico, Rubio's birthplace.
The video for the song is a spoof on spy flicks and features Rubio as a pistol-whipping 007-like spy, complete with Russian counterspies and a casino setting.
Critics described “Yo No Soy Esa Mujer” as being lyrically innovative. It is overtly critical of sexism and touches on the hypocrisy and double standards that women have to routinely deal with.
24. “Bailame (Remix)” by Nacho, Yandel, Bad Bunny
Song year: 2017
The Spanish translation suggests that Yandel, Bad Bunny, and Nacho are singing about the intense physical attraction to a dancer. Though the singers claim her breathtaking beauty nearly kills them, rest assured no one was hurt during the video production.
This compilation among a sophisticated trio of Latino performers has a strong YouTube following.
Like all good stories, the woman consents to become his dance partner.
25. “Una noche en Medellín” by Cris MJ
Song year: 2022
Cris MJ got it right: one night in the Colombian city of Medellin is always going to be unforgettable. Though the song has a different, though predictable, reason for Medellin being memorable, the song shot to success on TikTok and YouTube.
The video depicts a young rapper and the influences of money and success. Its lyrics have a bit of an adversarial vibe, and the video itself embodies the spirit of the song.
26. “Eligeme” by Luis Fonsi
Song year: 2003
“Eligeme” is a love ballad sung by Puerto Rican singer and heartthrob Luis Fonsi. The heartfelt lyrics tell the story of unrequited love, which can sadly never have a happy ending.
The song has a massive following, and the poignant lyrics resonate with Fonsi's audience.
Although it is not his biggest hit, it's a song for those who have felt the emotional pain of loving someone desperately.
27. “Fusil Contra Fusil” by Silvio Rodriguez
Song year: 1968
“Fusil Contra Fusil” is a political anthem and tribute to Ernesto “Che” Guevara by folk singer and guitar artist Silvio Rodriguez.
Rodriguez wrote the song in Dorian mode (a diatonic scale) and expressed his passionate feelings about Che, a Marxist revolutionary at the time.
While he had no formal training when he wrote the song, “Fusil Contra Fusil” still resonates with Cubans.
28. “Con los Años Que Me Quedan” by Gloria Estefan
Song year: 1993
Gloria Estafan has enjoyed considerable success in both Spanish and English.
“Con los Años Que Me Quedan” is a romantic song with a slow pace. The lyrics speak of her love for her significant other, and all the things she wants to do in life with them. And, that no matter what, she has no intention of repeating the mistakes of the past.
It was inspired by a relationship she had with the musician and producer Emilio Estefan.
Estefan recorded an English version of the song, titled “If We Were Lovers,” which was popular in Europe.
29. “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin
Song year: 1999
“Livin’ La Vida Loca” blew the roof off the charts and became number one in more than twenty countries. Ricky Martin's English debut broke records and transitioned Puerto Rican music to mainstream audiences.
The sensational hit tells the story of an influential woman who draws others into her crazy circle with her lack of inhibitions. It broke all kinds of records and influenced the Latin pop explosion, setting the way for Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and Enrique Iglesias.
30. “Oye Como Va” by Tito Puente
Song year: 1962
The second you hear the opening notes of Tito Puente's “Oye Como Va,” you'll have that aha moment. This Latin jazz and cha cha cha rhythm are as iconic as any other Spanish song ever recorded.
Santana recorded the song in 1970, and the rest, as they say, is history. He arranged the music into a cranked-up driving tune with guitar and organ solos.
It's iconic, and the phrase means, “hey, how is it going?”
31. “La Camisa Negra” by Juanes
Song year: 2005
Juanes hit the charts with this third single off his album Mi Sangre in 2005. Unfortunately, the song got negative criticism when neo-fascists in Italy decided to appropriate the piece because it resembled their uniform under Benito Mussolini.
Though watching the video and reading the lyrics, it's unclear how they drew the comparison. Juanes denies that the song has any connection to the fascist party.
32. “Una Noche Mas” by Jennifer Lopez
Song year: 1999
The Spanish version of “Waiting for Tonight” is even more sultry than the English rendition. The song is about the sensual longing to feel her lover in her arms.
Although the hit single is over three decades old, it still draws a dancing crowd. The song's sensuality resonates with women and men who understand the thrill of anticipation.
33. “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony
Song year: 2013
Marc Anthony hits it out of the park with this hit about living life to the fullest. It tells the story of passionate feelings for life and family.
The song speaks of the importance of living life to the fullest and doing what you can not to be sad. With one billion views, this song is like an anthem.
34. “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” by Selena
Song year: 1994
Performed by iconic Mexican-American Selena, this cumbia-inspired flirtatious tune “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” simulates the heartbeat of physical attraction.
Inspired by a fish swimming happily in the ocean, music experts consider it one of Selena's best and most musically diverse songs.
Stars like Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez have performed it as a tribute to the tragic singing sensation.
35. “Propuesta Indecente” by Romeo Santos
Song year: 2014
If you want to hear the song with the longest chart run in music history, listen to Romeo Santos.
Santo's wide sonrisa (“smile”) comes through the traditional sounds of bachata and sensual tango flair.
The song has 1.8 billion (+1 today) YouTube views and follows closely behind the giant footsteps of “Despacito.”
The flirtatious song tells the epic battle when two attractive males long for the same woman. There has to be seduction and a struggle. But who wins?
36. “Robarte un Beso” by Carlos Vives (featuring Sebastián Yatra)
Song year: 2017
One shouldn't expect anything less than the perfect Spanish love song that has both fun and love elements that speak to listeners' hearts.
Colombian Carols Vives collaborates with Sebastián Yatra to celebrate the act of falling in love and keeping love alive. This song speaks to the soul of anyone who ever experienced love in all its complicated and beautiful stages.
37. “Échame La Culpa” by Luis Fonsi and Demi Lovato
Song year: 2017
Demi Lovato joins Luis Fonsi to collaborate in this steamy, hypnotic duet that has accrued two billion views on YouTube.
This hit reached number one in seventeen countries, and toys with the overused theme, “it's me, not you.” Blending Spanish and English gives the song a universal quality.
“Échame La Culpa” tells the tale of two lovers who seek to reconcile after their relationship took a turn for the worse.
Fonsi has observed that the lyrics are meant to be joyous, and that is well reflected in the positive, energetic beat of the song.
Top Spanish Songs Ever, Final Thoughts
Choosing the best Spanish songs is an impossible task. Spanish artists have flourished in the music industry and charts, and rightly so.
Latin music has the enviable vibe of translating life, love, music, and culture that represents millions of Latinos living worldwide based on notes, rhythm, and melody.
What is truly remarkable is that we haven't even begun to scratch the surface.
