Spanish is amongst the most widely spoken languages globally, and with good reason. The beautiful sounds of Spanish are soothing and relaxing to hear, which makes it a great choice for music. The best Spanish songs are available and found worldwide, and here are some of the best and most popular that have been recorded over the years.
1. “Despacito” – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
This song has become the most notorious Spanish song of all time! The remix with Justin Bieber was even more successful than the original version! This song has been translated into over 44 languages, making it one of the most popular songs ever made! Just check out the YouTube playbacks of this video and you’ll understand why we must include it on this list.
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2. “Gasolina” – Daddy Yankee
This song was released in 2004, and it changed the future of Latin music forever. It created a huge impact in the hip hop music scene, and this song is still considered one of the best latino songs ever made. The song takes its inspiration from the island culture of Puerto Rico, and a well trained ear can hear the nuance throughout the track.
The song has a very high tempo and is extremely catchy, making it fun to dance to. It’s one of those songs you must have on your playlist for partying, especially if you love Spanish music culture.
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3. “Limbo” – Daddy Yankee
This track from 2012 is another catchy song from Daddy Yankee, with a great message about how we should always be prioritizing the good life and fun times, after all life’s a party! It’s an inspiring tune for anyone who needs some motivation to live their life in a joyous and upbeat fashion. The video features Daddy Yankee with beautiful women (yet again) in a beautiful location of Mexico.
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4. “Bon, Bon” – Pitbull
Pitbull is one of the most famous Latin American artists globally, and his song “Bon, Bon” is one of his most popular songs. The song’s background is of a girl he met in a club and how she had a nice body. The song comes with an amazing beat and rhythm; it’s also catchy, so you’ll find yourself singing along to it very quickly.
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5. “Calypso” – Luis Fonsi Stefflon Don
“Calypso” is an upbeat song with a lot of energy behind it. It’s about being happy and having fun at the beach with friends. The lyrics are very easy to understand because they don’t have any complicated words or phrases, making this song great for anyone who isn’t fluent.
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6. “Aventura” – Obsesión
This New York-based bachata group made a list for their 2002 hit, “Obsesión.” Aventura was one of the first groups to cross over from a predominantly Latin audience to a mainstream audience with this song, which is why it’s included. The song is about a man in love with a woman who will do anything to be with her. It’s a catchy tune that even those who are not fluent in Spanish will be able to follow along with.
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7. “Bamboleo” – Gipsy Kings
You may have heard this song before—it was featured in The Big Lebowski movie. Gipsy Kings is a group of French musicians who play flamenco, salsa, and pop music. The group was originally named Los Reyes. They performed traditional flamenco songs by artists like Camaron de la Isla and Sabicas but later got together with Grammy Award-winning producer Claude Martinez and created their unique rumba flamenco style. This 1988 hit stayed at the #1 spot on world music charts for weeks and has been remixed for use in movies and TV shows worldwide.
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8. “Échame La Culpa”- Luis Fonsi, Demi Lovato
This song was released in 2017 and quickly became an international hit! The music video is also very popular because it features some of the biggest names in music right now! In addition to being popular with teens and young adults, this song has also been used on many TV shows, including Grey’s Anatomy, Jane the Virgin, and One Day at A Time, among others!
9. “La Cancion del Mariachi” – Jose Alfredo Jimenez
This song is among the most popular pieces of music in Latin America. It’s also one of the most well-known songs in Spain, and it’s often used as a theme song for films and TV shows. It was written by Jose Alfredo Jimenez back in 1955, and it’s been covered by dozens upon dozens of artists over time as well.
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10. “Hips Don’t Lie”- “Shakira”
In 2002, Shakira released “Hips Don’t Lie,” a track that helped her become the first Colombian artist to have a #1 song in the U.S. The single topped charts worldwide and received several awards, including two Latin Grammy wins. Shakira performed the song at the 2006 World Cup opening ceremony with a dance routine that made her famous for her belly dancing skills.
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11. “Bésame Mucho” – Luis Miguel
Luis Miguel has been one of the most popular singers from Spain since his debut album was released in 1989. This particular song has become one of his most famous works because it’s been covered by many other artists, including Placido Domingo, who recorded a version that ended up being nominated for Best Male Vocal Performance at the Grammys. You’ll see this song elsewhere on this list…
12. “Bailando” – Enrique Iglesias & Descemer Bueno
Enrique Iglesias has an estimated net worth in the nine figures, making him one of Spain’s most successful singers. This song, which was published in 2014 as part of his album Sex & Love, is one of his biggest hits in both Spanish and English. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and ranked second on Hot Dance Club Songs Chart Billboard.
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13. “Bésame Mucho” – Consuelo Velázquez
Consuelo Velázquez wrote this song for her husband when they were dating in Mexico City in 1940. She didn’t intend for it to become such an iconic Latin song; she only wrote it as a love letter to him because she missed him while he was away fighting in World War II. However, after she sang it on the radio one night at midnight, it became so popular that she did not have any other choice but to continue performing it throughout her life, even after they divorced many years later!
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14. “La Cumparsita” – Juan Carlos Cobián
This tango song was written by Uruguayan composer Gerardo Matos Rodríguez in 1916. It became popular in Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil, but it wasn’t until 1928 that it became a hit in Europe. Many artists, including Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra, have covered the tune.
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15. “Macarena” – Los Del Rio
This is a Spanish folk song that originated in Seville, Spain. Macarena was originally written and performed in 1992 by Los del Río, a duo consisting of Juan Martinez ‘Juanito’ López and Rafael Ruiz Velasco. The group is best known for their hit single “Macarena.” It became one of the most popular dance songs ever, reaching #1 on charts worldwide. The dance to this traditional Spanish song has been so popular that many famous people have performed it, including Ricky Martin, Madonna, and Britney Spears.
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16. “Danza Kuduro” – Don Omar ft. Lucenzo
If you’re looking for song lyrics to make you feel like you can take on the world, this 2010 hit has your name written all over it. With lyrics like “Muevelo, Muevelo, Muevelo” (Move it!) and “Vamos a la playa/ Bailar en la arena” (Let’s go to the beach/ Dance in the sand), it’s got an energy that will push you to keep your feet moving and add some salsa to your step when you hit the dance floor. The best part? You won’t worry about not knowing what you’re saying—the chorus is completely in English.
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17. “El Condor Pasa” – Simon & Garfunkel
The catchy song is a Peruvian folk song written by Peruvian composer Daniel Alomía Robles in the early 20th century but popularized in 1965 by Simon & Garfunkel’s cover version on their “Sounds of Silence” album. The song has become an icon of the 1960s folk revival, although it had been around for over 50 years.
18. “Simples Corazones” – Fonseca
This is a romantic salsa hit song by Colombian singer/songwriter Fonseca published in 2011 on his album Fonseca II: The Romantic Side of Fonseca. His wife, whom he married in 2010 inspired the lyrics. It was an instant hit with Latin American audiences, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart on March 18, 2012, after spending five weeks at #2 behind Shakira’s “Loca” with Dizzee Rascal. It also charted at #13 in Latin Pop and twenty-five in Tropical Songs.
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19. “Vivir mi vida” – Marc Anthony
The hit song is from the Valio la Pena’s album by Marc Anthony. It is a song about living your life to the fullest and enjoying every moment. The song was released in 2001 and was an instant hit. The lyrics of this song are very powerful and emotional yet very simple. The song has been sung by many artists like Ricky Martin, Alejandro Sanz, Ana Gabriel, Ednita Nazario, and others.
20. “Vente Pa’Ca” – Ricky Martin ft. Maluma
The upbeat song is a catchy collaboration between Martin and Colombian singer, Maluma. The music video starts with the pair sitting in a restaurant while watching the news, which shows world leaders arguing. In an attempt to stop the madness, Martin and Maluma decide to sing and dance their way through the streets of a big city to spread peace and love. It’s hard not to sing along when you hear Maluma singing, “Te Quiero tanto que no sabes, en esta Vida no hay nadie Como tú” (I love you so much you don’t know it, there’s no one in this life like you). You may have heard it before on television commercials or at your local Latin grocery store, but it will always be one of many favorite Spanish songs.
21. “Oye Como Va” – Santana
A true classic, Santana’s 1970 hit “Oye Como Va” features a rousing, Latin-inspired groove and some awesome guitar work. Salsa legend Tito Puente wrote the song, but Santana’s cover version made the song famous. The original appeared on the band’s 1970 album Abraxas. Still, it also became a hit all over again in 1999 when a cover version by Jennifer Lopez and Tito Nieves reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs.
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22. “La Tortura – Shakira
Shakira is one of the most well-known Latina singers of all time. She was the first artist to join Sony BMG’s roster and has sold over 70 million albums worldwide. Shakira has featured in films and advertisements and written songs for other artists in addition to her singing career. “La Tortura,” one of her biggest hits, topped at #7 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 2005. The song appeared on her 2005 album Fijacion Oral Vol. 1 and sold over 2 million copies around the world.
23. “Amor Prohibido” – Selena
Amor Prohibido is that classic Romeo and Juliet story that makes for some of the best love stories. Her grandparents fell in love with each other despite being situated in different social classes. Forbidden love is just so sweet that we couldn’t leave this song off the list.
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24. “Amor Eterno”- Rocío Dúrcal
It doesn’t get much more romantic than this Spanish ballad from Rocío Dúrcal that has been covered countless times since its debut in 1974. The song is about lost love and longing for someone who is no longer there. Everyone has covered everything from Los Tigres del Norte to Juan Gabriel, but Dúrcal’s version remains the most popular.
25. “Besame Mucho” – Ben E King
![Ben E. King - Besame Mucho (1961) [Digitally Remastered]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vCEeCUQV4Iw/0.jpg)
Ben E King was a rhythm and blues singer who moved to New York City in 1956 after working as an entertainer in North Carolina and Florida. He spent some time performing on Broadway before being discovered by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller during a recording session at Atlantic Records in 1958. They offered him a contract with their company (Leiber and Stoller had just started their label called Spark Records), so he left Atlantic Records and signed with Spark Records instead. “Bésame Mucho” became his first hit single with Spark Records in 1959. There’s just something different about this version of the song that we had to include it in it’s own slot on the list.
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26. “Sin Pijama”- Becky G and Natti Natasha
This song is a masterpiece! The lyrics are great, and the music video is amazing. Natalia Jiménez first released the song on her Youtube channel in December 2016, also known as “Natti Natasha.” The song reached #1 on Spotify’s Viral 50 chart in Mexico, Guatemala, and Chile. It also reached #2 in Colombia, Argentina, and the United States. In February 2017, the song was re-released by Beck G and Natty Natasha with new lyrics and a new video, and the rest is history.
27. “Mambo No. 5” – Perez Prado
This song is synonymous with mambo, jazz and Latin culture at this point. There’s just no way we can leave it off the list! It’s been sampled and widely used in popular songs throughout the years, and for good reason. Originally recorded in 1949, it’s one of those tracks that will always stand the test of time.
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As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.