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Músicas y músicos famosos
17 different Spanish Music
1. Salsa (Fluent U)
The earliest form of salsa arose in Cuba in the 1920s as a mixed salsa (sauce) of Cuban son and rumba music. This early salsa absorbed a number of other musical influences, including jazz, rock and mambo, over the decades to become the modern salsa we all know and love.
In any given salsa song, you’ll usually hear bass guitar, piano, bongo and conga drums, claves, maracas, a guíro or two—and maybe even a brassy orchestra to fill out the sound.
The guíro is a dry, hollow gourd with lines cut into it that can be scraped with a stick to make a scratchy, rhythmic sound, similar to the sound of a washboard. Claves are basically just two sticks that are banged together. When dancing salsa, follow the beat of the claves. The often romantic, poetic lyrics are excellent for language learners to improve the richness of their vocabulary.
While it gained popularity in America the 1950s, it only really took off in the 60s, during “The Fania Years,” when Fania Records made a huge push to grow salsa’s popularity worldwide—obviously, with great success. The 60s are still considered the golden age of salsa, giving birth to the classic sound that was adopted and adapted by Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony and more over the years.
Playlist:
“Ríe y Llora” by Celia Cruz
“Idilio” by Willie Colón ft. Fonseca
“Amor y Control” by Rubén Blades
2. Merengue (Fluent U)
Merengue can be fast, extremely fast—even impossibly fast for newbie dances. Luckily, the two-step, left-right-left-right dance is simple enough for anyone to master, so long as you have the energy to keep up with the crazy-fast beats.
It’s great for language learners because it covers such a vast array of topics and themes, and lyrics are often more humorous.
All you really need is a tambora drum and a guíra (a scraper instrument, similar to the guíro but made from metal) to get the merengue party started. Ask anyone in the Dominican Republic—the country where this music originated in the 19th century—and they’ll tell you.
Playlist:
“El Baile Del Perrito” by Wilfrido Vargas
“Las Avispas” by Juan Luis Guerra
“El Niágara en Bicicleta” by Juan Luis Guerra
It’s great for language learners because it covers such a vast array of topics and themes, and lyrics are often more humorous.
All you really need is a tambora drum and a guíra (a scraper instrument, similar to the guíro but made from metal) to get the merengue party started. Ask anyone in the Dominican Republic—the country where this music originated in the 19th century—and they’ll tell you.
Playlist:
“El Baile Del Perrito” by Wilfrido Vargas
“Las Avispas” by Juan Luis Guerra
“El Niágara en Bicicleta” by Juan Luis Guerra
Bachata is another Dominican sensation that’s popular worldwide, and not just in Latin America and New York City—weirdly enough, this genre has a dedicated fanbase in Japan.
It’s a very slick dance with two partners dancing close, requiring lots and lots of hip wiggling and foot-pop flourishes.
The lyrics tend to be over-the-top romantic or sexual in nature, often including themes of heartbreak and forbidden love. It’s the kind of stuff you just want to belt out in a ridiculously dramatic way, which is, of course, amazing for studying Spanish.
I’ve heard it said of the above genres that merengue is having a crush in musical form, while salsa is love and bachata is sex. Do with that information what you will.
Playlist:
“Recházame” by Prince Royce
“Papel en Blanco” by Monchy y Alexandra
“Mi Corazoncito” by Aventura
It’s a very slick dance with two partners dancing close, requiring lots and lots of hip wiggling and foot-pop flourishes.
The lyrics tend to be over-the-top romantic or sexual in nature, often including themes of heartbreak and forbidden love. It’s the kind of stuff you just want to belt out in a ridiculously dramatic way, which is, of course, amazing for studying Spanish.
I’ve heard it said of the above genres that merengue is having a crush in musical form, while salsa is love and bachata is sex. Do with that information what you will.
Playlist:
“Recházame” by Prince Royce
“Papel en Blanco” by Monchy y Alexandra
“Mi Corazoncito” by Aventura
Ah yes, the controversial, love-it-or-hate-it genre that’s undeniably popular in the Spanish-speaking world at large. It’s now also gaining popularity in the United States and other countries that aren’t majority Spanish-speaking.
Most recently, the popular reggaeton song “Despacito” beat out Taylor Swift in the U.S. top music charts. And you and I both know we danced the heck out of “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee when we were back in middle school. It’s fine to admit it.
Reggaeton is usually straight-up party and dance music, which makes it perfect to blast loudly, dance to and sing along with. In my book, it’s perhaps the best genre for Spanish students just because of the fun factor.
And in terms of lyrics, it’s often very wordy music, especially between choruses, so it’s great for practicing informal Spanish, slang and yes, curse words.
“Si Tú La Ves” by Nicky Jam ft. Wisin
“Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar ft. Lucenzo (Note: Lyrics are partly in Portuguese)
“Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias
Most recently, the popular reggaeton song “Despacito” beat out Taylor Swift in the U.S. top music charts. And you and I both know we danced the heck out of “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee when we were back in middle school. It’s fine to admit it.
Reggaeton is usually straight-up party and dance music, which makes it perfect to blast loudly, dance to and sing along with. In my book, it’s perhaps the best genre for Spanish students just because of the fun factor.
And in terms of lyrics, it’s often very wordy music, especially between choruses, so it’s great for practicing informal Spanish, slang and yes, curse words.
“Si Tú La Ves” by Nicky Jam ft. Wisin
“Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar ft. Lucenzo (Note: Lyrics are partly in Portuguese)
“Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias
5. Rock (Fluent U)
Now, rock probably needs no introduction. Plenty of varieties of rock have made their way around the Spanish-speaking world, so you’ll find fans everywhere abroad.
Imagine my surprise upon arriving in Cuenca, Ecuador and finding roving gangs of rocker-dudes with all-black clothing, band T-shirts, bike chains and long hair grown out for headbanging.
Turns out, rock music is wicked popular in the mountain cities of Ecuador, for whatever reason. I can dig it.
There’s Spanish rock music out there featuring the classic styles from all big rock-and-roll decades in American history, including the 70s, 80s and 90s—there are even angsty emo-rock bands that capture the sounds of the oh-so-edgy early 00’s.
Playlist:
“De Música Ligera” by Soda Stereo
“Sin Documentos” by Los Rodriguez
“Para No Verte Más” by La Mosca Tse Tse
Imagine my surprise upon arriving in Cuenca, Ecuador and finding roving gangs of rocker-dudes with all-black clothing, band T-shirts, bike chains and long hair grown out for headbanging.
Turns out, rock music is wicked popular in the mountain cities of Ecuador, for whatever reason. I can dig it.
There’s Spanish rock music out there featuring the classic styles from all big rock-and-roll decades in American history, including the 70s, 80s and 90s—there are even angsty emo-rock bands that capture the sounds of the oh-so-edgy early 00’s.
Playlist:
“De Música Ligera” by Soda Stereo
“Sin Documentos” by Los Rodriguez
“Para No Verte Más” by La Mosca Tse Tse
6. Reggae (Fluent U)
Bob Marley was a huge sensation internationally and, of course, his music touched the heart of Latin America. You’ll hear his tunes playing all over, especially in coastal areas.
It’s just the perfect vibe for a little ocean town, isn’t it?
Naturally, the reggae love inspired a number of Spanish-speaking musicians, who now produce their own reggae with a bit of Latin twist. The lyrics are mellow, as you might expect, and you’ll usually hear Spanish reggae artists singing about love, unity, world peace and, uh, a certain herb.
All around, it’s fun, slower-paced sing-along music for Spanish learners.
Playlist:
“Felicidad” by Gondwana
“Verde, Amarillo y Rojo” by Gondwana
“Clandestino” by Manu Chao ft. Playing For Change
“Tú Sin Mí” by Dread Mar I
It’s just the perfect vibe for a little ocean town, isn’t it?
Naturally, the reggae love inspired a number of Spanish-speaking musicians, who now produce their own reggae with a bit of Latin twist. The lyrics are mellow, as you might expect, and you’ll usually hear Spanish reggae artists singing about love, unity, world peace and, uh, a certain herb.
All around, it’s fun, slower-paced sing-along music for Spanish learners.
Playlist:
“Felicidad” by Gondwana
“Verde, Amarillo y Rojo” by Gondwana
“Clandestino” by Manu Chao ft. Playing For Change
“Tú Sin Mí” by Dread Mar I
7. Cumbia (Fluent U)
This genre of music originated in Colombia and was largely influenced by the culture and musical traditions of black Colombians.
In any cumbia song, you’ll hear the hollow, clacky sound of traditionally-handmade percussion, along with indigenous wind and string instruments. In modern cumbia, these instruments are sometimes replaced with modern instruments or even synthetic, electronic music that imitates the sounds.
It’s fun, percussive, upbeat and often features lyrics about life, community and happiness. And of course, like with any musical genre, it has its fair share of songs about love and loss.
This genre is definitely going to keep you feeling happy and encouraged while you sing along!
Playlist:
“Se Me Perdió La Cadenita” by La Sonora Dinamita
“Mi Cucu” by La Sonora Dinamita
“Loquito Por Tí” by Armando Hernández
“No Me Arrepiento De Este Amor” by Gilda
“Te Vas” by Américo
In any cumbia song, you’ll hear the hollow, clacky sound of traditionally-handmade percussion, along with indigenous wind and string instruments. In modern cumbia, these instruments are sometimes replaced with modern instruments or even synthetic, electronic music that imitates the sounds.
It’s fun, percussive, upbeat and often features lyrics about life, community and happiness. And of course, like with any musical genre, it has its fair share of songs about love and loss.
This genre is definitely going to keep you feeling happy and encouraged while you sing along!
Playlist:
“Se Me Perdió La Cadenita” by La Sonora Dinamita
“Mi Cucu” by La Sonora Dinamita
“Loquito Por Tí” by Armando Hernández
“No Me Arrepiento De Este Amor” by Gilda
“Te Vas” by Américo
8. Vallenato (Fluent U)
This is yet another genre of Colombian origin, with the name harking to the valle (valley) where it was created by cattle farmers.
It sounds similar to cumbia, having a distinct Colombian folk sound, but the main difference is that it includes an accordion and a “washboard” type sound produced by a folk instrument.
Often mushy and sentimental, there’s just something about a quality vallenato song that gives me goosebumps.
Playlist:
“No Voy a Llorar” by Los Diablitos
“Olvídala” by Binomio De Oro De América
“Te Perdoné” by Jorge Celedon
It sounds similar to cumbia, having a distinct Colombian folk sound, but the main difference is that it includes an accordion and a “washboard” type sound produced by a folk instrument.
Often mushy and sentimental, there’s just something about a quality vallenato song that gives me goosebumps.
Playlist:
“No Voy a Llorar” by Los Diablitos
“Olvídala” by Binomio De Oro De América
“Te Perdoné” by Jorge Celedon
9. Balada (Fluent U)
This is not my favorite genre in particular, but hey, we’re not dealing in opinions here, we’re dealing in facts. And the fact is that Balada (ballad) tunes are very popular.
They vary in sound, some being more pop and rock in nature while others have a more folk sound. Basically, a lot of different genres might fall within this—but the common factor of a balada is its powerful vocals and sappy, dramatic lyrics.
And it’s about 99% of the music in the books when you go out for a night of karaoke in Latin America. Locals there find it fun to drink their beer and sing sad songs as loudly and dramatically as humanly possible!
So, learn a few of the big hits of ballads and prepare yourself for nights out while traveling.
Playlist:
“Dime que no” by Ricardo Arjona
“Mientes” by Camila
“No Me Queda Más” by Selena
They vary in sound, some being more pop and rock in nature while others have a more folk sound. Basically, a lot of different genres might fall within this—but the common factor of a balada is its powerful vocals and sappy, dramatic lyrics.
And it’s about 99% of the music in the books when you go out for a night of karaoke in Latin America. Locals there find it fun to drink their beer and sing sad songs as loudly and dramatically as humanly possible!
So, learn a few of the big hits of ballads and prepare yourself for nights out while traveling.
Playlist:
“Dime que no” by Ricardo Arjona
“Mientes” by Camila
“No Me Queda Más” by Selena
10, Música Folklórica.
Of course, “Folk Music” is a broad phrase that can hardly cover all the varieties found across Spain and Latin America.
At least in Latin America, this phrase tends to refer to music of indigenous cultures. Though, technically, cumbia and vallenatos are both good examples of folk music. It was produced by the more modern mestizo inhabitants of Latin America.
Every country in Latin America is home to different indigenous cultures, each with their own unique languages, instruments and musical stylings, so you can get lost in a sea of music if you begin exploring this genre. The trick for Spanish learners is to find folk music that’s sung in Spanish rather than an indigenous language so that it can supplement your language learning.
That said, some regional varieties of Spanish mix in indigenous words. For example, Ecuadorian Spanish speakers often mix a few choice Kichwa words into their speech. It might be valuable for you to listen to music in indigenous languages, just to get a feel for how those sound.
Playlist:
Ecuadorian Folk Music
Peruvian Folk Music
Guatemalan Folk Music
At least in Latin America, this phrase tends to refer to music of indigenous cultures. Though, technically, cumbia and vallenatos are both good examples of folk music. It was produced by the more modern mestizo inhabitants of Latin America.
Every country in Latin America is home to different indigenous cultures, each with their own unique languages, instruments and musical stylings, so you can get lost in a sea of music if you begin exploring this genre. The trick for Spanish learners is to find folk music that’s sung in Spanish rather than an indigenous language so that it can supplement your language learning.
That said, some regional varieties of Spanish mix in indigenous words. For example, Ecuadorian Spanish speakers often mix a few choice Kichwa words into their speech. It might be valuable for you to listen to music in indigenous languages, just to get a feel for how those sound.
Playlist:
Ecuadorian Folk Music
Peruvian Folk Music
Guatemalan Folk Music
11. Flamenco
Flamenco originates from the Andalusian Gypsies of southern Spain. Its main facets are singing, playing, and dancing; and is accompanied mainly by guitar music and palo seco (a stick that’s beat on the floor). It’s rhythm is strong and deep. A tip to illustrate this rhythm in your head is to imagine stamping your feet, clapping your hands, and snapping your fingers while dancing to this Spanish music.
Video: YouTube
Video: YouTube
12. Fandango
Fandango was very popular in the 18th century, and now is considered a folk dance in Spain. It’s usually danced by couples and has a very similar rhythm to flamenco. It’s marked by castanets, a percussion instrument that consists of two hardwood pieces that are held in the hand and struck together. People also clap their hands, stamp their feet, and snap their fingers. The difference is that fandango starts slowly and the speed gradually increases as the music continues. In fact, while people dance it, the music suddenly pauses and everyone stands rigid until they hear it again.
Video: YouTube
Video: YouTube
13. Jota Dance
The origin of this traditional Spanish music comes from Aragon, Spain and is a stage performance in which performers dance and sing with castanets while dressed in regional costumes. The melody includes guitars, bandurrias (like a banjo), accordions, and drums. As for the rhythm it isn’t too slow nor too fast (for those who know a little bit more about music, it’s usually in ¾ time).
14. Sardana
This genre combines both music and melodies with a dance from Cataluña, all with several instruments. The instruments involved are a tenora (a wind instrument), drums, trumpets, and bass, among others. Also, many Sardanas do have lyrics, but when it comes to dancing, you’ll only listen to the instruments. The rhythm is calm and a little slow, so it’s easy to keep up with it. In order to perform the Sardana, the dancers need an 11-member band called a cobla, and the tambourine and bass help keep the beat for them.
Video: YouTube
Video: YouTube
15. Tango
Originating in the Rio de la Plata between Argentina and Uruguay, tango evolved and grew in Buenos Aires during the 19th century. Tango is an intense genre of music that is one of the most popular in dance halls across the globe. It includes piano, violins, bass, and guitar. In tango, there is no such permanent rhythmic pattern, there are continuous changes of different types of rhythm: the 4 beats of a measure sound, sometimes only 3, other times two or only one, there are pauses of different lengths, different types of syncopation, rhythmic variations in melody, etc. Therefore, given the continuous changes of rhythm that tango music has, dancing it is not easy at all. However, with whichever beat tango partners are dancing, they do two basic things: change their weight by moving from over one foot to over the other foot; and pivot, meaning that with their weight over one or the other foot, they twist the body, pivoting their standing foot to point in a new direction.
Video: YouTube
Video: YouTube
16 . Norteño (música norteña)
Norteño or Norteña (Spanish pronunciation: [noɾˈteɲo], northern), also música norteña, is a genre of Regional Mexican music from Northern Mexico, hence the name. The music is most often based on duple and triple metre and its lyrics often deal with socially relevant topics, although there are also many norteño love songs. The accordion and the bajo sexto are traditional norteño's most characteristic instruments. Norteña music developed in the late 19th century, as a mixture between local Mexican music and German/Austrian/Czech folk music.
The genre is popular in both Mexico and the United States, especially among the Mexican and Mexican-American community, and it has become popular in other Spanish-speaking countries as far as Colombia, Chile, and Spain. Though originating from rural areas, norteño is popular in both rural and urban areas.
A conjunto norteño is a type of Mexican folk ensemble. It mostly includes diatonic accordion, bajo sexto, electric bass or double bass, and drums, and sometimes saxophone.
The genre is popular in both Mexico and the United States, especially among the Mexican and Mexican-American community, and it has become popular in other Spanish-speaking countries as far as Colombia, Chile, and Spain. Though originating from rural areas, norteño is popular in both rural and urban areas.
A conjunto norteño is a type of Mexican folk ensemble. It mostly includes diatonic accordion, bajo sexto, electric bass or double bass, and drums, and sometimes saxophone.
17. Huapango
Huapango is a traditional form of Mexican music that comes in three distinct variations. The most common forms are the classic huapango interpreted by a "trio huasteco", the huapango norteño interpreted by a conjunto norteño, and the huapango de mariachi.
Huapango is a corruption of the Nahuatl word huapanco that textually means on top of the wood platform according to the dictionary of the Real Academia Española ("huapantli", wood table; "pantli", row; and "co", place, on). Today huapango is a type of musical style that originated and is played throughout La Huasteca region in Mexico. That's north-eastern part of Mexico, comprising mountains, hill country and lowlands, centred on the drainage basin of the Pánuco River, inland from the city of Tampico. It includes parts of the states of Veracruz, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, and Hidalgo.
Huapango is a corruption of the Nahuatl word huapanco that textually means on top of the wood platform according to the dictionary of the Real Academia Española ("huapantli", wood table; "pantli", row; and "co", place, on). Today huapango is a type of musical style that originated and is played throughout La Huasteca region in Mexico. That's north-eastern part of Mexico, comprising mountains, hill country and lowlands, centred on the drainage basin of the Pánuco River, inland from the city of Tampico. It includes parts of the states of Veracruz, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, and Hidalgo.
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