Here’s eight Spanish–language songs, most new, some old, to listen to as we transition into back–to–school mode. The beachy dance music vibe you get from these songs will definitely remind you of the vacation you’re leaving in the rearview mirror as you gear up for homework and late nights sobs in VP.
“Por Hacerme el Bueno” — Bacilos
“For Being Good,” as the song translates to, has a fun beat you can dance and cry to. The message of the song is about losing a chance at love because you didn’t have the guts to go for it. It feels so upbeat, though, that it reminds me of keeping your head up when faced with tough times, like the beginning of a new semester. The song also marks the return of the band Bacilos this past year after breaking up in 2007.
“Mi Gente” — J Balvin
The epitome of a party song, “My People” has topped the charts in Latin America. J Balvin has pumped out a lot of hits in the few years, even singing on Cardi B’s song “I Like It.” I'd also recommend listening to the remix of “Mi Gente” featuring Beyonce if you want to hear Queen Bey sing in Spanish.
“Dura” — Daddy Yankee
The man who brought us “Gasolina” sings this jam which definitely gives you beachy vibes. What better song to listen to when reminiscing about summer? Although the song translates to “Hard,” Daddy Yankee is actually talking about the girl he likes and not himself. It’s the equivalent of him saying she’s hot.
”Loca” — Shakira
This song is a bit old now (was 2010 really so long ago?) but it’s worth a listen if before you only ever heard the English version. It was actually written by Pitbull, even though it’s sung by Shakira. Another song meant for the beaches, it’ll hopefully help you grasp those last bits of summer feelings as the leaves start to fall this week.
“I Like It” — Cardi B, J Balvin
As I mentioned before, J Balvin appears on this track with a fantastic and energized solo, and the Latin beat makes it a lot of fun and a popular listen among partiers in Spain. While not entirely in Spanish, I think it deserves a spot on this list as another song bringing Latin American singers to popularity in the American mainstream.
“Se Vuelve Loca” — CNCO
Just your run–of–the–mill American boy band, BUT they sing in Spanish. ‘Nuff said.
“Sin Pijama” — Becky G, Natti Natasha
Even if you don’t know Spanish, you might be able to figure out this song translates to “No Pajamas.” It’s a song Becky G wrote to empower women by giving them a song as sensual as they should feel about themselves. Ladies, give this song a listen when you really need to feel yourself and the beautiful confidence you should express!
“Piensas (Dile la Verdad)” — Pitbull
Mr. Worldwide himself sings this banger which just makes me smile every time I hear the chorus. Even though it’s basically just Pitbull saying he’s the shit, the beat is so exciting that it makes you feel like you’re the shit when you hear it. Empower yourself and listen to this song like you’re Mr. Worldwide.
“Bailando” — Enrique Iglesias
There is an English version to this song. That is not the one you should listen to. The added vocals of Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona make a lot more sense in the song when it’s completely in Spanish instead of the Spanglish version they created to cater to an English–speaking audience. “Bailando” means “dancing” and that’s exactly what you should do to this song.
