I’ve been working on a post about the situation here in Cusco for over a week now and can’t seem to make myself finish it. So I’ll post something a little different to get me started posting again: My Latin Music Playlist (with YouTube live versions of most to help you enjoy)!
For most of my adult life, I’ve enjoyed “world” music and in the last 20 years or so I’ve focused on Latin music.
Here are some songs that I listen to a lot here. Latin music is certainly not the only music I enjoy. My tastes are very eclectic and range from AC/DC (cranked up loud, of course) to 80’s pop to classic rock to classical/soundtrack tunes, but I love to listen these tunes and they are all played almost daily on my iPhone!
Please let me know what you think with a comment at the end. I especially would love to hear any new suggestions for songs I might like! With all the challenges the world is facing, I thought something light and positive would help us all get through each day a little better.
Note: These are not in any order (except the last one). Just enjoy each as they come!
Enanitos Verdes – Tu Carcel (Live in Mexico)
Despite being recorded 16 years ago, this song by a fantastic Argentinian band is still very, very popular. I hear it all the time while walking in the mall, coming from people’s cars, from speakers that so many stores place at their entrance to get customers’ attention, etc.
Banda Calypso – Ainda Te Amo
I first heard this Brazilian Band about 2 am on Christmas morning in a little hut on the edge of Belen in Iquitos around 2006. If you don’t know, Christmas celebrations in Peru start at midnight and go until morning (or later!). I was invited to a friend’s house where we ate a great middle of the night turkey dinner with wine before turning on the TV and dancing to their pirate DVD of Banda Calypso’s live performances.
Even years later, this song still gives me chills and it’s hard to sit still. I remember a bunch of little kids gathered outside to watch the gringo dance the night away in a place where gringos generally don’t go!
Laura Pausini – Quiero Decirte Que Te Amo
I don’t know where I first heard Laura Pausini, but I immediately fell in love with her voice. If you haven’t heard her before, you really should listen. She has a ton of beautiful songs, but this one is my favorite right now.
David Bisbal – Amar es Lo Que Quiero
I started listening to David Bisbal many, many years ago. He has several song I really like, but this one is definitely my favorite.
Maná – Corazon Espinado
If you grow up in the Southwest US and you don’t know this Maná, then you must be living in a cave. They were the first Mexican band that showed me there was more south of the Rio Grande than mariachis!
It’s hard to pick a favorite song of theirs because there are so many, but this duet with the legendary Carlos Santana tops them all.
Yahir – Te Amaré
This is still my favorite “sing along” tune in the shower. The studio version is better, but this live performance is still pretty good. His recording of “La Locura” is another of my all-time favorites.
Dom Omar – Danza Kuduro
I looked all over to find a really good live version of this song.
Turn up the music LOUD. Don’t know the words? Who cares! I dare you to sit still while listening to this!
Nicky Jam and Enrique Iglesias – El Perdon
I couldn’t find a live version of this with both singers, but the studio version is awesome. Four years ago you couldn’t go anywhere in Peru without hearing this song. I remember it was immensely popular in Iquitos — especially the barrios where the tourists don’t go!
Banda Calypso – Perdeu O Trono
One more Banda Calypso song. It’s a shame they split up. (The lead singer and guitarist were married, but have since divorced.) Though they are still immensely popular in Brazil and the rest of the continent, songs like this always made me think they could have been even bigger outside South America.
Ricardo Arjona – Porque es Tan Cruel el Amor
This another one that I couldn’t find a decent live version, but the original sounds just fine. I used to listen to this when i was in Mexico a long time ago so it brings back a lot of bittersweet memories.
Mocedades – Eres Tú
I saved the best for last. This song is perhaps the best example of Latin music that transcends language and culture. You don’t have to know the words to sing along. Is there another that is so well known and so well loved all over the world?
Can you believe this was first recorded 47 years ago? This live version still touches me in a way that I can’t put into words. Watch the video and you’ll see that I’m not alone.
Please feel free to leave a comment below. I love to hear what people think! If you like this, you can share this page with the links below or even subscribe so that you’ll be notified when I post again. (I don’t sell anything here, so you don’t have to worry about that.)