Música Latina in five tracks

“Rosas,” the title track of “Lo que te conte mientras dormia” (What I told you while I was sleeping) catapulted the band to fame. The song made a mark as an iconic track in Hispanic pop. (Sophia Bae)

“Rosas”—La Oreja de Van Gogh: The melancholy of love

La Oreja de Van Gogh, a famous pop band based in Spain, captures the idea of love and heartbreak with their track “Rosas” (Roses). Throughout the song, listeners go on a journey with slow beats, calm instrumentals and gentle vocals. The track, composed by Xavier San Martin, the pianist of the band, revolves around a girl longing for her boyfriend’s return and expresses the feelings of disappointment, nostalgia, and sorrow that touch the listeners’ hearts.

“Pepas” has won several awards from Billboard, including Hot Latin Song of the Year, Latin Rhythm Song of the Year, Sales Song of the Year and Streaming Song of the Year. It also went viral on platforms like TikTok and topped the charts in many countries. (Sophia Bae)

“Pepas”—Farruko: A perfect song for an intense workout

On the other side of the music spectrum, “Pepas,” ranked at #1 in various Billboard charts for seven consecutive weeks, will fit your taste. The song, released in 2021, rose to the top as a favorite among reggaeton fans. Composed and sung by Farruko, a Puerto Rican singer known for his versatility in music genres, the song hypes people up and leads them to the dance floor. Nowadays, you can hear this song or one of its various remixes.

Shakira skyrocketed to fame after the release of her album “Pies descalzos.” Afterward, Shakira established her own organization of the same name as the album, which helps ameliorate the education crisis in Colombia’s impoverished areas. (Ellen Cho)

“Pies descalzos y sueños blancos”—Shakira: Viejitas pero bonitas (an oldie but a goodie)

In “Pies descalzos y sueños blancos” (Bare feet and white dreams; 1995), Shakira criticizes the rules and expectations that society deems as “correct” and defends the authenticity of self-expression. The title gives away the heart of the song—“Pies descalzos” (bare feet) symbolizes liberty, innocence and authenticity, representing someone who lives free from beauty standards. Sueños blancos (White dreams), on the other hand, signifies the false sense of purity and the so-called perfection that society expects us to embody.

Karol G filmed her music video at a bar called Verano Rosa in the Dominican Republic, which brought the genre of Merengue into the spotlight. Its energetic beats make the song sound joyful even though the lyrics convey a melancholy mood. The irony brings in more traction. (Ellen Cho)

Si antes te hubiera conocido—Karol G: A chart-topping megahit

Ranked among Billboard’s top 5 songs of 2024, “Si antes te hubiera conocido” by Karol G perfectly captures the bittersweet mood of fall. The song revolves around a one-sided love destined to remain a dream. In its verses, Karol G repeats the phrase “what would’ve happened” to convey the mixed emotions of nostalgia and sadness when feelings and timing don’t align.

Trumpets, violins, harps, flutes, guitars, and powerful vocals comprise a Mariachi band alongside more traditional instruments such as vihuela and the guitarron. Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan represents Mexico on a worldwide stage. (Sophia Bae)

El Son de la Negra—Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan: an epitome of Mexican culture

“El Son de la Negra” by the famous band Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán has represented Mexican culture since 1988. The term “mariachis” refers to traditional Mexican musicians who dress up formally in their iconic outfit: the charro suit. While the track doesn’t hold significant meaning, that itself reflects Mexican millennial culture. Its spirited rhythm and melody fill the audience with joy, patriotism and cultural identity.

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Música Latina in five tracks: a celebration of rhythm, emotion, and identity

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