21 votes

Can you recommend songs or musicians/bands with lyrics in Spanish?

I'm returning to the struggle to improve my language skills, and would like to enjoy some of the process if possible. Please share if you know of anything.

26 comments

  1. [2]
    chundissimo
    Link
    Here’s a few off the top of my head, I’ll update with more if I can think of any. It’s hard to categorize them because many of these artists don’t stick to one genre: Acousticy / Jazzy NPR Tiny...

    Here’s a few off the top of my head, I’ll update with more if I can think of any. It’s hard to categorize them because many of these artists don’t stick to one genre:

    Acousticy / Jazzy

    NPR Tiny Desk is a great way to find more artists of this ilk:

    • Natalia Lafourcade
    • Alejandro y María Laura
    • Monsieur Periné

    Pop

    • Rosalia (good luck understanding her Spanish)
    • Bebe
    • Kali Uchis (she sings in English and Spanish)
    • The Marías (English and Spanish)

    Rock

    • PXNDX

    This wasn’t your question exactly, but one thing I’ve also found useful for practicing is listening to the NPR podcast Radio Ambulante. Some weeks the regional accents can be tricky, but it’s a great resource.

    8 votes
  2. [3]
    widedub
    Link
    Seconding Natalia Lafourcade, I really enjoy her song Hasta la Raiz Here are some others I enjoy, mostly trending towards folk with some edm sprkinkled throughout Colectivo Panamera Rayos Laser...

    Seconding Natalia Lafourcade, I really enjoy her song Hasta la Raiz

    Here are some others I enjoy, mostly trending towards folk with some edm sprkinkled throughout

    • Colectivo Panamera
    • Rayos Laser
    • Rita Payes
    • Perota Chingó
    • Los Benders
    • Los Rumberos
    • Muerdo
    • Ana Tijoux
    • Miss Bolivia

    I had a small andes step phase at the beginning of covid. Mostly sets from people like Nicola Cruz or El Búho . Less lyrical but gave me some threads to pull/other artists to find

    7 votes
    1. valar
      Link Parent
      +1 for Ana Tijoux, she has meaningful songs. I'm uncertain if perhaps some things might be too specifically Chilean but I don't think so.

      +1 for Ana Tijoux, she has meaningful songs. I'm uncertain if perhaps some things might be too specifically Chilean but I don't think so.

      1 vote
  3. psi
    Link
    Do you like show tunes? Often popular musicals will be be translated, performed, and recorded in other languages. Similarly, Disney songs are available in virtually every language.

    Do you like show tunes? Often popular musicals will be be translated, performed, and recorded in other languages.

    Similarly, Disney songs are available in virtually every language.

    6 votes
  4. [3]
    Cuaderno
    (edited )
    Link
    Some very good recommendations so far, but I want to give it a different angle. I find that learning a language involves learning the culture and identities of the people who speak it natively; to...

    Some very good recommendations so far, but I want to give it a different angle. I find that learning a language involves learning the culture and identities of the people who speak it natively; to what extend is "mandatory" I have no idea, but it certainly is rewarding and fun. I think if I were to ask this question about learning English most people would overlook essential songs to many 30-something year olds, like "Sk8ter Boi" by Avril Lavigne, or anything by Sting, or maybe whatever your parents listened to on the car, and yet a lot of people knows them by heart. It's music that was always there when growing up and has shaped entire generations who are still wondering who let the dogs out or what is love (baby don't hurt me... couldn't help it). I'm also gonna include older music which may have less influence on young people today but still is nice. Everything from a Latin American perspective since I'm from Costa Rica, I expect that the cultural landscape would be very different in Spain.

    Starting with rock, there was a time when this genre was in full force in Latin America, the glory days of MTV. It can vary a lot and some songs may not even be technically rock but folk-fusion or whatever they may be, in big part due to the diversity of such a big landmass. There's a neat documentary in Netflix called "Rompan Todo!" (Break it All!) which may not be the ultimate guide to Latin America rock history but it's certainly entertaining. Anyway, I'm gonna recommend just 3 groups:

    • Soda Stereo from Argentina. Just look at that crowd.
    • Café Tacvba from México, amazing blend of regional sounds.
    • Heroes del Silencio from Spain, if you want even more the singer Bunbury went on to have a very successful career on his own.

    Getting more "tropical", for many of us salsa, merengue and cumbia was the soundtrack of family parties/reunions, where the chairs were lined along the walls to leave space to dance. Whether you were able to dance or not would go to define your identity in a big way, but as a non dancer I can say that it's not necessary to enjoy the music. Also some songs were very problematic in retrospect. I can't do a proper sample list that's representative of every important scene, so I won't even try and just give very personal recommendations:

    • Grupo Niche representing la salsa romantica, a form of salsa that mostly deals with... romance and love and everything related, became popular in the 90s.
    • Hector Lavoe is part of the initial form of salsa, which originated in New York, incredibly beautiful instrumentals and an emphasis on social issues.
    • Elvis Crespo this one may be known due to short videos, can't go wrong with Elvis Crespo. To be honest, most merengue have very very simple lyrics.
    • Natalia Lafourcade y Los Angeles Azules, Natalia was already mentioned so why not introduce a different group with her. I believe cumbia is the genre that varies the most across Latin America, so there's more to explore. Obligatory reference to Selena.

    A quick mention of old boleros, because despite having a lot of amazing and beautiful new boleros, it's always the old ones that end up in weird perfume ads and las abuelitas don't have time to learn new lyrics. Also recommended for the guitar play (requinto):

    • Los Panchos is a good place to start, but you can look up "Boleros de Oro" and everything will be nice.
    • Les Luthiers is a comedy group first, but their humor is mainly word play and music related. So I'll leave this here so someday you can listen to it and laugh with your really good Spanish skills.
    • Julio Jaramillo sang more than boleros, so you can branch out if you want.

    Finally, something people have come to call "música plancha" around here, also known as "música para hacer oficio". In other words, music to have in the background while cleaning the house or doing chores, like ironing clothes (planchar ropa). It varies from person to person but here you can find artists like Juan Gabriel, Alejandro Sanz or Luis Miguel. It's mostly romantic and maybe a bit cheesy but if you're ever drunk and have to sing karaoke in Spanish, this will be your repertoire.

    Hopefully you'll like something in there and the little bit of background will make it more meaningful, which is overall good for learning.

    ...and a couple of songs from Costa Rica, because I felt left out: Gaviota and Sonámbulo.

    6 votes
    1. [2]
      boxer_dogs_dance
      Link Parent
      Thank you very much! I really appreciate this

      Thank you very much!

      I really appreciate this

      1 vote
      1. sneakeyboard
        Link Parent
        I really like the idea of learning through exploring the cultural aspects of a culture. After all, much of modern artists were influenced by those before them. Just to add a bit of more...

        I really like the idea of learning through exploring the cultural aspects of a culture. After all, much of modern artists were influenced by those before them. Just to add a bit of more information on the "tropical"/salsa genre:
        It's main roots, at least during the time of Grupo Niche, were based of ballads; this is how the song was initially drafted, then the composition would change to the iconic and vivid tune of salsa. They were one of the most famous bands and their songs are still played today.

        If going through recommendations is still a bit challenging, don't be afraid to explore youtube for independent artists who performed covers for any song. Covers like this one are well thought out and recreate those roots with a bonus of being slower and easier if the original is too fast. You will notice that some recommendations by @Cuaderno tend to be slower paced as well.

        Another mention, in case you like drama/romantic songs (this is a big part of Spanish culture) is Mana and Shakira. Both have older and popular songs that can be looked up easily and should have proper translations. I always found that, while learning English, some words were lost due to the figurative use of these words and this wasn't easily noticed to me as a non-native speaker.

        Hope that helps.

  5. [2]
    honzabe
    (edited )
    Link
    I have no idea what kind of music you like but if you like something a bit sad, real and beautiful, you might like Carla Morrison And the exact opposite - if you are in a mood for something absurd...

    I have no idea what kind of music you like but if you like something a bit sad, real and beautiful, you might like Carla Morrison

    And the exact opposite - if you are in a mood for something absurd and funny, you might enjoy the comedy series Mambo with surprisingly decent songs including the best breakup song of all time.

    3 votes
    1. boxer_dogs_dance
      Link Parent
      Thank you. I was hoping for a variety. I like most kinds of music.

      Thank you. I was hoping for a variety. I like most kinds of music.

      1 vote
  6. [4]
    cfabbro
    (edited )
    Link
    I don't speak Spanish, but I absolutely love the way it sounds, and love flamenco guitar so I actually listen to a surprising amount of Spanish language songs. E.g. Looking at my history, by far...

    I don't speak Spanish, but I absolutely love the way it sounds, and love flamenco guitar so I actually listen to a surprising amount of Spanish language songs. E.g. Looking at my history, by far my most replayed Spanish music video is this one from NPR: C. Tangana: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

    I actually also submitted a Spanish track to Tildes a few weeks ago that I have been listening to a bunch too: Faneka y GUADA - Cortina

    And looking in my Best Intimate Live Music Performances playlist, the last video I added to it a few days ago was actually Spanish as well: Kevin Kaarl: Tiny Desk Concert

    There are a bunch more in there as well:
    Yahritza y Su Esencia: Tiny Desk Concert <-- Highly recommend, this kid has insane talent!!!!
    Omar Montes: Tiny Desk Concert
    Rodrigo y Gabriela: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert (They don't sing, but I had to mention RyG ;)
    Lau Noah - La Belleza (Apartment Sessions)
    Lau Noah, "El Jardinero" Night Owl | NPR Music
    Gina Chavez: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert (mix of English and Spanish songs)
    Juana Molina: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
    Sonido Gallo Negro (Live on KEXP) (no lyrics but incredible Mexican psychedelic band ;)

    p.s. I would also highly, highly recommend the movie Flamenco, Flamenco

    3 votes
    1. [3]
      boxer_dogs_dance
      Link Parent
      Thank you so much! I am also a huge fan of spanish guitar, and also portuguese Fado music. However, I want songs with spanish lyrics so I can listen and learn.

      Thank you so much!

      I am also a huge fan of spanish guitar, and also portuguese Fado music. However, I want songs with spanish lyrics so I can listen and learn.

      1 vote
      1. [2]
        cfabbro
        Link Parent
        I'm also a fan of the Portuguese language and music as well. Seu Jorge especially. 🤩 I figured that was a bit too far outside the scope of your request to include originally though. But if you...

        I'm also a fan of the Portuguese language and music as well. Seu Jorge especially. 🤩

        I figured that was a bit too far outside the scope of your request to include originally though. But if you want some more Portuguese recommendations too lemme know. ;)

        2 votes
        1. boxer_dogs_dance
          Link Parent
          Yes please, portuguese singers are appreciated also

          Yes please, portuguese singers are appreciated also

          1 vote
  7. [2]
    DanBC
    Link
    Some of these are Spanish Spanish, and some are Mexican Spanish. The channel / label Elefant Records has a lot of content in Spanish. Here's a few examples, but have a look because I've picked a...

    Some of these are Spanish Spanish, and some are Mexican Spanish.

    The channel / label Elefant Records has a lot of content in Spanish. Here's a few examples, but have a look because I've picked a narrow and noisy selection. They have a lot more than variety than I'm giving here:

    Papa Toto - Oso Panda
    Papa Toto - La Chica Vampira

    Axolotes Mexicanos - Astor

    Elefant also do a lot of gentle, twee, pop. EG Band A Part - Contra Toda Prevision

    Here's Juan Cirerol - La muchacha de las tierras lejanas which is great, heartfelt, bit of singing with guitar.

    Anything by Caetano Veloso - this is my favourite: (He's singing Spanish here, right? Not Portuguese?) Caetano Veloso - Cucurrucucu Paloma

    3 votes
    1. boxer_dogs_dance
      Link Parent
      Caetano Veloso is coming to my city in March!!! I had never heard of him.

      Caetano Veloso is coming to my city in March!!!
      I had never heard of him.

      2 votes
  8. [2]
    elgis
    Link
    I'd like to recommend Vicente Navarro (folk/singer-songwriter from Spain). He sings very clearly, so it's easy to follow along with the lyrics.

    I'd like to recommend Vicente Navarro (folk/singer-songwriter from Spain). He sings very clearly, so it's easy to follow along with the lyrics.

    2 votes
  9. kej
    Link
    It didn't win a Latin Grammy or anything, but I like the story behind Better Days/Mejores Dias by Natalia Gutierrez y Angelo. It was commissioned by the Columbian army as a way to communicate with...

    It didn't win a Latin Grammy or anything, but I like the story behind Better Days/Mejores Dias by Natalia Gutierrez y Angelo. It was commissioned by the Columbian army as a way to communicate with FARC hostages, and contains Morse code disguised as an electronic beat. There's a good write up of the story here.

    1 vote
  10. SpruceWillis
    Link
    I believe the vast majority of their songs are sung in English but the prog rock band The Mars Volta sing a few of their songs or parts of their songs in Spanish including L'Via L'Viaquez.

    I believe the vast majority of their songs are sung in English but the prog rock band The Mars Volta sing a few of their songs or parts of their songs in Spanish including L'Via L'Viaquez.

    1 vote
  11. valar
    Link
    Others have provided great recommendations. I will add jarabe de palo, specifically the la flaca, bonito and depende albums. They were absolute hits and lots of different countries.

    Others have provided great recommendations. I will add jarabe de palo, specifically the la flaca, bonito and depende albums. They were absolute hits and lots of different countries.

    1 vote
  12. Dovey
    Link
    I'm a fan of Jesse y Joy. What a voice! They're a Mexican sister/brother group. I'm more familiar with older songs like Llegaste tu and the first one of theirs I ever heard (and a fun video),...

    I'm a fan of Jesse y Joy. What a voice! They're a Mexican sister/brother group.

    I'm more familiar with older songs like Llegaste tu and the first one of theirs I ever heard (and a fun video), Chocolate, but there's a lot of new material as well.

    My first exposure to Spanish lyrics came many years ago in the form of this very fine album, which I still have. Thank god for the bargain record bins of my youth.

  13. tauon
    Link
    Rosalía was already mentioned plenty… Other than that, I improved my (unfortunately still very basic) understanding of the language a little by my dad playing Buena Vista Social Club’s album when...

    Rosalía was already mentioned plenty…

    Other than that, I improved my (unfortunately still very basic) understanding of the language a little by my dad playing Buena Vista Social Club’s album when I was a kid.

    Edit; Forgot to mention they’re from Cuba.

  14. doctortofu
    Link
    I don't speak Spanish, but I enjoy Sebastián Yatra, a Columbian singer, a lot – Cómo Mirarte is one of my favorite ballads ever, in any language: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsbqH5bJURc He has...

    I don't speak Spanish, but I enjoy Sebastián Yatra, a Columbian singer, a lot – Cómo Mirarte is one of my favorite ballads ever, in any language: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsbqH5bJURc

    He has a lot of other songs I like a lot too - in general I prefer his older ones too his newer ones, but give them a listen and see what you think!