The greatest Spanish love songs transcend language, and become a universal expression of love and heartbreak. Many English-language music listeners, in fact, are fairly well versed in Spanish music, they might simply be unaware of it – many famous Spanish love songs have made a transition into English. Artists like Shaquira, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias and others have made successful English renditions of Spanish songs, and many other Spanish love songs became popular enough in their original version to gain radio play in the United States and other countries.
Here’s a look at a few famous Spanish love songs, and what sets them apart from other Latin American and Spanish tunes.
Los Lobos – La Pistola y El Corazon – This song by the famous Spanish group (their version of La Bamba is unquestionably the most popular) is the title track off of their seventh album. It features changing rhythms, plaintive yet sincere vocals, and a unique mariachi style. It’s a very subtle Spanish love song, though the lyrics are extremely evocative. Los Lobos is a very popular group, both in the United States and throughout Latin America.
Marc Anthony – Muy Dentro De Mi – Marc Anthony is one of the most famous Spanish singers in the world, and this was one of his biggest hits, both in its Spanish incarnation and in English. The Spanish version peaked at #1 on the Latin Billboard charts in 2000. The English version was exceptionally popular, reaching #2 on American charts (the English title is “You Sang To Me”, and the English version of the song does not contain Spanish lyrics). For Spanish love songs, it’s hard to imagine a more tender ballad, and this exceptionally famous tune is quickly becoming a standard.
Enrique Iglesias – Hero – One of Enrique’s most successful songs, Hero climbed to the top of the Adult Contemporary and Hot Latin Tracks Billboard charts. It was released in Spanish and English-language versions, with a stirring video featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Mickey Rourke. It’s a stirring Spanish love song set to a dance-club beat, but the real feature is Iglesias’ incredible voice. Enrique Iglesias has had more songs atop the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart than any other artist, though he’s been in on hiatus in 2009.
Selena – Tú Sólo Tú – The posthumous release from the Tejano singer was her biggest hit, spending 10 weeks atop the charts. It features mariachi-style horns and delicate Spanish guitar under Selena’s brilliant voice. No English version was released, though the song gained some airplay in America (the title translates to You, Only You). Selena’s Spanish love songs made her a legendary figure in Mexican and Spanish language music, and her 1995 shooting death shocked and saddened Latin America. Tú Sólo Tú stands as a testament to Selena’s amazing ability to perform Spanish love songs delicately, passionately, and most of all, beautifully.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. If you know of other famous Spanish love songs, please post suggestions in the comments section below this article. Be sure to also share any stories you have about any of the famous Spanish love songs on this short list.
