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Guide Picks - Top Spanish-Language Hits You May Have Heard on U.S. English-Language Radio |
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Although Spanish-language songs were often performed in the United States during the Big Band era, it's almost unheard of now to turn on an English-language radio station and hear songs in a foreign language. Nevertheless, a handful of Spanish-language songs have become hit material in the United States since the 1950s, and so have some bilingual songs. Here's where you can find them. |
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1) La bamba (Los Lobos)
Los Lobos revived this '50s dance tune, which also became a movie theme. It is included on their box set "El cancionero: más y más" and on several other albums by the popular band.
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2) La bamba (Richie Valens)
Richie Valens was the first Mexican-American rock star in the U.S., and some of his songs (most of them in English) were popular in the late 1950s. His original name was Ricardo Valenzuela, but his agent wanted a less Mexican-sounding name. Two versions of his most well-known song are included on the compilation album "The Richie Valens Story."
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3) Macarena
The Spanish dance of this name (it was recorded in various mixtures of English and Spanish) was all the rage in 1996.
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4) Bailamos
This bilingual hit by Enrique Iglesias is also the title of his 1999 greatest-hits album. As its name suggests, it's a great tune to dance to, and it remains his most well-known songs for English-speaking audiences.
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5) Oye como va
This 1971 Santana hit by Tito Puente is included on the "Best of Santana" album, which includes songs in both English and Spanish.
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6) Eres tú
"Eres Tú" was a hit for Mocedades in 1974. The song is included on their compilation album, "Antología: sus 30 grandes canciones."
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7) Guantanamera
It's little surprise that The Sandpipers chose this song for the title of their compilation album, which also includes two other Spanish songs, "La bamba" and "Enamorado."
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8) Feliz Navidad
As much as anything, this repetitious bilingual hit by José Feliciano has made Feliz Navidad understood even when Spanish isn't. It's included on his "Mis mejores canciones: 17 super éxitos" compilation.
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9) Un lugar celestial
Unfortunately, the album, "Heavenly Place," that includes this bilingual contemporary Christian hit by Jaci Valásquez doesn't include the Spanish songs you'll find on her earlier albums.
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10) El watusi
Recorded in 1962, "El watusi" became a hit and helped start a dance craze. But musician Roy Barretto wasn't particularly fond of it, and the dance song hasn't been included on an album since he introduced it on the hard-to-find "Charanga moderna" album.
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11) Dreaming of You
This song by Selena, which become popular only after her murder, includes some words in Spanish in the background. The album of the same name includes "Amor prohibido" and "Como la flor," both of which enjoyed popularity in Latin America.
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12) Livin' La Vida Loca
Like Selena's first English-language hit, this hit by Ricky Martin includes a smattering of Spanish. It's included on his self-named album, which is half in Spanish, half in English.
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