When people think about Hispanic music they think about mariachis and reggaeton, which is not exactly bad, but they are missing so much rich history of Hispanic music. From punk to soft pop and jazzy sounds, the world of music in Spanish is vast and colorful, here are 10 songs you should add to your playlist by artists other than Bad Bunny.
“Lamento Boliviano” by Los Enanitos Verdes
From the streets of Argentina straight to stardom, Los Enanitos Verdes are a classic rock band that combines melancholic acoustic sounds with riffs a dad would pretend-play at a family gathering. At a party, a random guy would find a guitar in the corner and play “Creep” by Radiohead, except it’s “Lamento Boliviano,” and this one actually rocks.
“¿Con Quién Se Queda El Perro?” by Jesse & Joy
This pop two-piece band from Mexico City is full of stories. This brother and sister duo have received multiple Grammy Awards throughout their career, most of them received for their album “¿Con Quién Se Queda El Perro?” released in 2011. The song by the same name is made complete with sweet piano melodies and soft vocals, perfect for a picnic-under-the-sun sort of day.
“Voto Latino” by Molotov
This band is one of my personal favorites. The way it blends social reform with punchy bass lines reminds me of Minutemen. It’s like if the Beastie Boys were a funk band with a lot more personality and a lot less backward caps. “Voto Latino” is a song that advocates for race equality and community togetherness. Some people might recognize them from their feature song in the “Breaking Bad” pilot. Whenever you are listening to “Voto Latino,” it’s impossible not to walk a little bit faster, a little more confident.
“Viento” by Caifanes
Caifanes is the pinnacle of Mexican alt-rock, and “Viento” is one of their many seminal pieces. Citing King Crimson and The Cure as inspirations, this is a band from the heart of Mexico City formed in the late 80s. They recently came back together for a North American tour, with many performances going viral on TikTok because of Saúl Hernández’s message of unity and Latin pride.
“Como Te Atreves” by Morat
This folk group from Colombia holds a special place in my heart. Their music is lively and youthful, especially their first two albums, “Sobre El Amor Y Sus Efectos Secundarios” and “Balas perdidas.” This song is packed with catchy hooks and banjo solos, exceeding expectations for success in 2016, as it became a track of international success. This is a song that was played on every radio and at every quinceañera growing up; a must listen for anyone who likes dancing.
“Ataque de las Chicas Cocodrilo” by Hombres G
Formed in Spain during the early 80s, this garage-rock band brings a fast-paced energy to any playlist. The members of the band have cited the British new-wave movement as inspiration, as well as the 1935 James Cagney film “G-Men.” This song is about girls playing with your feelings and going to college parties. It is fun, it is fresh, it is Hombres G.
“Entre Dos Tierras” by Heroes del Silencio
This track reminds me of smoky rooms and fluorescent lights. The lead singer of Heroes del Silencio looks like Axel Rose but sings like a tortured artist. “Entre Dos Tierras” and its iconic slap-back guitar is consuming. Extra points if you watch the music video and its built-in 80’s look, the melodrama is taking over.
“Que Te Queria” by La Quinta Estación
This band is pure 2000s rock. In its bedazzled jackets and bicycles with pompons on the handles, “Que Te Queria” is so aggressively interlaced with a Hispanic childhood. This is the kind of music one would belt the lyrics to when we were too young to understand what we were saying, stuck in the backseat on the way to school as a parent yelled at morning traffic.
“Yo No Toco Para Jipis” by Tenso
An up-and-coming band from Tenerife, Tenso, only has 6 singles and an EP out, so anyone that knows anything can immediately have prime gatekeeping rights. They carry with them the sound of Dead Kennedy’s and Bad Brains, punk and angry and in your face for something you’ve been looking for all your life. For me, it was an oasis in the Sahara finding them, Hispanic punk is home.
“Mediocre” by Ximena Sariñana
A blues powerhouse, Ximena will take your playlist by the horns. She is evening coffee and fingerpainting on the walls, her buttery soft vocals combined with a yellowing piano are perfect to cry to, if you were wondering. She started her story in Guadalajara and is still releasing music today, with her new album “Existencia Kamikaze” coming out Nov 6.
