Mexican music is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of cultural exchange, a captivating blend of indigenous sounds and Western harmonies. From the ancient echoes of drums, flutes, and conch shells – the ancestor of the trumpet and a truly typical Mexican musical instrument – to the modern rhythms infused with guitars and hip-hop beats, Mexican music is a constantly evolving expression of the soul. It’s music born to make you dance, a spirit that resonates deeply with the energy of Linkaband and its community of 15,000 musicians.
Dive into the heart of Mexican folklore and discover the songs and artists that animate this country, a land perpetually celebrating music. Here are 10 Popular Mexican Songs that offer a glimpse into its rich and diverse soundscape.
10 – La Bamba: An Iconic Mexican Anthem
The tragic story of Ritchie Valens adds a poignant layer to the enduring popularity of “La Bamba.” His promising career was cut short by a plane crash at the young age of 17, just eight months after it began. Yet, he left behind a masterpiece that continues to fill dance floors worldwide: “La Bamba”!
This young American musician of Mexican heritage drew inspiration from a traditional folk song originating from Veracruz, a vibrant coastal state in southeastern Mexico. Valens’ rendition holds a significant place in music history as one of the first Mexican songs, and more specifically Spanish-language songs, to break into the Top 50 charts in the United States.
“La Bamba” eventually crossed the Atlantic to France in the 1960s, thanks to the group Los Machucambos, who introduced this infectious Mexican tune to a new audience.
9 – Cielito Lindo: The Soul of Mariachi Music
Cielito Lindo (mariachi mexican music)
“Cielito Lindo,” meaning “lovely little sky” in English, is inseparable from the passionate sounds of mariachi music. This song is not just part of the Mexican national repertoire; it holds the esteemed status of a national treasure! It embodies the spirit of popular Mexico, evoking strong patriotic emotions and reminding those who have left their homeland of their precious roots.
Quirino Mendoza y Cortés penned this beloved Mexican song in 1882. Since then, countless Mexican singers have revitalized it, often accompanied by the full force of a mariachi orchestra. Notable renditions include those by iconic figures like Pedro Infante and even the operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
The powerful melodies and lyrics of “Cielito Lindo” are so deeply ingrained in Mexican culture that mariachi bands often play it instead of the national anthem during major international events, such as the FIFA World Cup, showcasing its profound national significance.
8 – México Lindo y Querido: A Mariachi Anthem of Homeland
“México Lindo y Querido” stands as a cornerstone of traditional Mexican mariachi and ranchero music. Written by Chucho Monge and popularized by the legendary singer Jorge Negrete, this song resonates throughout the Spanish-speaking world. It’s celebrated for its powerful expression of patriotism and unwavering loyalty to the land of Mexico. Countless renowned artists have performed it, including Bertín Osborne, Ana Gabriel, Vicente Fernández, and Pedro Fernández.
There’s a poignant irony woven into the story of Jorge Negrete and this song. He famously sang the lyrics: “México Lindo y Querido, si muero lejos de ti que digan que estoy dormido y que me traigan aquí,” which translates to: “My beautiful and beloved Mexico, should I die far from you, let them say I am asleep and bring me back to you!” Despite these heartfelt words, Negrete passed away far from his beloved homeland in Los Angeles at just 42 years old, succumbing to hepatitis.
However, Jorge Negrete’s wish was ultimately honored. His body was repatriated to Mexico and now rests in the Pantheon of Artists in Mexico City, allowing him to forever sleep in the land he so deeply cherished and immortalized in song.
7 – Solamente una vez: A Ballad of Love and Longing
Solamente una vez (Mexican music known YouTube)
“Solamente una vez,” or “Only Once,” by Agustín Lara often evokes thoughts of a passionate and fleeting romance. Yet, the song’s true inspiration is surprisingly different. Agustín Lara penned this melancholic ballad after his friend José Mojica decided to dedicate his life to religious service. While tinged with sadness, the song also possesses a poignant beauty.
Beyond the danceable rhythms, Mexican music also excels at capturing the depths of human emotion, particularly love. “Solamente una vez” has been widely embraced in the English-speaking world under the title “You Belong to My Heart” and has been performed by a diverse range of artists including Daniel Rodríguez, Arielle Dombasle, Julio Iglesias, Luis Miguel, and Cliff Richard, showcasing its universal appeal.
6 – Arriba!: Modern Mexican Music with Hip-Hop Infusion
Natanael Cano – Arriba (Famous Mexican Music)
Now, for a shift in gears and a leap into the contemporary Mexican music scene! Natanael Cano’s “Arriba” exemplifies the evolution of popular Mexican songs. A quick glance at the Mexican music charts confirms his place in the top 10, reflecting the growing popularity of Mexican hip-hop. Building on the global wave of Latin music sparked by hits like Luis Fonsi’s (Puerto Rican) “Despacito,” Western audiences are increasingly drawn to the captivating sounds emanating from Mexico and Latin America.
Rapper Natanael Cano is a leading figure in the corridos tumbados movement. These 21st-century artists are revolutionizing traditional Mexican music by incorporating hip-hop beats into folk songs and corridos, a narrative ballad tradition dating back over 150 years. A pivotal moment in Cano’s rise was his collaboration with global superstar Bad Bunny on the remix of “Soy el Diablo,” catapulting him into the spotlight alongside the biggest names in Mexican music.
Since his teenage years, Natanael Cano has dominated the Mexican YouTube scene with hits like “El F1” and “El Drip,” amassing tens of millions of views and solidifying his status as a contemporary Mexican music icon.
5 – ¿Comprendes, Mendes?: Mexican Hip-Hop Pioneers
Control Machete – ¿Understand, Mendes?
Control Machete stands as a foundational name in Mexican hip-hop. This groundbreaking group has garnered significant recognition, including two MTV Awards and a Latin Grammy Award nomination for Best Urban Music Album. Their influential recordings played a crucial role in establishing Mexican hip-hop as a continental force. For those who were fans of 90s hip-hop, encountering one of their hits was almost inevitable, marking their lasting impact on the genre.
4 – Bésame Mucho: An International Love Song from Mexico
Cesaria Evora – Besame Mucho (YouTube Soft Mexican Music)
“Bésame mucho,” meaning “kiss me a lot” in English, transcends its origins as Mexican music to become a universal expression of love and longing. This iconic song was penned in 1940 by Mexican composer Consuelo Velázquez. Interestingly, legend has it that she wrote it without fully comprehending the depth of its romantic plea. Coming from a devout Catholic family, such intimate affection outside of marriage was considered a transgression.
“Bésame mucho” has been reinterpreted countless times, with a particularly famous rendition in 1956 by Italian singer Gigliola Cinquetti accompanied by Trio Los Panchos. It’s rooted in the bolero tradition, a type of traditional Spanish dance and song characterized by its romantic themes and rhythmic complexity. In 1999, this masterpiece achieved the remarkable distinction of being recognized as the most sung Mexican song in the world, a testament to its enduring global appeal.
3 – El Jarabe Tapatio: The Lively Mexican Hat Dance
Mariachi Vargas – El Jarabe Tapatio (musique mexicaine traditionnelle YouTube)
“El Jarabe Tapatío” is a spirited Mexican folk dance, often hailed as the national dance of Mexico. Internationally, it’s widely known as the Mexican Hat Dance. This dance is traditionally performed by a couple and is characterized by its playful and flirtatious interactions. When danced with skill and passion, it evokes a sense of intimacy, reflecting its origins as a courtship dance in 19th-century Guadalajara.
2 – Ni Una Sola Palabra: Modern Latin Pop from Mexico
Paulina Rubio – Ni Una Sola Palabra
“Ni Una Sola Palabra,” meaning “Not a Single Word” in English, marked the lead single from Paulina Rubio’s album Ananda. Paulina Rubio, known as the “Queen of Latin Pop,” achieved significant crossover success with this track, reaching No. 98 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It became her third US pop hit, solidifying her international presence.
The music for “Ni Una Sola Palabra” was composed by Xabier San Martín, a member of the renowned Spanish music group La Oreja de Van Gogh. Paulina Rubio’s powerful vocals propelled the song to the top of Latin American radio charts in 2006, further cementing her position as a leading figure in Latin pop music.
1 – Adiós Amor: A Contemporary Take on Traditional Mexican Ballads
“Adiós Amor,” or “Goodbye My Love,” embodies the heart of typical Mexican music. If you’ve spent an evening in the company of Mexicans, there’s a high chance this song might have been sung around 3 am, showcasing its enduring popularity at gatherings and celebrations.
“Adiós Amor” originated from the songwriting of Salvador Garza. The ballad was first released by the Mexican group Los Dareyes de la Sierra in 2008. Guitarist and singer Christian Nodal was captivated by its poignant farewell and decided to record his own rendition, infusing it with mariachi instrumentation and a more rhythmic feel. This contemporary version allowed bolero enthusiasts to embrace the song’s emotional depth while also offering a rhythm suitable for dancing, bridging tradition and modernity.
Have you enjoyed this exploration of popular Mexican songs? Continue your musical journey and discover more about the diverse world of music!
