Sing Your Way to Fluency: 11 Catchy Songs to Learn Spanish

No matter if you are a beginner or a natural talent for Spanish, you are surely tired of learning Spanish from textbooks. Perhaps you should try learning Spanish with cartoons, playing games with your classmates, or using flashcards. Or even better, what do you say about learning Spanish with songs?

Yes, it is possible.

And no, we aren’t making fun of you.

Have you ever thought about the songs, such as ‘Macarena’ or ‘Despacito’? Do you realize that even if you haven’t heard these songs in a while, you still can sing the whole song? That’s the power of music.

So, why don’t you use that power and learn Spanish words and expressions by singing? Spanish songs are so catchy that they’ll remain in your head for days. If you continue reading, you’ll get to know the 11 most catchy songs to learn Spanish. Let’s get started.

Why Learn Spanish With Songs?

We’re sure that you know that listening to Spanish music to learn the language can be both fun and useful but have you ever thought about other benefits of learning Spanish with songs? Let’s find out together.

• Songs and music in general work in a way that activates your brain to memorize it quickly. Even if you don’t know all the words, your brain tries to fill the gaps with rhythm and repeating.

• Learning new words and phrases is fun. You don’t even have to sit down and mechanically repeat words over and over again. Moreover, you don’t have to concentrate on singing because your brain does that for you.

• Besides learning expressions, you can learn slang words and pick up different Spanish dialects, too.

• Some things can’t be learned from books. Music gives you the possibility to learn Spanish cultural differences and features with songs.

The 11 Most Catchy Songs to Learn Spanish

La Cucaracha (The Cockroach) - Mexican Folk Song

Even though it is a song for kids, its catchy and fun rhythm makes everyone sing and dance.

The song is one of the classics every Spanish kid knows, and every Spanish learner should listen.

Words and expressions used in the song are simple, so it’s one of the easy Spanish songs for beginners.

There are Spanish lyrics with English translations here, so if you’ve just started getting to know the Spanish culture and songs, you can read in English and then start learning lyrics in Spanish.

Hoy (Today) - Gloria Estefan

Besides it is lovely and catchy, this song is a perfect example to learn more about Latin American, Peruvian culture, and heritage. Their dance, clothes, and live colors are in perfect combination with the song and words.

The song clearly shows that love in Latin America is full of passion and a desire to be happy with your significant other. 

A worldwide-known singer, Gloria Estefan, has a magnificent voice to sing the words and phrases clearly so that any Spanish learner can easily understand and recognize the familiar ones.

Once you hear the song, you’ll press the repeat button as many times as you need to learn every word. To facilitate you a bit, we found the Spanish lyrics of the song.

No (No) - Shakira

Everyone knows Shakira. She is such a lovely singer, full of optimism and energy. Whichever song in Spanish you choose, you won’t regret it.

We’ve chosen the song ‘No’ to show that even slow Spanish songs can be fascinating. The song is about her decision to stop being with someone who causes her pain. 

Besides easy expressions used in the song, there are some interesting phrases you might want to remember, so besides listening to the song, you can take a look at the lyrics, too.

Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor (I’m Worth Nothing Without Your Love) - Juanes

If you think you’ve heard of the Juanes, it’s probably their song La Camisa Negra. 

This one is also one love song, but with another rhythm, you probably aren’t used to from this band.

The song is like a love confession of a man who realizes that he’s nothing without his love. Words are a little more complicated, so it is suitable at least for intermediate learners.

Me Voy (I’m Leaving) - Julieta Venegas

This slow and easy song is all about a woman’s love and that she has to say goodbye, even if she doesn’t want to.

It is one of the songs where you can practice present tense and subjunctive in Spanish.

Also, you can find some commonly used expressions, such as ‘que lastima.’

Loco Contigo (Crazy with You) - DJ Snake, J. Balvin, and Tyga

If you need some simple phrases and light vocabulary, this is the song for you. Besides that, its catchy and hot rhythm will make you move all day while repeating words.

The song is all about women and how crazy men can be. To have a perfect impression, don’t miss watching the video with amazing costumes and fast action.

Con Altura (With Height)- Rosalia

For reggaeton lovers, this song should be on the list. The combination of flamenco dance and reggae in this song shows you how music can bring joy, optimism, and energy.

Along with the rhythm, the song is about living life and getting every moment the best you can.

Even though the words in the song aren’t so complicated, you might learn it faster with the help of the lyrics.

Recuerdo (I Remember) - Martina Stoessel, Mau, and Ricky

Not only popular Spanish telenovelas are responsible for love and dramatic stories. You can get that from songs, too.

This one, for example, is a story about one slow and romantic evening, expressed with images and dancing that gives you a full impression.

As for the lyrics, if you are a beginner, we suggest you read them first and perhaps take a look at the English translation to make sure you’ve understood all that right.

Intermediate learners can try watching the video that has lyrics to practice reading skills.

Livin La Vida Loca -Ricky Martin

Can you believe that this song was released almost twenty years ago?

Interestingly, even today, it is one of the most popular songs.

What do you think why is that? Words of the song are simple so that any learner can understand them easily.

The catch is in the rhythm. The fast upbeat makes everyone want to dance and sing along with Ricky Martin.

Bailando - Enrique Iglesias

Unlike the previous one, this song isn’t so fast, but it also has a very catchy rhythm. 

Enrique is an amazing singer, and the way he sings makes you understand words and phrases and practice your Spanish accent.

Vocabulary is simple, which makes it ideal for any Spanish learner.

Vivir Mi Vida - Marc Anthony

Every now and then, we all need a reminder that we should enjoy the moment because life has its ups and downs. 

So, you should sing along with Marc Anthony, dance, and enjoy that perfect moment.

This song is also an excellent example of how you can learn Spanish colloquialisms with songs. While listening to it, pay attention to the ‘¿Pa’ qué?’ phrase, which is a shorter version for ‘¿Para qué?’ in the meaning ‘For what?’

Final Thoughts

Now you see that an entertaining way of learning Spanish doesn’t have to include playing games, but also singing all along the way to fluency.

The songs we’ve picked for you can be a starting point where you can move forward and improve other language skills.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to understand every single word from songs. It is vital, for a start, that you understand the context and the story. For more details, Spanish tutors can help you.