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Selected song list

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Portal:Latin music/Selected song/1

 

"Acércate" (English: "Come Closer") is a song recorded by Puerto Rican reggaetón recording artist Ivy Queen and duo Wisin & Yandel for Queen's seventh studio album Drama Queen (2010). It was composed by Queen and Marcos Masis alongside the duo, while being produced by Luny Tunes and Tainy. Originally entitled "No Te Equivoques", the song was leaked onto the Internet prior to the album's release, which prompted Ivy Queen and Wisin & Yandel to re-record the song.

Wisin & Yandel released a solo version of the song with lead vocals performed by them under the original title. While failing to chart on main Latin songs charts in Billboard magazine, it did manage to debut and peak at number sixteen on the Billboard Latin Rhythm Digital Songs chart, charting simultaneously with the lead single off the album "La Vida Es Así" which obtained the number two position. The song brings together the first studio album released by Ivy Queen in three years and first for Machete Music, after being with Univision Records since 2005.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/2

 

"Addicted to You" is a song recorded by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira for her ninth studio album Sale el Sol (2010). The song was released as the fifth and final single from the album by Epic Records, on 13 March 2012. "Addicted to You" was written by Shakira, El Cata, John Hill and Luis Fernando Ochoa, and is a merengue-influenced song on the album. The song also draws prominent influences from reggaeton music, and lyrically describes Shakira's infatuation for a lover. Despite having an English title, the majority of the song is sung in Spanish.

Upon its release, critics were generally favourable towards "Addicted to You", and praised its uptempo beats. The song reached number one on the Monitor Latino chart in Mexico, where it was later certified platinum by the Mexican Association of Phonograph Producers (AMPROFON). It also performed well on the charts of countries Poland, Spain, and France. In the United States, the single performed well on the Latin record charts, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and at number three on both the Latin Pop Airplay and Tropical Songs chart.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/3

 

"El Amor" is a latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 23 August 2011 as the lead single from his thirteenth studio album, Independiente (2011). The song was written and produced by Arjona along with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos, with additional production work from Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Tommy Torres. "El Amor" is the first single Arjona releases under his new record label, Metamorfosis.

Lyrically, "El Amor" was written by Arjona in an attempt to show all sides of love, explaining that "So many good things about love has been shown, that somebody had to turn it around and tell the bad ones". The song became Arjona's fourth single to reach number one on the US Billboard Top Latin Songs, and the seventh to do so on the Latin Pop Songs chart. It also became his first song ever to reach number one on the Tropical Songs chart, improving his previous peak of number two almost twelve years prior. "El Amor" also topped several national charts from Latin America.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/4

 

"Amor Gitano" (English: "Gypsy Love") is a latin pop duet by Mexican recording artist Alejandro Fernández and American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles. The song contains a mixture of cultures, mostly influenced by the exotic language of Fernández, that is Spanish, and Knowles' pop and R&B influences. Along with Jaime Flores and Reyli Barba, Knowles wrote the song, while Rudy Pérez and Knowles herself produced the song. "Amor Gitano" serves as the theme song of the telenovela El Zorro and it was released on February 12, 2007 during the premiere of the episode of the telenovela.

"Amor Gitano" generally received positive reception from music critics. While some of them complimented the vocal exchanges between both artists and the flamenco pop genre of the song, others criticized the song for being somehow offensive due to the stereotypical lyrics. Although it failed to make any impact on the main US Billboard Hot 100 chart, it charted on a few Billboard component charts, peaking at number twenty-three on the US Latin Pop Songs chart.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/5 "Amor Prohibido" (English: Forbidden Love) is a song recorded by American Tejano singer Selena for her fifth studio album, Amor Prohibido (1994). Released as the lead single by EMI Latin on 13 April 1994, "Amor Prohibido" was written by her brother-music producer A.B. Quintanilla and Selena y Los Dinos backup vocalist Pete Astudillo. Selena wanted to record a song about the true story of her grandparents—who fell in love despite being of different social classes. Since its release, the lyrical content and themes explored on "Amor Prohibido" has fostered various opinions by authors, musicologists, and journalists who found themes similar to those facing the LGBT community while others expressed it to be a Romeo & Juliet-esque recording, among other popular interpretations of the song by the media.

"Amor Prohibido" is a Mexican cumbia dance-pop song and received widespread acclaim with music critics citing the single as one of the most popular tracks recorded by Selena. The song peaked at number one on the United States Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart for nine consecutive weeks; her first as a solo act.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/6

 

"Antes de las Seis" (English: "Before Six O'Clock") is a song recorded by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira for her ninth studio album Sale el Sol (2010). Written and produced by the singer and her frequent collaborator Lester Mendez, "Antes de las Seis" is one of the "romantic" songs from the album and is musically a Latin pop ballad. It features a simple piano and acoustic guitar-supplemented beat over which Shakira delivers sad and emotional vocals. Epic Records released the song as the fourth single from Sale el Sol on 21 October 2011.

Critics gave positive reviews to "Antes de las Seis", complimenting its lyrical content. The song performed poorly on singles charts, but was moderately successful on airplay charts. It reached number 1 on the Spanish Airplay Chart and peaked at number 14 on the Monitor Latino chart in Mexico. In the United States, it peaked at numbers 21 and 4 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs and Latin Pop Airplay charts, respectively. In 2013, "Antes de las Seis" was certified gold in Mexico.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/7 "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" is a song by American Tejano pop singer Selena from her album Amor prohibido (1994). The album's second single, "Bidi bidi bom bom" was written by Selena and Pete Astudillo. It was produced by A.B. Quintanilla III – Selena's brother – and Bebu Silvetti. It was released on 13 August 1994 in the United States. It was picked up by Tejano, rhythmic contemporary and Contemporary Latin radio stations.

"Bidi bidi bom bom", regarded as Selena's signature song, was an unplanned song. After its first draft by Selena, the unfinished song was performed during her Entre a mi mundo Tour from 1992 to 1993. Selena wanted to see her fans' reaction before completing it. Despite the positive reaction of her fans, the song was not recorded at the time. It was modified to a roots reggae style to become accessible for Hispanics who were unfamiliar with her music. It won the award for "Most Performed Song of the Year" at the 1996 Broadcast Music Incorporated Latin Awards.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/8 "El Chico del Apartamento 512" ("The Boy in Apartment 512") is a song by Mexican American Tejano pop singer Selena. "El Chico del Apartamento 512" was the sixth promotional single released from Amor Prohibido (1994). The song was written and produced by Selena's brother and music producer, A.B. Quintanilla, lead keyboardist of the group, Ricky Vela, Joshua Munoz, Bebu Silvetti, Steven Torres and James Moore. It was released in the United States for Tejano and Contemporary Latin radio stations and was released as a promotional single a day before Selena was murdered on March 31, 1995. Selena promoted the song during her Amor Prohibido Tour, the song was included in every venue. Her final performance was on March 14, 1995 during her concert Calle Ocho Festival in Miami, Florida, which attracted over 100,000 fans.

In an interview with La Nación, Selena said that she recorded the song because she believed her fans would appreciate her choice in Latin dance-pop and wanted to gain fans, who weren't acquainted with her music. "El chico del apartamento 512" was given mixed to positive reviews.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/9

 

"Chika Ideal" (English: "Ideal Girl") is a song by Puerto Rican recording artist Ivy Queen from her fourth studio album Real (2004). It was written by Martha Ivelisse Pesante, produced by Rafi Mercenario and released as the lead single from the album in May 2004 on Universal Music Latino and Perfect Image.

Lyrically, the song follows the protagonist talking to her lover, assuring him that she is going to be with him. Queen performed the song for the first time on Don Francisco Presenta. Furthermore, the video for the song reached the top of the music video countdown hosted by Terra Networks.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/10

 

"Como Duele" (English: How Much It Hurts) is a latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 4 November 2008 as the lead single from his eleventh studio album, 5to Piso (2008). The song was written and produced by Arjona along with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos, with additional production work and background vocals from Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Tommy Torres. "Como Duele" is the first single Arjona releases after signing a record deal with Warner Music in 2008, after being signed to Sony Music since 1993.

Lyrically, "Como Duele" was intended to show "the monotony that attacks the couples that have many years together, the lack of passion and regreted love that seems to pose over them." The song became an commercial success for Arjona, becoming his first top ten single in the US Billboard Top Lating Songs since 2005 and, with a peak of No.2, his highest entry on that list since "El Problema" in 2002. It also became his sixth song to top the Latin Pop Songs chart, as well as reaching the top in Mexico and Venezuela.



Portal:Latin music/Selected song/11 "Contigo Quiero Estar" (English: "With You, I Want To Be") is a song recorded by American recording artist Selena for her debut studio album Selena (1989). It was released by EMI Latin on 27 May 1989, as the album's lead single alongside "Quiero Ser". Lyrically, the song explores the narrator's feelings of wanting to be closer romantically with her lover. Composed by Mexican songwriter Alejandro Montealegre, "Contigo Quiero Estar" is a Tejano song with folk and ranchera influences.

Critics gave a negative reception to the song. "Contigo Quiero Estar" received a "Single of the Year" at the 1990 Tejano Music Awards. Many critics dismissed the recording when Selena performed a live performance of "Where Did the Feeling Go?", calling it a more suitable standout song then the former. "Contigo Quiero Estar" peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in 1989. Many other recording artists have covered the song.



Portal:Latin music/Selected song/12

 

"Cosas del Amor" ("Things About Love") is a song by American recording artist Vikki Carr and Mexican singer-songwriter Ana Gabriel. It was released as the lead single from Carr's studio album Cosas del Amor (1991). Written by Roberto Livi and Rudy Pérez, the song portrays the relationship between two friends and confidences between both due to marital problems of one of them.

The song became commercially successful when it reached the top of the Billboard Latin Songs chart, the first for Carr and the fifth number-one single for Gabriel. "Cosas del Amor" has been widely covered by several artists including Milly Quezada, Jenni Rivera, Olga Tañón and Yuri, among others. The accompanying music video portrays Carr and Gabriel discussing the situation described in the song and witnessing a solar eclipse. The track earned awards such as a Lo Nuestro for Best Pop Song and the Single of the Year mention by the Radio y Música journal.



Portal:Latin music/Selected song/13 "Dame Tu Amor" (English: "Give Me Your Love") is a song recorded by American recording artist Selena for her second LP record, Alpha (1986). Lyrically, the narrator addresses her infatuation to give her his love as she is longing for him to do so with a kiss that ensures admiration for her. The themes explored in the song suggest solicit love. "Dame Tu Amor" is a ranchera ballad with cumbia influences. It was composed by Richard Brooks, Ricky Vela, and Selena's father and manager, Abraham Quintanilla, Jr.. Critics praised the song for its instrumentation and lyrical content and has since been in several compilation albums following Selena's death in 1995. "Dame Tu Amor" peaked at number 31 on the US Billboard Hot Ringtones chart in 2006.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/14 "Did It Again" is a song recorded by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira for her eighth studio album, She Wolf (2009). It was released on 16 October 2009, by Epic Records, as the second single from the album. The song was written and produced by Shakira, with additional songwriting and production from Pharrell Williams and The Neptunes, respectively. Its Spanish-language version "Lo Hecho Está Hecho" (English: "What Is Done Is Done") includes additional lyrical contributions from Jorge Drexler. "Did It Again" is an electropop song with elements of samba. Lyrically, it details Shakira's involvement in a man's extramarital affair, which leads to her feeling guilty and hurt about it.

Upon its release, "Did It Again" was well received by music critics, many of whom complimented its lyrical content. Commercially, the song attained moderate success. It peaked within the top twenty in nations including Spain, where it was certified gold, and Italy. In the United States, "Did It Again" peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart and Latin Pop Airplay chart, and at numbers six and 11 on the US Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and Tropical Songs chart, respectively.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/15 "Donde Quiera Que Estés" (English: "Wherever You Are") is a duet recorded by American Latin pop quintet the Barrio Boyzz and American Tejano singer Selena. Released on the Barrio Boyzz' album of the same name, "Donde Quiera Que Estés" was written by K. C. Porter, Miguel Flores, Desmond Child, and produced by A.B. Quintanilla III, Domingo Padilla and Bebu Silvetti. The lyrics explore feelings felt after a breakup between first-time lovers who hope that their love will one day return. "Donde Quiera Que Estés" is a dance pop song with influences from hip hop music.

Before the recording sessions, the Barrio Boyzz and Selena were unaware of each other until EMI Latin acquainted them to record the song. After filming the music video for the song in New York, the Barrio Boyzz and Selena went on a mini-tour throughout Texas and Mexico. The song peaked at number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart for six consecutive weeks. It eventually became the sixth most performed Latin song of 1994 in the United States. "Donde Quiera Que Estés" was nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 1994 Tejano Music Awards.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/16

 

"Estoy Aquí" (English: "I'm Here") is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, taken from her debut studio album Pies Descalzos. It was released in 1996 by Sony Music and Columbia Records as the lead single from the album. The song was written and produced by Shakira and Luis Fernando Ochoa. "Estoy Aquí" is a Latin pop song that lyrically discusses a willingness to correct a failed relationship.

Upon its release, "Estoy Aquí" received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who recognized it as a stand-out track from Pies Descalzos. Additionally, it became Shakira's first recording to attain commercial success. The song peaked at numbers 1 and 2 on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs and Latin Songs component charts. Its performance aided its parent album in becoming her breakthrough record, which eventually attained platinum certifications in Brazil, Colombia, and the United States. Its accompanying music video depicts Shakira performing the track, where she is often pictured with her guitar.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/17

 

"Falsas Esperanzas" (English: "False Hopes") is a song performed by American recording artist Christina Aguilera for her second studio album, Mi Reflejo (2000). It was written by Jorge Luis Piloto and released as a single through RCA Records on July 2, 2001. The uptempo Latin record was produced by Rudy Pérez and features instrumentation from a horn.

"Falsas Esperanzas" received mixed reviews from music critics with some naming it a stand-out track from the album while others were not impressed by it. The single peaked at fifteen on the Productores de Música de España and number seven on the Dutch Tipparade. Aguilera performed "Falsas Esperanzas" at the 2001 Grammy Awards and during her tours Justified and Stripped Tour and The Stripped Tour.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/18 "Fotos y Recuerdos" (English: Pictures and Memories) is a song recorded by American recording artist Selena for her fifth studio album Amor Prohibido (1994). It was released by EMI Latin on 14 February 1995, as the album's fourth single. Inspired by the Pretenders' 1982 song "Back on the Chain Gang", Selena's brother and music producer A.B. Quintanilla asked Ricky Vela, the lead keyboardist of Selena y Los Dinos, to transform the song into a Spanish-language cumbia. Argentine arranger and composer Bebu Silvetti, produced "Fotos y recuerdos" alongside Quintanilla III. Recording sessions for "Fotos y recuerdos" was delayed because Selena and the band did not get a license to record the song, which stirred a controversy.

"Fotos y Recuerdos" is a Spanish-language mid-tempo cumbia that contains influences of house and dance-pop. The central theme and lyrical content of the song is about a lonely women who, kisses the pictures of her beloved boyfriend every night before she goes to sleep, while reminiscing memories she keeps intact. "Fotos y Recuerdos" peaked at number one on the US Hot Latin Tracks for seven consecutive weeks, giving Selena her fourth number one single from Amor Prohibido.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/19

 

"Fruta Fresca" ("Fresh Fruit") is a vallenato song written and performed by Colombian recording artist Carlos Vives and produced by Emilio Estefan and Juan Vicente Zambrano as the lead single from his studio album El Amor de Mi Tierra in 1999. The song incorporates the sound of Latin pop and Colombian vallenato music. In the song, he compares his lover's kisses to fresh fruit. The track was well received by critics who praised the production of the record. "Fruta Fresca" became Vives' first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.

It received three Latin Grammy nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Tropical Song and a Lo Nuestro nomination for Tropical Song of the Year. Vives received an American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers award for Pop/Contemporary Song in 2001 for his composition of the song. In 2003, Brazilian boy band Br'oZ covered the song in the Portuguese language under the title "Prometida" for their album Popstars which peaked at number two on the Brazilian Airplay Chart.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/20

 

"Fuiste Tú" is a latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 7 February 2012 as the second single from his thirteenth studio album, Independiente (2011). Featuring additional lead vocals by Guatemalan singer Gaby Moreno, the song was written by Arjona, who produced it with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos. Additional work on the recording was done by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Tommy Torres.

Lyrically, "Fuiste Tú" rounds the concept of recreating "the battle on a couple when someone starts to say 'is the beginning of the end'". The song became the second consecutive single from Independiente to reach the top ten in the US Billboard Top Latin Songs, and the second single from the album to top both the Latin Pop Songs and Tropical Songs charts. "Fuiste Tú" performed well on several national charts from Latin America, including reaching #1 on Venezuela, and #6 on Mexico. The single was nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the 13th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/21

 

"Gypsy" is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, from her eighth studio album She Wolf (2009). The song was chosen as the fourth and final single from the album by Epic Records. It was released internationally on 26 March 2013; in the United States, "Gypsy" was released as a CD single on 12 April 2010. The Spanish-language translation "Gitana" was released as a digital promotional single on 1 March 2010. Written by Shakira, Amanda Ghost, Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers, the lyrics of the song describe one's life travelling as a "gypsy". The song draws heavy influences from Indian and Middle Eastern music.

Upon its release, "Gypsy" received generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom complimented its production. The single was commercially successful and peaked within the top 10 of the charts of countries including Germany, Hungary, Mexico and Spain. In the United States, "Gypsy" peaked at number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, while "Gitana" reached number six on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart. "Gypsy" was certified platinum and gold in Spain and Mexico, respectively.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/22

 

"Hasta Que Te Conocí" ("Until I Met You") is a song written, produced, and performed by Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel. It was released in 1986 as the third single from his studio album Pensamientos. In the song, the protagonist learns the meaning of suffering after meeting a lover who mistreats him. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot Latin Song chart. A live version of the song was included on his album En el Palacio de Bellas Artes (1990) which peaked at number ten on the Hot Latin Songs chart.

The song has been recorded by several artists including Roberto del Castillo, Ana Gabriel, Marc Anthony, Raúl di Blasio, and Maná. Anthony covered the song on his debut studio album Otra Nota (1993) after hearing it on the radio during a taxi ride. di Blasio's version features Gabriel performing the vocals on the song. Maná's recording peaked at number one on the Hot Latin Songs and earned a nomination for Record of the Year at the 2012 Latin Grammy Awards. Gabriel received an American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Latin award in 1994 and in 2013 for Anthony's and Maná's covers of the song.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/23

 

"Hoy Tengo Ganas de Ti" (English: "I Have Desire for You Today") is a song written and performed by Spanish singer-songwriter Miguel Gallardo. It was released in 1976 as the lead single from his debut studio album Autorretrato. The song is about a man who confesses his feelings to a woman who is leaving. Upon its release, the song was well received in Mexico where it became one of the best-performing songs of the year. Since then, the song has been covered by several artists including Azúcar Moreno, Ricardo Montaner, and Alejandro Fernández.

Fernández covered the song on his fifteenth studio album Confidencias (2013) and features American recording artist Christina Aguilera as the guest artist. It was served as the main theme song for the Mexican telenovela La Tempestad. His version peaked at number one on the Mexican Monitor Latino chart and became a top five hit in Spain and on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in the United States. Azúcar Moreno's cover of the song peaked at number five in Spain while Montaner's version reached number one in Venezuela and ranked at number twenty-three on the US Latin Songs chart.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/24

 

"I Need to Know" is a song recorded by American recording artist Marc Anthony for his eponymous fourth studio album. It was released as the lead single from the album on August 15, 1999. Written and produced by Anthony and Cory Rooney, "I Need to Know" is a song about a man who longs to know how a woman feels about him. The song blends the musical styles of several genres, including R&B and Latin music (genre); the instruments used include violin, piano, timbales and congas. Anthony recorded a Spanish-language version of the song, translated by Angie Chirino and Robert Blades, titled "Dímelo".

Upon its release, "I Need to Know" received mostly positive reviews from music critics and was praised for its production and choice of musical styles. It was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2000. The Spanish-language version of the song won the Latin Grammy Award for Song of the Year in the same year. Both versions of the song won an American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers award in the pop category. Commercially, the song charted in the top five in Canada and the United States.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/25 "Inolvidable" ("Unforgettable") is a song written by Julio Gutiérrez in 1944. It is considered one of the most popular boleros released during the Cuban musical movement led by pianists. The song has been recorded by several performers, including Roberto Carlos, Diego El Cigala, Fania All-Stars, Eydie Gormé, Danny Rivera, Tito Rodríguez and Bebo Valdés, among others.

In the song, the protagonist kisses different lips looking for new sensations, haunted by the memory of a past love. The song has experienced popular acclaim, especially with the version recorded by Mexican singer Luis Miguel on his album Romance released in 1991. This version peaked at the top of the Billboard Top Latin Songs chart in the United States, and the album was deemed as responsible for reviving the bolero genre.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/26 "La Llamada" (English: "The Phone Call") is a song recorded by American recording artist Selena for her first live album Live! (1993). It was composed by Selena y Los Dinos backup singer Pete Astudillo and Selena's brother and principal record producer A.B. Quintanilla III. The song was produced by Quintanilla III and Argentine music producer Bebu Silvetti.

"La Llamada" was released as the second single from Live!. It peaked at number 5 on the US Hot Latin Tracks on the week ending 23 October 1993. On the week ending 9 April 2011, "La Llamada" entered the Regional Mexican Digital Songs chart. The lyrical content of the song describes a girlfriend's feelings after witnessing her boyfriend kissing another girl, telling him to never call her again and ending the relationship. The central theme explored on "La Llamada" suggests women empowerment.

"La Llamada" is an uptempo Mexican cumbia song. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics. A music video was released and features Selena dancing in a crowd at a beach house in Malibu, California. There have been many cover versions of "La Llamada" ranging from Mexican to Dominican artists.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/27

 

"Loca" (English: "Crazy") is on the seventh studio album, Sale el Sol (2010, by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira. It was released by Epic Records as the lead single from the album. The Spanish-language version features Dominican rapper El Cata, and was released on 10 September 2010, while the English-language version features British rapper Dizzee Rascal, and was released on 13 September 2010. It was written and produced by Shakira, with additional songwriting from Edward Bello, Armando Pérez, and Dylan Mills. The song is a Latin pop and merengue track that lyrically describes Shakira's eccentric infatuation with a man. In August 2014, a senior US district judge found "Loca" to have been indirectly plagiarised from "Loca con su Tiguere", a mid-1990s song composed by Dominican songwriter Ramon "Arias" Vasquez.

Upon its release, "Loca" received generally favourable reviews from music critics, who complimented the inclusion of merengue music on the recording. The English version of the song became a worldwide commercial success and peaked inside the top five of the record charts of countries like Austria, Belgium, France, Hungary and Italy.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/28

 

"Mañana, Mañana" (English: "Tomorrow, Tomorrow") is a song written by Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel. It was first performed by Gabriel and Estela Nuñez on Gabriel's album, Ella in (1980). The song describes the departure of a lost love who will never return. In 1994, Mexican singer Cristian Castro covered the song on his album El Camino del Alma as "Mañana", where it was released as the lead single from the album by Fonovisa. Castro's cover peaked at number-two on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and became the first number-one single on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs chart. A year later, the song received an American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers award for Pop/Contemporary Song.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/29

 

"Marta" is a Latin pop song recorded by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona. It was released on 29 March 2011 as the third and final single from his twelfth studio album, Poquita Ropa (2010). It was written by Arjona, who produced it with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name, Los Gringos. An accompanying music video for "Marta" was released in March 2011 and features Mexican actress Edith Gonzalez. It was directed by Joaquín Cambre. The video was used as part of the feature film Poquita Ropa — Una Historia Apasionada.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/30

 

"Me Haces Falta" is a song recorded by American singer Jennifer Lopez for her fifth studio album, Como Ama una Mujer (2007). It was written and produced by Marc Anthony and Estéfano. The song was released on March 23, 2007 by Epic Records as the second and final single from the album. "Me Haces Falta" is a latin pop song about self-loathing. Its instrumentation consists of drums, cello, bass and guitar.

Music critics were complimentary to the song's lyrics and to Lopez's vocals, but dismissed its production. An accompanying music video for the song was directed by Sanji. The video portrays Lopez as an undercover FBI agent who surrenders her lover to the police and has regrets afterwards. "Me Haces Falta" was included in the set list of Lopez's co-headling tour with Anthony in 2007.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/31

 

"Lo Mejor de Mí" ("All My Best") is a song written and produced by Rudy Pérez and first recorded by Spanish singer Juan Ramon for his second studio album Por Haberte Amado Tanto (1990). In the song, the protagonist tells his lover how he gave his best despite not meeting his lover's expectation. In 1997, Mexican recording artist Cristian Castro covered the song for his fifth studio album Lo Mejor de Mí which Pérez also produced and arranged. Castro's version peaked at number-one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs and the Billboard Latin Pop Songs charts in the United States. The song received a Billboard Latin Music Awards and a Lo Nuestro nomination for Pop Song of the Year. Pérez earned the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers award in the Pop/Ballad field.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/32

 

"Mi Novia Se Me Está Poniendo Vieja" is a Latin pop song written by Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona for his thirteenth studio album, Independiente (2011). It was produced by Arjona, Dan Warner and Lee Levin. It was released as the album's third single on 8 May 2012. The song was used by American telecommunications corporation AT&T on a commercial promoting the Nokia Lumia 900 smartphone, and has been widely performed on Arjona's Metamorfosis World Tour. A music video was filmed on the Universal Studios in Los Angeles, and is protagonized by Arjona alongside his son Ricardo Arjona Jr. In 2013, Arjona received a Song of the Year nomination at the 14th Latin Grammy Awards for the song.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/33 "No Debes Jugar" (English: "You Shouldn't Play Around") is a song recorded by American recording artist Selena for her first live album Live! (1993). It was composed by Selena y Los Dinos keyboardist Ricky Vela and Selena's brother and principal record producer A.B. Quintanilla III. The song was produced by Quintanilla III and Argentine music producer Bebu Silvetti.

"No Debes Jugar" was released as the lead single from Live!. It peaked at number 3 on the US Hot Latin Tracks on the week ending 14 August 1993. On the week ending 9 April 2011, "No Debes Jugar" entered the Regional Mexican Digital Songs chart. Lyrically the song describes a woman whose life is centered on being unappreciated by her boyfriend. She finally stands up for herself announcing that she is done playing around and threatens to leave. The central theme explored on the song suggests women empowerment in its lyrical content.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/34

 

"No Hay Igual" is a song recorded by Canadian singer Nelly Furtado for her third studio album, Loose (2006). It was written and produced by Furtado, Tim "Timbaland" Mosley, Nate "Danja" Hills and Nisan Stewart, with vocal production by Jim Beanz. While working with Timbaland and Danja at The Hit Factory in Miami, Florida, Pharrell Williams introduced her to reggaeton, a musical genre that was unfamiliar to her. After he played a song for her, Furtado became inspired and wrote the lyrics to "No Hay Igual" "nearly on the spot". It is a hip hop and reggaeton song in which Furtado sings in Spanish and raps in Portuguese over a reggaeton rhythm.

"No Hay Igual" was released as the lead single of Loose on 11 April 2006 by Geffen Records. It received generally positive reviews from music critics with some of them calling the song a highlight on Loose and praising its production. A music video for the remix of "No Hay Igual" with Calle 13 was shot in La Perla, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The video features Furtado and Pérez characters in various situations throughout the slum astride such as eating ice cream and playing pool.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/35

 

"No Me Ames" is a Latin pop duet recorded by American singers Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony for Lopez's debut studio album, On the 6 (1999). It is a cover version of the Italian song "Non Amarmi", written by Giancarlo Bigazzi, Marco Falagiani and Aleandro Baldi and recorded by Baldi and Francesca Alotta for Baldi's album Il Sole (1993). The song was translated into Spanish by Ignacio Ballesteros at Anthony's request. Two versions of the song were produced for On the 6; one as a ballad and the other as a salsa. The ballad version was produced by Dan Shea, while the salsa version was arranged and produced by Juan Vicente Zambrano. The music video was directed by Kevin Bray and received a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Short Form Music Video. It served as the encore during the couple's co-headlining tour in 2007.

"No Me Ames" speaks of a complicated relationship between two lovers. It was first released by Work Records on May 11, 1999, as a B-side to "If You Had My Love" (1999). The work received generally positive reviews from critics. The song peaked at number one in the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/36 "No Me Queda Más" (English: "There's Nothing Left for Me") is a song recorded by American Tejano pop recording artist Selena from her fifth studio album Amor Prohibido (1994). It was released by EMI Latin on 10 November 1994, as the album's third single. "No Me Queda Más" was composed by lead keyboardist of Selena y Los Dinos, Ricky Vela; who had fallen in love with Selena's sister and drummer of the group, Suzette Quintanilla. Selena's brother and producer of her music, A.B. Quintanilla III produced "No Me Queda Más" alongside Argentine arranger and composer Bebu Silvetti.

"No Me Queda Más" is a Spanish-language down-tempo ballad with influences of flamenco and ranchera music. The central theme and lyrical content of the song conveys the story of a bewildered fiancée whose ex-lover has left her for another women and keeps an illusion that he will one day go back with her; while her ex-lover denies even loving her, she wishes him happiness. "No Me Queda Más" peaked at number one on the US Hot Latin Tracks for seven non-consecutive weeks and the Latin Regional Mexican Airplay charts, giving Selena her third consecutive number one single from Amor Prohibido.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/37

 

"No Podrás" (English: "You Can't") is a song written and composed by Alejandro Zepeda and Peter Skrabak, originally recorded by Mexican recording artist Cristian Castro. Lyrically, the song describes the end of a relationship between two lovers where the protagonist tells the lover that she will not forget how much he loved her. The song was released by Fonovisa Records as the lead single from Castro's debut studio album Agua Nueva (1992). It peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart. It was well received by music critics, despite negative reception of its parent album.

In 1994, Dominican merengue musician Fernando Villalona covered the song on his album El Niño Mimado. His version of the song peaked at number thirty-two on the US Billboard Hot Latin Songs.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/38 ""No Quiero Saber" is a song recorded by American recording artist Selena. It was originally a track on her second studio album Ven Conmigo (1990). It was composed and produced by her brother, A.B. Quintanilla III. Pete Astudillo, a backup singer with Selena y Los Dinos, produced the song with Quintanilla. The recording was later mixed by A.B. for Selena's 1996 first remix album, Siempre Selena. It was released posthumously by EMI Latin in June 1996, as the album's second single, behind "Siempre Hace Frio".

The track was given positive reviews by music critics, with The Deseret News calling it one of Selena's best songs. After its inclusion on her second remix album as a bonus acoustic track on Enamorada de Ti (2012), critics gave a mixed review. The song won the Tejano Crossover Song of the Year award posthumously at the 1997 Tejano Music Awards. It peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart, while peaking within the top 20 on the Latin Regional Mexican Airplay chart and the Latin Pop Airplay.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/39

 

"Nunca Voy a Olvidarte" (English: "I Am Never Going to Forget You") is a song written by Roberto Belester and first recorded by Mexican norteño band Bronco for their album Salvaje y Tierno (1991). In the song, the protagonist is leaving and vows to never forget the time he spent with his lover. In 1993, Mexican singer-songwriter Cristian Castro covered the song on his album, Un Segundo en el Tiempo. Castro's version peaked at number-one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in the United States became his first number-one single.

The song received a Lo Nuestro and a Billboard Latin Music award for Pop Song of the Year. It earned an award for Latin Pop Song of the Year at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Awards of 1994. In the following year, Puerto Rican-American recording artist La India covered the song as the lead single from her album Dicen Que Soy which peaked at number eleven on the Hot Latin Songs chart, number thirteen on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs chart, and number-one on the Billboard Tropical Songs chart.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/40

 

"Objection (Tango)" is a song recorded by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira for her fifth studio album and first English-language album Laundry Service (2001). It was the first song Shakira wrote in English after being encouraged by American singer Gloria Estefan to record material in the language. She also produced the track along with Lester Mendez. "Objection (Tango)" musically combines elements of pop rock and tango, and contains instrumentation from the bandoneón and guitar. Through the lyrics of the song, Shakira aims to end a love triangle she is a part of. The song was released as the third single from the album on 6 July 2002. A Spanish version of the song, entitled "Te Aviso, Te Anuncio (Tango)", was also recorded by the singer.

Upon its release, "Objection (Tango)" received generally favourable reviews from music critics, some of whom found it similar to the work of American new wave band The B-52's. Commercially, "Objection (Tango)" was a success and peaked inside the top ten of record charts of various countries such as Australia, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands and France.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/41

 

"On the Floor" is a song recorded by American entertainer Jennifer Lopez for her seventh studio album, Love? (2011). Featuring American rapper Pitbull, it was released by Island Records on February 8, 2011 as the lead single from the album. "On the Floor" was written by Kinda "Kee" Hamind, AJ Junior, Teddy Sky, Bilal "The Chef", Armando C. Perez, Gonzalo Hermosa, Ulises Hermosa, along with the song's producer RedOne. It is an up-tempo electronic dance song with a common time with a tempo of 130 beats per minute. "On the Floor" incorporates elements of electro house and electropop and draws further musical influences from Eurodance, Latin music and techno music. Lopez recorded a Spanish-language version of the song titled "Ven a Bailar" (English: "Come to Dance"), which includes additional lyrical contributions from Julio Reyes Copello and Jimena Romero.

Its development was motivated by Lopez's Latin heritage and pays homage to her career-beginnings as a dancer. Interpolated within the song are recurrent elements of the 1982 composition "Llorando se fue" written by Gonzalo and Ulises Hermosa, a composition that gained notoriety when it was sampled by Kaoma in their 1989 single "Lambada".


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/42

 

"Pero Me Acuerdo de Ti" (English: "But I Remember You") is a song written and produced by Rudy Pérez. It was first recorded by Puerto Rican singer Lourdes Robles on her album Definitivamente (1991). In the ballad, the singer remembers her lover even when she tries to forget. Nine years later, American recording artist Christina Aguilera performed a cover version on her second studio album Mi Reflejo which Pérez also produced. It was released as the second single from the album in December 2000. The music video for Aguilera's version was directed by Kevin Bray.

Aguilera performed the song live at the 2001 Grammy Awards. Her version peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in the United States and number three in Spain. It received a Latin Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. It has been covered by Mexican singer Edith Márquez and Jencarlos Canela.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/43

 

"Un Poco de Amor" (English: "A Little Bit of Love") is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, taken from her debut studio album Pies Descalzos. It was released on May 16, 1996, by Sony Music and Columbia Records as the fourth single from the album. The song was written and produced by Shakira and Luis Fernando Ochoa. "Un Poco de Amor" is a Latin pop song that incorporates reggae elements. Lyrically, it states that Shakira is waiting to find someone who loves her.

Upon its release, "Un Poco de Amor" received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who recognized it as a stand-out track from Pies Descalzos. The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs and Latin Songs component charts. While less successful than its preceding singles, its performance continued to aid its parent album in becoming her breakthrough record, which eventually attained platinum certifications in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and the United States.

A Portuguese-language translation of the track titled "Um Pouco de Amor" appeared on Shakira's first remix album The Remixes in 1997. The song has additionally been performed during two of her concert tours to date.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/44

 

"Por Amarte Así" (English: "Loving You This Way") is a song written by Alejandro Montalbán and Eduardo Reyes and performed by Mexican recording artist Cristian Castro. It was produced by Kike Santander and released in 2000 as the fourth single from his sixth studio album Mi Vida Sin Tu Amor (1999). Lyrically, the song is about a man who promises to keep loving his lover even though she is gone. In the United States, it peaked at number three and two on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs and Latin Pop Songs charts and received a Billboard Latin Music nomination for Pop Track of the Year. "Por Amarte Así" was the fifth best-performing Latin single of 2001 in the United States.

The song has been recorded by several artists including Jay Lozada, Xandro y Su Punto, Alacranes Musical, and Ana Isabelle. Lozada recorded the song in salsa for his eponymous debut album which peaked at number two on the Billboard Tropical Songs chart.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/45 "Por Debajo de la Mesa" ("Underneath the Table") is a song written by Armando Manzanero and performed by Mexican recording artist Luis Miguel. Arranged by Bebu Silvetti, it was one of the two original compositions written for Miguel's fifteenth studio album Romances. It was released as the lead single from the album on July 15, 1997 and it became his thirteenth number-one single on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in the United States. The music video features Miguel performing at a fine-dining restaurant in New York City.

The track received a negative reaction from Achy Obejas of the Chicago Tribune who called it "lame". It was nominated Pop Song of the Year at the 10th Annual Lo Nuestro Awards and Manzanero was awarded a Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) Latin Award for writing the song. Manzanero performed the record as a duet with several artists such as Tania Libertad and Susana Zabaleta.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/46

 

"Puente" is a latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on August 9 2010 as the lead single from his twelfth studio album, Poquita Ropa (2010). The song was written by Arjona, who produced it with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos. Two versions of the song were made, one of them being a mixture of salsa, merengue along with Cuban music influences; and the other an acoustic version made with piano and percussion.

Lyrically, "Puente" is a song related to the actual situation of Cuba and the immigration to the United States. The song received critical praise, with a critic stating that it "brings the album to an extraordinary conclusion", and received comparisons with Fito Páez's song "Habana". Commercially, "Puente" did not attained commercial success, managing only to reach number 36 on the US Billboard Latin Pop Songs chart.

An accompanying music video for "Puente" was released in August 2010. It was directed by Joaquín Cambré and filmed between Mexico and Argentina.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/47 "A Puro Dolor" is a song recorded by Puerto Rican band Son by Four. It was written by Omar Alfanno and released as the first single of the second studio album of the band in 2000. Two versions of the track were produced for the album; one as a salsa and the other as a ballad. The ballad version was arranged by Alejandro Jaén.

The song reached number-one on Billboard Top Latin Songs chart, and became the longest running chart topper of its history, spending 20 weeks at the top; this record was broken five years later by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira with "La Tortura" which spent 25 weeks at number-one. "A Puro Dolor" also reached the Billboard 100; this led to the recording of an English-language version of the track "Purest of Pain", which was also charted in the United States.

The composition also met with critical acclaim receiving the Lo Nuestro Award, the Billboard Music Award and a Latin Grammy Award nomination. In 2009, "A Puro Dolor" was named the best-performing Latin single of the 2000s decade in the United States.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/48

 

"Quién" is a latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 19 June 2007 as the lead single from his compilation album, Quién Dijo Ayer (2007). The song's lyrics were written by Arjona, and its music was composed by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Tommy Torres, who also worked with Arjona on his tenth studio album, Adentro (2005). Performed with additional background vocals by Torres, "Quien" was produced by Arjona with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos, and was recorded between several studios in Miami and Mexico City.

Described by Arjona as "the world out of the window and the prison built by ourselves", "Quién" became a moderate commercial success, reaching number 21 on the US Billboard Top Latin Songs chart, and number four at the Latin Pop Songs chart. Its accompanying music video, directed by Simon Brand, was filmed in Las Vegas, and features Arjona singing while walking around the city's nighttime lights. A "jewel of elegance", according to Mexican website Terra, the music video has received 1.3 million views on YouTube.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/49

 

"Quiero Bailar" or "Yo Quiero Bailar" (English: "I Want To Dance") is a song by Puerto Rican reggaetón recording artist Ivy Queen, from the platinum edition of her third studio album, Diva (2003). It was composed by Queen, produced by Iván Joy and released as the lead single from the album in 2004. It is the follow up to her debut single "In The Zone" which features Wyclef Jean. Lyrically, "the song talks about a guy expecting sex after a dance like it was a bad thing."

The song along with the album Diva are considered to be an important factor to reggaeton's mainstream exposure in 2004 alongside Daddy Yankee's Barrio Fino and Tego Calderon's El Enemy de los Guasibiri. The song became the first Spanish-language song to reach #1 on Miami's WPOW Rhythmic Top 40 while reaching the Top 10 of the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay chart. An accompanying music video was filmed for the song. It features cameos from her ex-husband Omar Navarro, known artistically as Gran Omar. Ivy Queen performed the song as a part of the set of her 2008 World Tour which was held from the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/50

 

"Quiero" (English: "I Want") is a latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona. It was released as the second single from his compilation album Quién Dijo Ayer (2007). Written by Arjona, the song was produced by Dan Warner, Lee Levin and Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Tommy Torres, who also worked with Arjona on Adentro. "Quiero" was recorded between several studios in Miami and Mexico City, and mixed and mastered in New York City. The song was called "bohemian" and "hippie" by website ADN Mundo, stating that it was "a love story that doesn't speak about love".

"Quiero" became a moderate commercial success, reaching number 12 on the US Billboard Top Latin Songs chart, and number eight at the Latin Pop Songs chart. It also managed to appear at number 11 on the Latin Tropical Airplay chart, and received an American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers for Pop/Ballad Song of the year in 2009. Its accompanying music video, directed by Ricardo Calderón and featuring Dominican model and former Miss Dominican Republic Massiel Taveras, was filmed in the Dominican Republic and premiered in November 2007.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/51

 

"Rabiosa" (English: "Rabid") is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, taken from her seventh studio album Sale el Sol. It was written by Armando Pérez, Edward Bello, and Shakira, and released by Epic Records as the third single from the album, on 8 April 2011. Two versions of the song exist; the English-language version, which features American rapper Pitbull, and the Spanish-language version, which features Dominican rapper El Cata. It is heavily influenced by merengue and dance music. Shakira and El Cata, or Pitbull, sing about each other's sex appeal in the song.

Upon its release, "Rabiosa" received generally favourable reviews from music critics, some of whom deemed it as one of the strongest tracks on Sale el Sol. Commercially, the English version of the song became a worldwide success, peaking atop record charts of countries like Portugal and Spain, and reaching the top ten in Belgium, France, Italy, and Switzerland. In the United States, it was successful on the Latin record charts and peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart. "Rabiosa" was certified double-platinum in Mexico and platinum in Italy and Spain.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/52

 

"Sale el Sol" (English: "The Sun Comes Out") is a song recorded by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira for her ninth studio album of the same name. The song was written and produced by the singer and her frequent collaborator Luis Fernando Ochoa and belongs to the "very rock and roll" direction of the album. Musically, "Sale el Sol" is a folk and Latin music-influenced alternative rock track. Its lyrics encourage one to be optimistic during difficult times. Epic Records released "Sale el Sol" as the second single from the album on 4 January 2011.

Critical reception towards the song was positive, with many critics praising its composition and placement as the opening track of the album. Although it appeared on only a few record charts, "Sale el Sol" performed well in Mexico and Spain, peaking at numbers one and eight on the Monitor Latino and Spanish Singles Chart, respectively. It was certified gold in both the countries. In the United States, it reached number ten on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/53 "She Wolf" is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, taken from her eighth studio album of the same name (2009). It was released on 10 July 2009, by Epic Records as the lead single from the album. The song was written by Shakira, John Hill, and Sam Endicott. Shakira and Hill also served as the producers for the song. A Spanish-language translation of the song titled "Loba", which features additional lyrical contributions by Jorge Drexler, was also released earlier on 6 July. Musically, "She Wolf" is a disco, hi-NRG and synthpop-inspired track that details Shakira's boredom due to her uncaring partner, and how she looks for others to please her.

Upon its release, "She Wolf" was met with favourable reception from music critics, many of whom praised it for being different from the other songs released at that time. Commercially, "She Wolf" performed well on record charts. It peaked in the top 10 of charts of countries like Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. In the United States, "She Wolf" peaked at numbers 11 and one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Dance/Club Play Songs charts, respectively.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/54

 

"Si No Te Hubiera Conocido" (English: "If I Hadn't Known You") is a song by American recording artist Christina Aguilera and Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi. It was written and produced by Rudy Pérez for Aguilera's second studio album Mi Reflejo (2000). The song portrays two lovers who remember each other and cannot imagine their lives if they had not known each other. "Si No Te Hubiera Conocido" received mixed reviews from music critics for its ballad production. The song peaked at number 36 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in the United States.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/55 "Si Una Vez" ("If Once") is a song by Mexican-American Tejano pop singer Selena, released as the fifth single from her album Amor Prohibido (1994). It was written and produced by Pete Astudillo, A.B. Quintanilla III and Bebu Silvetti. The song had first been intended for Astudillo's debut album, but was later given to Selena to record, and released in the United States for Tejano and rhythmic contemporary stations. With progressive cumbia (Colombian music) and experimental music that incorporates both Mariachi and Rancheras, the single quickly climbed to number four on Billboard 's Latin Regional Mexican Airplay chart.

According to Billboard, "Si Una Vez" is one of Selena's signature songs. It won the BMI Pop Music Award in 1994 for "Song of The Year", and became the second song, after "No Me Queda Más", to be written out-of-emotions from Selena's band Los Dinos. Selena promoted "Si Una Vez" during her Amor Prohibido Tour, performing it at every venue. It was given mostly positive reviews: Good Housekeeping magazine said, "'Si Una Vez' is an admirable and convincing song you have to listen to when dealing with jerks!", while Texas Public Radio said it "resonates best" with South Texas.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/56 "Tengo Un Amor" (English: "I Have One Love") is the debut single by Puerto Rican-American singer-songwriter Toby Love from his self-titled debut studio album. It was released on November 6, 2006 by Sony BMG Norte. A remix version with R.K.M & Ken-Y was also recorded and included on the album. After separating from the Bachata group Aventura in 2006, Toby Love set out on his own to record his debut album. The song became a success in the Latin market, reaching number one in the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, the top five of both the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks and Billboard Latin Tropical Airplay charts while peaking at #100 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/57

 

"Te Quiero" is a latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 5 July 2012 as the third single from his thirteenth studio album, Independiente (2011). The song was written by Arjona, who produced it with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos. Additional recording work was handled by Peter Wallace, Matt Rollings, Carlos "Cabral" Junior and Isaías García.

The song became Arjona's fifth single to reach number one on the US Billboard Top Latin Songs, his ninth to do so on the Latin Pop Songs chart and third on Latin Tropical Airplay. It also charted at No.10 on the Billboard Mexican Airplay chart. An accompanying music video for "Te Quiero" was released in June 2012. It was directed by Gabriel Blanco and filmed during Arjona's concert shows at the Vélez Sarsfield Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as part of his Metamorfosis World Tour, and marks the first time Arjona releases a music video recorded from his live performances while on tour.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/58

 

"Vida" is a latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 7 December 2010 as the second single from his twelfth studio album, Poquita Ropa (2010). The song was written by Arjona, who produced it with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos. The song is considered to be an autobiographical song for the singer, and its lyrics are based on "matters of identity".

An accompanying music video for "Vida" was released in November 2010. It was directed by Joaquín Cambré and filmed in Mexico, and "represent[s] that mix of feelings crafting an ambience of hope inside of a story that inetivably has a tragic end." The video was used as part of the feature film Poquita Ropa — Una Historia Apasionada as well as on Arjona's Metamorfosis World Tour. As of 28 July 2012, the video has reached 3.9 million views on YouTube.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/59

 

"Volví a Nacer" (English: "I Was Born Again") is a song written and performed by Colombian recording artist Carlos Vives and co-produced by Andrés Castro. Following an international hiatus, it was released as the lead single from his thirteenth studio album Corazón Profundo (2013) on September 24, 2012. The song's lyrics are in Spanish and were inspired by the events of his music career as well as his wife Claudia Elena Vásquez. It is described by Vives as a romantic song with elements of Colombian vallenato and pop music.

"Volví a Nacer" was both a critical and commercial success where it peaked at number one in Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, and on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in the United States. The song was well received by critics who described it as the best track on the album. The success of the song led to Vives winning six Nuestra Tierra awards in his home country and two Latin Grammys for Song of the Year and Best Tropical Song. The music video for the song was directed by Carlos Pérez and filmed in Mexico.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/60

 

"Vuélveme a Querer" (English: "Love Me Again") is a song written and produced by Jorge Avendaño Lührs and performed by Mexican recording artist Cristian Castro for the compilation album Boleros: Por Amor y Desamor (1995). The song speaks of a protagonist who yearns for his lover to return. In the United States, the song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs and number one on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs chart. It received a Billboard Latin Music Award and a Lo Nuestro nomination for Pop Song of the Year the following year. Lührs received an award in the Pop/Rock category at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Awards of 1997.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/61

 

"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" (Spanish: "Waka Waka (Esto es África)") is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira featuring South African band Freshlyground. It was released on 7 May 2010 by Epic Records as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was held in South Africa. Written and produced by Shakira and John Hill, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" is a pop song that pairs an African Colombian rhythm with a Soca-inspired beat. Its lyrics encourage one to aim for their goals like a soldier on a battlefield. The "waka waka" riff of the song was adapted from Cameroonian band Golden Sounds' 1986 song "Zangaléwa". The song initially generated controversy after numerous South Africans expressed disappointment in FIFA's decision to select Shakira to sing the song, opining that a native artist should have been assigned the role.

The song received generally favourable reviews from music critics, who complimented its composition. It has subsequently been listed as one of the best World Cup songs of all time. "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" peaked at number one on record charts of numerous countries including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/62

 

"Vida" (English: "Life") is a song recorded by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin for the One Love, One Rhythm – The 2014 FIFA World Cup Official Album (2014). It was written by Martin, Salaam Remi and Elijah King, Afo Verde, Roxana Amed and produced by Remi. The song was chosen in a musical contest organized by FIFA and Sony Music which King won, and it was subsequently arranged for Martin to record the track. It was digitally released as the second single from the compilation album on April 22, 2014. "Vida" is a Latin pop song that features guitar, ukulele, percussion, horn and "exotic sounds with a Caribbean feel".

The song received generally positive reviews from music critics who praised the liveliness of the track and noted the consistency with other songs performed by Martin. It peaked at number five on the US Hot Latin Songs and became Martin's 23rd top-ten single on the chart. An accompanying music video, directed by Kátia Lund and Lívia Gama of Bossa Nova Films, was shot in Rio de Janeiro. It features Martin singing and dancing on the beach accompanied by around 100 other people.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/63 "Enamorada de Ti" (English: "In Love With You") is a song recorded by American Tejano recording artist Selena and originally written for her second studio album, Ven Conmigo (1990). The song was written by Selena y Los Dinos band member Pete Astudillo and her brother, A.B. Quintanilla, and produced by Quintanilla. "Enamorada de Ti" is a freestyle song, a musical genre popular during the late 1980s. The recording was remixed by Juan Magan for the eponymous album in 2012, a project headed by Humberto Gatica. Although the song was moderately successful during the early 1990s, it was exposed to a wider audience in the remix album Enamorada de Ti. Because of this, the song peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Digital Songs chart that year. In 1997, the posthumously-released single "Is It the Beat?" adopted the rap verse found in "Enamorada de Ti".

In the lyrics the protagonist sings to her love interest about his departure, which has saddened her; without him she cannot function normally, because she is in love with him.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/64

 

"Hasta la Raíz" (English: "Down to the Root") is a song by Mexican recording artist Natalia Lafourcade. It was released on January 14, 2015 by Sony Music Mexico. After attaining success from her previous album, Mujer Divina, a tribute to Mexican singer-songwriter Agustín Lara, Lafourcade decided to record an album with original recordings. Lafourcade spent three years in the writing process, searching for inspiration in different cities, resulting in songs with personal feelings regarding love. The song was produced by Lafourcade and enlisted Argentinian musician Cachorro López to assist with the production, and wrote the track with Mexican artist Leonel García.

After its release as the lead single from the album of the same title, "Hasta la Raíz" received positive reviews from music critics. The song was also commercially successful, peaking at number 17 on the US Billboard Latin Pop Songs and number five in Mexico. A music video for the track was directed by Alfredo Ruizpalacios and recorded at the Estudios Churubusco in Mexico City, gathering 300 fans who responded to an invitation posted by Lafourcade in social networks. The video ranked on the list for the "10 Best Latin Music Videos of 2015" by Latin Post.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/65

 

"La Mordidita" (English: "The Nibble") is a song recorded by American singer Ricky Martin featuring Yotuel Romero, from his tenth studio album, A Quien Quiera Escuchar (2015). It was released on April 21, 2015 through Sony Music Latin as the third single from the album. The song was written by Martin and Yotuel alongside Pedro Capó, Don Omar, José Gómez and Beatriz Luengo while the production was handled by Rayito

and Yotuel. It is an uptempo song with prominent elements of Latin pop and lyrics detailing feelings of lust for a desired person. The song received positive reviews from music critics who praised its blend of many music elements such as salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton. It further received numerous nominations at several Latin award ceremonies. "La Mordidita" was commercially successful across Spain and other countries of Latin America. It reached number six on the US Billboard Hot Latin Songs and number three in Spain where it was certified double platinum.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/66 "Baila Esta Cumbia" (English: English: Dance to this Cumbia) is a song recorded by American Tejano singer Selena for her second studio album, Ven Conmigo (1990). It was released as the second single by EMI Latin on August 28, 1990, behind "Ya Ves". It was composed by her brother–producer A.B. Quintanilla, and Selena y Los Dinos backup dancer, Pete Astudillo. The recording is an up-tempo Mexican cumbia song. It was well-received by music critics who enjoyed its cumbia-feel and rhythm.

The track received exposure on radio stations that predominately played cumbia music, and as a result the recording became a hit single for the singer It was named among her best recordings in her career by music critics. "Baila Esta Cumbia" peaked at number ten on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Digital Songs chart. In 2005, A.B. recorded a remix/duet version of the track with his band Kumbia Kings, which peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Airplay chart and number 44 on the Hot Latin Tracks chart. Other cover versions include recordings by Mexican singers Diana Reyes and Yuridia.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/67 "Dame" (English: "Give Me") is a song written by Alejandro Lerner and Kiko Cibrian and performed by Mexican recording artist Luis Miguel. It was released as the lead single from his eleventh studio album Nada Es Igual... on 15 July 1996 to radio stations. "Dame" was recorded at the Record Plant studio in Los Angeles, California. The song incorporates R&B and hip hop influences. The music video for "Dame" was directed by Marcus Nispel and filmed at the Mojave Desert in California and was nominated Video of the Year. It received mixed reactions from music critics who felt that the track sounded too similar to his previous pop recordings. "Dame" peaked at number two and one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs and Latin Pop Songs charts in the United States and received a BMI Latin Award in 1998.


Portal:Latin music/Selected song/68

 

"Si Tú Supieras" (English: "If You Knew") is a song written by Kike Santander and performed by Mexican recording artist Alejandro Fernández. It was co-produced by Santander and Emilio Estefan and was released as the first single from Me Estoy Enamorando by Sony Music Mexico on August 1997. The song is a bolero-pop ballad with ranchera influences and portrays the singer yearning for his lover to know how much she means to him. A music video was made for the track and was used as the main theme for the Mexican telenovela María Isabel.

It reached the top of the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in the United States and spent a total of six weeks at this position. The recording led to Fernández winning the Lo Nuestro Award for Pop Song of the Year and the Eres awards for Best Song and Best Musical Theme in 1998 while Santander received the BMI Latin Award for Song of the Year in 1999. "Si Tú Supieras" has been covered by other artists including Tony Vega, Manuel Mijares, Noel Schajris, and Chamin Correa. Vega's version peaked at number five on the Hot Latin Songs chart in the US.