WMSC Music Picks: Hispanic Heritage Month 2024

Welcome to WMSC Music Picks, a collaborative collection of WMSC’s music recommendations and reviews. In this installment, members of our station write about their favorite tracks in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 2024!

”Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” – Karol G

Review by Johan Vasquez

With her second single of the year, Colombian superstar Karol G delivered a summer anthem with “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” which translates to “If I had met you before.” The song talks about wanting to be with someone who’s already in a relationship, wishing they could have met sooner. The track’s juxtaposition of an upbeat merengue-influenced instrumental and reflecting, slightly somber lyrics invoke a nostalgic feeling within the listener. Karol G envisions dancing and even marrying this person, mentioning that her name will sound nice with their last name. However, she has to ultimately remember that it will never happen.

 

“NO HAY LEY” – Kali Uchis

Review by Johan Vasquez

“NO HAY LEY” by Kali Uchis is the perfect combination of English and Spanish used simultaneously to create one of the most unique-sounding songs of the last five years. Dropping as a single in September 2022, the club-inspired song talks about the freedom of love, how it “has no laws,” which is the translation of the song’s title. The song is sung mostly in Spanish, but English lines are sprinkled in to make the song flow easier. The song encourages love of all types, perhaps even forbidden love with the lyric “If it feels so right, why say it’s wrong.” Being of Colombian origin, Uchis is known for her blending of Spanish and English within her music, and “NO HAY LEY” perfectly illustrates her style.

 

 “Ay No Puedo” – The Marías

Review by Johan Vasquez

Off their sophomore album Submarine, The Maria’s deliver some of their best and most personal songs yet. The album was released on May 31 this year, just in time for the summer months. The group is known for its mix of lo-fi indie pop and traditional Latin sounds, and Submarine follows a similar trajectory. Lead Singer and frontwoman of the group, Maria Zardoya hails from Puerto Rico but grew up in Atlanta. From the new album, “Ay No Puedo” is a perfect example of their blended sound coming to life. Translating to “Oh I Can’t,” the song is about longing for a past lover. Zardoya sings about someone who left without saying goodbye, leaving her confused but still full of love for this person. The song has themes of jealousy and feeling lost, hoping they aren’t dancing with someone in Ibiza, and losing control of their emotions. The ending has Zardoya hoping they call until she realizes that “love has to tell you, oh I can’t.” She realizes she needs to be stronger and move past the situation as best as possible. The groovy and “underwater” sounding bass layered across the song captures the Submarine sound. Partnered with the Latino-inspired drum patterns and shakers in the back, creating a one-of-a-kind sounding song and another favorite from The Marías.

“Oye mi amor” – Maná

Review by Bella Caracappa

Maná is a household name with lots of Latin homes and has many amazing songs to choose from. But none feel quite as good as “Oye mi Amor.” This song is a semi-comical story where the main character/singer is begging to be taken back by his ex-partner who has moved on. The protagonist may be a little toxic but hey, that won’t stop you from blaring it from your car radio on your way to work. “Oye Mi Amor” is an indie rock icon about love and heartbreak, contrasted by the most fun, happy, dance music you can get. If you hear this song at a party you just know it’s going to be the best time. This song is a great listen, whether you speak Spanish or not, and is incredibly vibey, and with such strong lyrics, it is definitely karaoke material. 

 

“En algún lugar” – Duncan Dhu

Review by Bella Caracappa 

If you are Hispanic and a fan of The Smiths or The Cure, I have just the song for you. “En algún lugar,” written in 1984, is a synth-pop dream, and makes you feel like you’re in a Latin John Hughs film. It’s just so bouncy and I am a sucker for songs with happy vibes but serious undertones within the lyrics. When you listen to this song, you fight with your inner instincts, should I wallow or thrive? And it gives a sense of warmth with each listen. It’s dramatic, existential, and yet the kind of song where you’d dance with your parents at a barbecue.

 

“Soledad y el Mar” – Natalia Lafourcade feat. Los Macorinos

Review by Bella Caracappa

Poetry in music is back! “Soledad y el Mar,” which translates to “Loneliness and the Sea,” is a peaceful, cleverly produced, and surrealist song from 2017, which has currently gained a lot of traction. I appreciate how the music at its core is so simple, with Spanish guitar being at the forefront. But when I listen to this song I am constantly overtaken by this feeling of serenity, and such complex musical composition. And that bridge, with the harmonies and the repetition of “Que me cante el mar, un bolero de soledad,” will always transport me to another place, a place of tranquility and self-recognition. This song also shows the beauty of collaboration, as Natalia Lafourcade worked with Los Macorinos, who have worked with various Latin artists and orchestras throughout their careers. “Soledad y el Mar” should be listened to at night, when your stressful work day is done, and you need to be brought back to equilibrium. It is, in my opinion, a melodic painkiller. 

“El Cuarto de Tula” – Buena Vista Social Club

Review by Jared Tauber

“El Cuarto de Tula” comes from Cuban music ensemble Buena Vista Social Club; the translate to “Tula’s Room.” They have one studio album that they released in 1997 which is self-titled, and it’s delightful. Wim Wenders made this lovely documentary about them in 1999 also called Buena Vista Social Club. It follows two live performances from the band: One in Amsterdam and one in New York City, both in 1998. The doc also features interviews from the members shot in Havana, Cuba. The genres of the album are son cubano, bolero, guajira, and danzón, which more or less are all variations of Cuban dance music. This song in particular is a really fun, but also awe-inspiring example of the magic of many musicians operating at such a high level of skill and soul coming together to make something special and inspire people to get up and move.

 

“Lamento Boliviano” – Los Enanitos Verdes

Review by Kat Garcia

Los Enanitos Verdes is a Spanish rock band that came out of Mendoza, Argentina in 1979. Emerging out of small pubs and theaters, they later became the biggest band around. This iconic song was released in 1994 off their Big Bang album and is known among all Hispanics around the world and is a key to Spanish rock. Between its drum breaks, catchy melody, and ecstatic energy every time they perform, it took the Hispanic community by storm with everyone singing out to the one they love the lyrics “Te amaré por siempre.” The song still continues to be in people’s playlist to this day.

 

“Clavado en Un Bar” – Maná

Review by Kat Garcia

This song about being “stuck in a bar” is also a classic Spanish song by the most influential Spanish rock band there is. Forming in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1986, three guys made it their mission to combine the rock and Latin/Caribbean sounds into one. They definitely succeeded and have sold out show after show. With the song hitting charts multiple times, they gained significant traction. They have also made 11 original albums that take fans by storm just like this one. Featuring one of the catchiest guitar parts I know, this song was a perfect road trip song.

 

“La Camisa Negra” – Juanes

Review by Kat Garcia

One of Colombia’s prized icons, Juanes started his music journey at just two years old and started his career at 17 years old and has been huge ever since. With songs like this one, “A Dios Le Pido,” and “Es Por Ti,” Juanes has shown his talent time and time again with selling million albums and winning 17 Latin Grammys. “La Camisa Negra” being translated to “The Black Shirt” even hit charts in the US and even won a Grammy. We see that this song has started the bridge between the both languages with its captivating acoustic guitar and amazing storytelling that Juanes always brings to the table.

 

“Como La Flor” – Selena

Review by Kat Garcia

Selena’s short lived but impactful influence still is seen all over the world today. Many artists of our generation looked up to her and she will continue to inspire others even if she is physically not here. Selena started in the 1980s in Texas to her Mexican parents with her title of being the queen of “Tejano” music which led her to multiple iconic tracks and even Grammys. She was tragically killed by her fan club’s president but her legacy lives forever. “Como La Flor,” one of her most famous songs, can be heard around the world no matter what country you’re in, the upbeat song just gets everyone up and dancing along to her angelic voice which was not the norm for that time period which made it even more special

 

 “Ojitos Lindos” – Bad Bunny

Review by Kat Garcia

Un Verano Sin Ti is arguably one of the most influential albums of all Latin music because of its highlight on the popular genre of Reggaetón. This album is home to “Ojitos Lindos” which is one of the biggest songs on the album because of the romanticism it brings. Bad Bunny from Puerto Rico, has everyone in tears in 2022 with this album which brings forward all the slow and upbeat sounds that Reggaetón can bring. Using a way of words and a sweet story to tell, he has completely ruled the genre. The song slows down with its beautiful guitar solos and really embodies the feeling of being in love with someone perfect in your eyes.

 

“Ella Me Levanto” – Daddy Yankee

Review by Kat Garcia

Daddy Yankee is the “Father” or “Pioneer” of the famous Reggaetón genre that we have all grown to love and seen the massive rise of. Starting his career at 13 in Puerto Rico, he gave us big songs like “Gasolina” that had people who don’t even speak Spanish singing the lyrics. He has inspired countless newer artists that have even been mentioned in these picks. With his infectious beats, he knows how to get a crowd dancing and moving with his music. “Ella Me Levanto” is a very musically intricate song with different instruments like trumpets, beats, drums, and of course Daddy’s lyricism. Using iconic lines like “Llora nena, llora llora,” it leaves a mark on us all.

 

“Dejame Entrar” – Rauw Alejandro*

Review by Kat Garcia

Rauw Alejandro is a rising “Prince” of reggaetón and pop from Puerto Rico due to his love for the creativity yet cohesiveness of his music. Throughout his discography you see his growth and can clearly see his influences throughout the year, with Bruno Mars and NYC influence being his main influences now in 2024. “Dejame Entrar” came out the summer of 2024 and is a teaser for his new album and has taken the charts by storm. Alejandro has performed at places like Governor’s Ball and Coachella and has been taking the world by storm with his creative sounds and because of how diverse his music is. This song specifically fitting the summer sound of this year, there was no doubt on where this song was getting on the charts.

 

“Paranormal” – Tainy, Alvaro Diaz

Review by Kat Garcia

Tainy started his career in Puerto Rico at just 15 years old getting signed to “Luny Tunes” records which was responsible for all the biggest reggaetón hits at the time. During this, reggaetón was first coming up so Tainy has ties in many big projects including big artists like Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, Wisin & Yandel, etc. “Data” is Tainy’s latest project and has many features with big artist, this song being Alvaro Diaz. Tainy took an electronic freedom with this album and effectively shows that Reggaetón doesn’t only have one sound and uses many English Rock, Rap and Indie influences. This song is such a breath of fresh air because we don’t see artists get creative and use new sounds that we would never think would go in a “Reggaetón” project.

 

“Ella Baila Sola” – Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma

Review by Kat Garcia

Social Media is an amazing way to find new music and I am so glad that it exists during the time of this song. Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma are Mexican artists who are very famous in the “Corrido” community which is famously Mexican. This song had a huge impact on the popularity of this genre which opened up the gate for so much more to come out since. The trumpet solo in the beginning of this song alone perks up the ears of every Hispanic and will have everyone singing every word for the next two and a half minutes. Peso Pluma and Eslabon have won awards and many great opportunities since and have only grown themselves and the Corrido genre since.

 

 

“La Vida Es Un Carnaval” – Celia Cruz

Review by Kat Garcia

Cuba has been a home to salsa, and Cuba also happens to be home to one of the most iconic salseras of all time, Celia Cruz. She started as a vocalist for different groups and ended up shining right through with her own music which passed all her other projects by millions of fans. Her deep voice has become super iconic throughout time along with her famous adlib “AZUCAR.” La Vida Es Un Carnaval is a hopeful song that is a staple not only in Salsa but between Cubans. Cuba has been going through rough times and it has always reminded us that there’s always more ahead no matter what, which keeps Cuban’s mindsets so positive. She broke the barrier of gender in the genre and has changed the game forever. Celia was banished from Cuba and dedicated her life to the country and the Hispanic community even if she was never allowed on her home territory again. She has become so influential with this song that she will be put on a quarter in the near future.

 

You can check out WMSC Music Picks Soundtrack to Democracy here!

Images from Amazon.

*Songs contain explicit lyrics.