See which classic takes the No. 1 spot.
Culled from our editors’ playlists, Billboard has put together a list of 50 personal favorite Latin love songs, just ahead of Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14). Ranging from ballads (“Bésame Mucho”) to regional Mexican songs (“Te Presumo”) and romantic vallenato (“Volví a Nacer”), the list of swoon-worthy tracks features classics (old and new) that have soundtracked multigenerational Latin households for decades.
These romantic Spanish-language songs — such as the lovely ballad “Contigo Aprendí” (1967) by Armando Manzanero, Carla Morrison’s modern love song “Eres Tú” (2012) and Franco De Vita‘s swoon-worthy “Te Amo” (1988) — became anthems to different generations, but they all have more than one thing in common: These songs are pure poetry. They include raw lyrics about the mystery of falling in love and the roller coaster of emotions that come from that magical, yet vulnerable, moment.
“I love you from the first time I saw you,” sings De Vita in “Te Amo,” which peaked at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart in 1989. “I had been looking for you for a long time and I imagined you this way. I define what I feel with these words.”
The list also includes tracks such as Intocable‘s “Sueña,” the norteño song that spent 13 weeks atop Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Airplay chart; as well as Maná’s achingly beautiful “Eres Mi Religión; Karol G‘s emotional “Ocean” and Juanes‘ rock ballad “Es Por Ti,” which earned the Colombian singer-songwriter record of the year and song of the year at the 2003 Latin Grammys.
Below, the 50 best love songs, ranked, according to Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors.
-
Grupo Firme, “El Beneficio de la Duda”
Composed by Joss Favela, “El Beneficio de la Duda” allows another side of Eduin Caz (Grupo Firme’s frontman) to take centerstage. Known for riling up a crowd with party anthems that have catapulted Firme to stardom, Caz slows down for this heartfelt ballad, unleashing an emotion that is really touching. This norteña and banda ballad, accompanied by an accordion’s lament, is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful. “I don’t deserve the benefit of the doubt, but I’ll be grateful if someday you give it to me,” Caz implores. His soaring vocals capture the anguish embedded in the lyrics as he makes a heartfelt plea for reconnection. — GRISELDA FLORES
-
Río Roma & Carin Leon, “Tú Me Gustas”
When Mexican siblings duo Río Roma, composed of José Luis and Raúl Ortega Castro, met the power of Carin Leon’s vocals, they ultimately delivered this soulful love song, powered by a fusion of pop and regional Mexican. “Tú Me Gustas” is all about the joy that consumes you when you’ve found the love of your life, the person you know you want to spend the rest of your days with. — INGRID FAJARDO
-
Manuel Turizo, “Una Lady Como Tú”
At only 16, Manuel Turizo released his first song, “Una Lady Como Tú.” Its feel-good, pop-reggaetón fusion and catchy ukulele struts, laced with Turizo’s deep baritone vocals, struck gold instantly. In the song, the then teen artist sings about looking for a special lady to love: “I’m looking for a lady/I want her like you/I want you to fall in love/how I’m in love with you.” “Una Lady Como Tú” peaked at No. 10 on the Latin Digital Song Sales chart in September 2017, becoming Turizo’s first Billboard chart entry. — JESSICA ROIZ
-
Julieta Venegas, “Andar Conmigo”
An intuitive songwriter with a knack for painting the various shades of love — and somehow making them all relatable — Julieta Venegas is one of Latin pop’s most gifted forces. The Tijuana native elevates matters of the heart, while maneuvering between the poppy and the visceral. “Andar Conmigo” details the playfulness of romance’s first stages, whether in your teens or seeking a new romantic adventure past your prime. Her accordion riffs and steely strings give this a norteño vibe that blends beautifully with pop. It’s a compassionate invitation to get to know a potential mate little by little, to see how destiny can unravel. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
-
Banda El Recodo, “Te Presumo”
With its traditional brass instrumentation and powerful high vocals, this song is a declaration of love, as its lyrics talk about proudly showing off that person who makes you feel the most beautiful things about love. “Te Presumo” is one of Banda El Recodo’s biggest hits, peaking at No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay in 2009 and topping the chart for 15 weeks. It was also No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs for six weeks. — I.F.
-
Chayanne, “Bailando Bachata”
It was not his first foray into the Dominican genre, but it was undoubtedly the most romantic. With “Bailando Bachata,” Chayanne made us dance cheek to cheek with that special someone in our lives, or at least imagine it. From the opening line (“How lucky I am that I can see you when I wake up every day”) to the catchy chorus (“We are the glass and the wine/ You and I have been together since we saw each other”), this song — co-written by the Puerto Rican pop star with Yasmil Marrufo, Andy Clay Cruz Felipe and Mario Alberto Cáceres Pacheco — spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Tropical Airplay chart. It’s an instant classic of tropical love, sweet and sublime. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
-
Rauw Alejandro, “Museo”
Rauw Alejandro finds a perfect balance between Latin trap’s gaudiness and pop’s sweetness, showcasing how he can play both naughty and nice with Trap Cake, Vol. 2. Raising lust to the level of high art, the Puerto Rican lothario paints a broad canvas of sexual expression on “Museo.” Leading with glimmering piano keys and his unmistakable coo, the slow urbano ballad could be described as a no-holds-barred mating call — where, in a way, a human body becomes synonymous with the grandeur of art in a museum. — I.R.
-
Cristian Castro, “Azul”
It was a summer anthem in 2001, and almost a quarter of a century later “Azul” by Cristian Castro remains a classic of pop rock in Spanish, with its infectious chorus, that guitar solo and the penetrating and prodigious voice of the Mexican singer. Written by brothers Kike and Gustavo Santander, “Azul” is a ballad that expresses a love as deep and intense as the color of the sky, repeating the word “azul” (blue) 59 times throughout the song. “This love is blue like the blue sea/ Like the blue of the sky it was born between the two of us/ Blue like the star of our passion/ A blue spring that fills me with love,” he sings. It spent nine weeks at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs. — S.R.A.
-
Kali Uchis, “telepatía”
Leave it to Kali Uchis to sing about the challenging long-distance relationship in “telepatía.” The trippy-yet-sultry R&B/funk fusion — which became her breakthrough banger in 2021 — is about wanting to “make love through telepathy.” “You know I’m just a flight away/ If you wanted you can take a private plane/ A kilómetros estamos conectando (We’re connected although we’re miles apart)/ Y me prendes aunque no me estés tocando (And you turn me on even if you’re not touching me),” she chants in the bilingual track. “Telepatía” became Uchis’ first No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs in 2021 — making her the first female soloist without an accompanying act to lead the list since 2012. — J.R.
-
Maluma, “AMDV”
One of the most captivating songs that Maluma has gifted his fans is beautifully enhanced by the gentle strings of a guitar, perfectly complementing his velvety vocals. In this heartfelt piece, he eloquently explores the theme of love and longevity — expressing how, over the years, the things that truly matter and touch the heart remain constant. The lyrics express a poignant message about the essence of life; true richness is found in the ability to share the journey of aging with a cherished partner by your side. — I.F.
-
Andrea Bocelli, “Por Ti Volaré”
Perfect to dedicate to a loved one from afar, Andrea Bocelli’s “Por Ti Volaré” evokes the hope of a joyous reunion. “For you, I will fly/ Wait for me, I will arrive/ The end of my journey is you/ With you, I will live”, goes part of the chorus in the Spanish version of “Con te partirò” (1995), which, in the beautiful voice of the legendary Italian tenor, goes straight for the heart. — S.R.A.
-
Chino y Nacho, “Nina Bonita”
“Niña Bonita” ultimately put Chino & Nacho on the radar in 2010, becoming the outfit’s breakthrough hit. The sugary merengue-pop tune, produced by Richy Peña, perfectly captures the essence of the Venezuelan group, which for the most part, sang about love. “My pretty girl, bright star/ The phrase ‘I care for you’ is too small/ That’s why my lips tell you ‘I love you’/ When we’re together we fall in love even more/There’s love here,” the former duo chants. “Niña Bonita” spent three weeks at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs in 2010. — J.R.
-
Tito El Bambino, “El Amor”
Sonically, Tito El Bambino was ahead of the game in 2010, mixing styles like cumbia, merengue and pop in “El Amor.” But lyrically, Tito placed all bets on the theme of love to build a deep and genuine connection with fans. The lyrics to this hit song, which peaked at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs in 2009, are simple yet effective. “Love is a magic, a simple fantasy. It’s like a dream, and at last I found it,” he sings evocatively. The track resonated so much that it was later recorded in other genres, including regional Mexican and salsa. — G.F.
-
Mon Laferte, “Amor Completo”
Amid steely guitar strums and brass blasts, Mon Laferte pours every ounce of her soul into “Amor Completo,” a fervid ode to all-encompassing love. The Chilean songstress, known for her emotional transparency, captures the dizzying exhilaration of new love with lines like, “No hay nada mejor que probar un primer beso, y más de ti.” The visceral imagery in her lyrics — “Arrúllame, ahógame, aplástame”— offers a raw, palpable exploration of love’s dual nature, both nurturing and consuming. Her potent delivery makes this song a passionate testament to love that intoxicates and fills life with vivid colors. — I.R.
-
Los Temerarios, “La Mujer Que Soñé”
Los Temerarios — led by brothers Gustavo and Adolfo Ángel — have a hefty and significant catalog of heartbreak and love songs, although most tend to be about heartbreak. There is one that truly stands out in the love department, and it’s sung by Adolfo, who very rarely took lead in vocals. In “La Mujer Que Soñé,” Adolfo sings passionately about the meeting the woman that he’s always dreamed of. In the song, he lists all the reasons why he loves this dream woman. “For that magic of your gaze, your sweetness … I will never leave you, you will always be the woman I dreamed of.” — G.F.
-
Enrique Iglesias & Juan Luis Guerra, “Cuando Me Enamoro”
Backed by one of the greatest poets of Latin music, the Dominican maestro Juan Luis Guerra, “Cuando Me Enamoro” is without a doubt one of the most romantic songs by Enrique Iglesias. The song — a fusion of pop and bachata that served as main theme of a Mexican telenovela of the same name – talks about getting the stars and the moon for the loved one, and loving with joy and desperation: “Time stops, my soul returns to my body, I smile, when I fall in love.” On the Billboard charts, it spent 17 weeks at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs and six atop Tropical Airplay. The song comes with a tender music video, in which both artists sing in front of a group of children at a school auditorium. — S.R.A.
-
Marco Antonio Solís, “Más Que Tu Amigo”
In Marco Antonio Solis’ prolific song catalog, there are songs about love, lust, heartbreak and Mexican pride, but also about friends who don’t want to be in the friend zone. Hence “Más Que Tu Amigo” (more than a friend) — a flirty cumbia sonidera about a person declaring his love to a friend. “I like you so much, you drive me crazy/ And I can’t hide it anymore/ You appear everywhere/ Like an illusion in my eyes,” the Mexican artist sings in the timeless tune. “Más Que Tu Amigo” peaked at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart in 2004. — J.R.
-
Pedro Infante, “Amorcito Corazón”
An emblematic jewel from the 1949 film Nosotros los Pobres, of the golden age of Mexican cinema, “Amorcito Corazón” stands as a cultural masterpiece within Mexican cinema, sung by the legendary Pedro Infante. Composed by Manuel Esperón with lyrics by Pedro de Urdimalas, this ballad captures a tender narrative of love and longing through its heartfelt melody. This timeless track resonates deeply in the cultural memory, transporting listeners back to classic romanticism — a true gem from a bygone era. — I.R.
-
Pablo Alborán, “Solamente Tú”
Pablo Alborán’s charming flamenco-sounding vocals pair perfectly with this acoustic pop song that thrives on elegant and delicate piano. In “Solamente Tú,” released in 2011, he narrates all the emotions a significant other can make you feel. It may seem like your typical love song, but there’s nothing clichéd about the message the Spaniard wants to get across. “I navigate between the waves of your voice,” he sings. — I.F.
-
Selena Quintanilla, “Amor Prohibido”
Inspired by the real-life love story of her own grandparents, Selena Quintanilla released “Amor Prohibido” (Forbidden Love) in 1994, detailing a couple who is going strong against all odds. “Even though I’m poor, all of this that I give you is worth more than money because it’s love/ And when we’re finally together, who cares what people or society say/ What matters here is our love, I love you,” the late Queen of Tejano belts. The danceable cumbia peaked at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs in 1994, where it spent nine weeks at the top. — J.R.
-
Banda MS, “El Color de tus Ojos”
“The eyes are the mirror of the soul” is the overall theme behind this Banda MS anthem. It peaked at No. 3 on Latin Airplay in Dec. 2017 and topped Regional Mexican Airplay for six weeks in 2017. In the band’s true fashion, with their classic tuba-pumping beats, this slowed-down track and its romantic lyrics tell the story of someone falling in love with a woman, just from the color of her eyes. — I.F.
-
Reik & Sebastián Yatra, “Un Año”
The Mexican pop group Reik and the Colombian pop heartthrob Sebastián Yatra sing of a love so fleeting but so intense, that they’re willing to wait however long it takes to relive it again. Ideal for lovers separated by distance, “Un Año” is a romantic pop song from 2019 with beautiful harmonies, guitar riffs and lyrics that reaffirm that “love is stronger” than any circumstance. The emotional music video goes beyond couples to include the yearning for any loved one far away. — S.R.A.
-
Intocable, “Sueña”
It’s no surprise that Intocable’s “Sueña” spent 13 weeks atop the Regional Mexican Airplay chart. The norteño song, powered by a melancholic accordion melody, finds frontman Ricky Muñoz evocatively asking, almost begging, the person he loves to never leave him. “I want you to know tonight, how much I love you and how happy I am/ Tonight, I want to take a breath of life from your lips for my heart … I wouldn’t mind dying in your arms, because I love you.” It describes that all-consuming feeling of being in love and never wanting to let go of each other. — G.F.
-
Karol G, “Ocean”
In 2019, Karol G released “Ocean,” a romantic ballad that’s part of her sophomore set of the same name. Dedicated to her then-boyfriend, Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA, Karol sings about loving him no matter what, backed by nothing but a soft piano melody, fused with crashing waves and her sweet vocals. “Words really fall short and I thank God that you are here/ I want you to know that I love you eternally/ That when I said ‘yes,’ I meant it forever,” Karol opens up. “Ocean,” also released in a bilingual version with Jessie Reyez, has become a love anthem for recent relationships. — J.R.
-
Pepe Aguilar, “Me Estoy Acostumbrando a Ti”
Pepe Aguilar injects such pathos into his delivery of “Me Estoy Acostumbrando a Ti” that you can’t help but swoon when you listen to it. A gorgeous love song, accompanied by delicate mariachi arrangements, it captures a person as they are falling in love, allowing to be consumed by every aspect that comes from a new relationship. “I’m getting used to hearing with your ears, to see with your eyes, and to love with your senses,” Aguilar wails. The track peaked at No. 6 on the Hot Latin Songs chart in 1999. — G.F.
-
Camilo & Evaluna, “Por Primera Vez”
This wedding song by Camilo and Evaluna evokes the enchanting essence of a fairy tale, seamlessly weaving together themes of love and unity. Its heartfelt lyrics powerfully convey the deep bond and understanding that define their relationship, resonating with listeners on an emotional level. “Por Primera Vez” is adorned with soft pop melodies and soothing instrumentals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that envelops you in warmth. As the duo’s voices interlace, each note feels like a dance, showcasing the unique qualities and harmonies that make the performance truly captivating. — I.F.
-
Ricardo Arjona, “Te Quiero”
Listening to Arjona will always get you in your feelings, especially when you listen to a song like “Te Quiero.” Arjona’s songs ofter read like poems and this pop ballad is no exception. “Another new moon and I love you. Much more than three moons ago. I love you much more than I can. I love you even though I don’t even have to say it anymore. I love you,” he sings matching the intensity of a growing beat that erupts into a joyful tune, powered by acoustic and electric guitars. The song spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart in 2012. — G.F.
-
Zoé, “Love”
With its serene tempo and lush sonic textures, Zoé’s “Love” transports listeners to an otherworldly realm. Frontman León Larregui’s voice drifts across ethereal landscapes of “montañas transparentes” and “anémonas de luz,” while crafting a dreamscape that feels both fantastical and intimately familiar. The repetitive chant of “Love, love, love” serves as a hypnotic mantra, weaving through the track and encapsulating the sheer ubiquity of love’s reach. “Love” stands as a celestial ode to the enduring, transformative power of love, punctuated by memories and particles of longing. — I.R.
-
Consuelo Velázquez, “Bésame mucho”
No other Latin American song condenses in such few words the feeling of longing and despair that “Bésame Mucho” conveys. Written in 1940 by Consuelo Velázquez, this classic was daring for its time due to its direct and profound lyrics (in Spanish): “Kiss me, kiss me a lot/ As if tonight was the last time/ Kiss me, kiss me a lot/ I’m afraid of losing you later.” It’s hard to fathom that the Mexican singer-songwriter was barely a teenager when she wrote it. Since then, the song has been reinterpreted by countless artists, from the Los Panchos Trío and Plácido Domingo to The Beatles and Frank Sinatra. — S.R.A
-
Carla Morrison, “Eres Tú”
When you listen to most of Carla Morrison’s songs, you can’t help but want to cry (which is probably her intention after all). Whether she’s narrating the most idyllic love story or your worst heartbreak, her lyrics really tug at your heartstrings. It’s a combination of many things, but it’s her emotionally layered lyrics and delicate and velvety vocals that will really do it for you. “Eres Tú” is no exception: Part of her 2012 album Déjenme Llorar (Let Me Cry), the feel-good, almost soothing song is a pure declaration of love. “I love seeing you, having you, hugging you/ When I’m next to you, all the good things in me blossom/ It’s you/ That magnet of beautiful energy.” she sings. — G.F.
-
Marc Anthony, “Tu Amor Me Hace Bien”
As soon as you hear the melodic opening notes of the piano, you cannot help but recognize the enchanting strains of this romantic salsa that beautifully encapsulates the essence of true love. The song captures the beauty of being alongside the right partner, celebrating love in its purest form. The unforgettable melodies seem to dance around you, while the heartfelt lyrics convey a serene harmony born from a genuine connection. The vibrant high notes of the trumpets soar above, adding a sparkle to the overall production and creating a soundscape that is both uplifting and deeply moving. — I.F.
-
Aventura, “Un Beso”
Twenty years ago, Aventura delivered the romantic bachata “Un Beso” — a track that captures the essence, beauty, and importance of one simple kiss. Backed by weeping flamenco guitars, Romeo Santos starts off saying, “There’s a woman who dominates my senses just by touching my skin.” In the chorus — which singlehandedly made the song a love and wedding anthem — he continues: “A kiss means friendship, sex and love/ Anywhere in the world/ Religion doesn’t matter/ For a kiss from her mouth/ I go to heaven and talk to God/ I reach the stars with emotion.” — J.R.
-
Fonseca, “Te Mando Flores”
Fonseca’s voice has a captivating charm that deeply engages listeners, transforming this song into a poetic masterpiece, harmonized with the rich tones of a vallenato accordion. “Te Mando Flores” is accompanied by Fonseca’s melodious voice, which vividly illustrates the characteristics of each petal that blossoms to tell a story, and create a unique language that represents love. — I.F.
-
Juanes, “Es Por Ti”
Juanes took the Latin pop-rock world by storm when he released his sophomore album Un Día Normal in 2002 — home to 12 career-turning songs, including the ever-romantic “Es Por Ti.” The slow-rock ballad is a love letter to his partner, where he states that thanks to them, he’s been able to love again. “It’s because of you that my heart beats/ It’s because of you that I speak of love again/ It’s because of you that my eyes shine/ It’s because of you that my pain has left,” he sweetly sings. “Es Por Ti” earned the Colombian artist the Latin Grammy for song of the year and record of the year in 2003. — J.R.
-
Natalia Lafourcade, “Tú Sí Sabes Quererme”
Bathed in the rustic strums of nylon strings and a jubilant, heart-lifting rhythm, Natalia Lafourcade’s “Tú Sí Sabes Quererme” resonates as a celebratory anthem of love’s pure emotion. Performed alongside Los Macorinos, lyrical declarations like “Tú sí sabes quererme, tú sí sabes adorarme” cradle the listener in a heartfelt embrace. This track is a triumphant celebration of knowing and being known in love. Her delivery, coupled with son jarocho undertones, weaves an inviting, emotional soundscape that encourages listeners to bask in the warm glow of enduring love. The song reached No. 11 on Billboard‘s Mexico Español Airplay chart. — I.R.
-
Fito Páez, “El Amor Después del Amor”
Fito Páez’s “El Amor Después del Amor” marks one of the most majestic waypoints in Argentine rock history. The song — a sweeping tribute to love’s enduring flame even after its initial blaze wanes — is undoubtedly Páez’s signature hit. Through his exquisite piano playing, he explores the transformative power of love. Lyrics like “El amor, después del amor tal vez/ Se parezca a este rayo de sol,” evoke a glowing reconnection following growing pains. This track gave title to Netflix’s 2023 bioseries about Paez, Love after Music, and it still resonates more than three decades later. Because in the end, like the song says, no one can and no one should live without love! — I.R.
-
Juan Luis Guerra, “Mi Bendición”
Juan Luis Guerra has always been known for his feel-good, romantic penmanship, and “Mi Bendición” is proof of that. In the soft-paced bachata, the Dominican star compares the love of his life to a radiant sun, and how every ocean wave, every flower, and every cloud is also captivated by their beauty. He describes his emotions as a blessing, chanting in the chorus: “To have you, to kiss you, to hold your hand/ My heaven, to look at you, to say ‘I love you‘ in the ear/ I tell you, what a blessing.” — J.R.
-
Sin Bandera, “Entra En Mi Vida”
Known for their romantic lyrics, the duo — composed of Argentine singer-songwriter Noel Schajris and Mexican hitmaker Leonel García — knew how to tug at your heartstrings with songs like the piano-led “Entra En Mi Vida.” Sung by both Schajris and García, their powerful and melodic vocals soar as they sing “Come into my life, I beg of you/ I began to miss you, but I began to need you afterwards.” “Entra” peaked at No. 3 on Hot Latin Songs in 2002. — G.F.
-
Reyli Barba, “Amor del Bueno”
A hopeless romantic whose destiny had other plans is who Mexican singer-songwriter Reyli Barba spotlights in “Amor del Bueno” (The Good Love). The 2004-released track, part of his album En La Luna, is a soft-rock ballad where the former Elefantes frontman sings about finally finding “the one.” “And no one looked for it/ And no one planned it this way/ It was in my destiny/ That you were made for me/ And nobody bet on it/ That I’d be so happy/ But cupid looked out for me,” he passionately chants. “Amor del Bueno” was nominated for record of the year at the 2005 Latin Grammys. — J.R.
-
Carlos Vives, “Volví a Nacer”
For the kind of love that changes your life forever — like the one Carlos Vives found in his wife Claudia Elena Vásquez — the Colombian singer-songwriter created “Volví A Nacer.” The romantic vallenato, which topped Hot Latin Songs chart in 2012, has become a classic for marriage proposals. “I want to marry you/ Stay by your side/ Be blessed with your love/ That’s why I want to leave my past/ For you to come with me/ Die in your arms, sweet love,” Vives sings in his characteristic Caribbean style, in español. — S.R.A.
-
Maná, “Eres Mi Religión”
Describing a person who’s lost in the world, with broken wings and surrounded by fallen angels, the song turns into a hopeful love miracle. “Eres Mi Religión” is a romantic ballad powered by hard-hitting drums and electric guitar, but with honest lyrics about unconditional love. In every verse, there’s an unconditional metaphor describing how pure and unexpected love can be: “My love, you appeared in my life and cured my wounds… In a world of illusion, I was evicted, I was abandoned, I lived without meaning, but you came/ Oh my love, you are my religion,” the Mexican band sings. — J.R.
-
Shakira, “Antología”
Before she pivoted to disarming battle-pop on her 2023 Bizarrap sesh, Shakira built a cathedral of romantic infatuation. In a collection of love’s most magical moments, “Antología” chronicles many meaningful interactions that elevated her devotion to a romantic partner. It’s a song equipped with swoon-worthy effects like no other, doused in vulnerability. She knows how to describe a feeling so well, and this 1995 guitar ballad is pure feeling. If this won’t make any love cynic kneel down at the feet of Aphrodite, then who knows what will. — I.R
-
Juan Gabriel, “Con Tu Amor”
Juan Gabriel is an idol, a legend, a poet and a romantic. JuanGa’s songs are good for the soul, whether you’re going through a heartbreak or on the cusp of surrendering yourself to love. The Mexican singer-songwriter’s ability to write such relatable lyrics is showcased in “Con Tu Amor,” a pop ballad where he doesn’t belt out the lyrics, like he usually does to help get his emotions across. Instead, in whisper-like vocals, he emotionally sings: “I was alone, I was sad/ I thought I’d never find love/ Until you got here, my suffering is gone/ With your love, I started to forget about pain.” — G.F.
-
Luis Miguel, “Amarte es un Placer”
“Amarte Es Un Placer” (Loving You Is a Pleasure) is a musical poem. This orchestrated romantic pop ballad is seasoned with Luis Miguel’s prodigious voice, as he elegantly describes the pleasure of being with his lover. The track reached No. 6 on Hot Latin Songs, No. 6 on Hot Latin Airplay, ad No. 5 on Latin Pop Airplay in May 2000. — I.F.
-
Franco de Vita, “Te Amo”
Franco de Vita recounts the beginning of a relationship with a simplicity and a feeling that we can all relate to — that magical moment when we can feel butterflies and we realize that we are in love. “I love you, from the first moment I saw you/ And for a long time I was looking for you and I already imagined you like this,” sings the Italian-Venezuelan artist in Spanish in his classic from 1988, perfect for any couple of lovebirds who are just starting out. — S.R.A.
-
Julio Jaramillo, “Nuestro Juramento”
Released in the late 1950s, “Nuestro Juramento” (Our Oath), by the late Ecuadorian Julio Jaramillo, is just that: a deep and very honest vow to the love of his life. In the heartfelt bolero, Jaramillo starts off by saying he feels sad if his partner is going through something, and then promising to love them until the end. “If you die first, I promise I’ll write the story of our love/ With all my soul, full of feeling/ I’ll write it with blood, with the blood ink from the heart,” goes a chorus that has stood the test of time. — J.R.
-
Café Tacvba, “Eres”
Mexican rock band Café Tacvba’s sublime “Eres” was the quintessential first dance song at every Latin couple’s wedding in the early 2000s. Which makes total sense, given that the aww-worthy ballad is perfect for the occasion as a declaration of love in the simplest way possible: “Eres” (you are). “You are what I love the most in this world. [You are] my salvation, my hope, and my faith,” Cafeta’s Emmanuel “Meme” del Real convincingly sings. — G.F.
-
Ricardo Montaner, “Tan Enamorados”
Ricardo Montaner’s “Tan Enamorados” exudes all the hallmarks of a classic Latin power ballad, captivating with its lush orchestration and passionate lyrics that articulate the depths of profound love. Montaner’s emotive delivery, paired with rich, melodic backing, ensures that the song resonates deeply. Originally released in 1988, “Tan Enamorados” was revitalized at the 2021 Premio Lo Nuestro, where Montaner performed alongside CNCO, underscoring its lasting appeal. The song dominated the Hot Latin Songs chart for an impressive 47 weeks, a testament to its timeless charm and widespread acclaim. — I.R.
-
Joan Sebastian, “Eso Y Más”
Joan Sebastian will go down in history as an eternal hopeless romantic, as a poet (which explains why he was nicknamed “El Poeta del Pueblo”) who placed all bets on love, and who won the hearts of his fans. It was hard to choose just one Joan Sebastian song, but “Eso Y Más” is one of the most romantic Spanish-language songs in Latin music. “They told me about Romeo and Juliet and I thought, what a beautiful story/ But now, it seems that what I’m feeling for you is much greater and more beautiful than that,” he starts off. Then, he goes on to list everything he’d do “I’ll cross rivers, valleys to find you,” Sebastian sings over an equally nostalgic guitar melody. — G.F.
-
Armando Manzanero, “Contigo Aprendí”
Because of its greatness, this song has been recorded by an array of artists in many styles, ranging from Trío Los Panchos to Alejando Fernández and Luis Miguel. “Contigo Aprendí” will go down in history as one of Manzanero’s best songs, showcasing the Mexican songwriter’s lyricism that thrives on its simple-yet-achingly beautiful duality. “I learned that a kiss could be sweeter and deeper,” he sings. “That I could leave this world tomorrow. The good things, I already lived them with you.” — G.F.
Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox
Sign Up