There’s nothing to get you moving and shaking like a cool playlist. There’s also nothing like a great playlist to make the time pass when you’re stuck in the car on a long road trip. If you’re planning a vacation or just a long drive on a Sunday afternoon, here are the most upbeat Latin songs you can sing along to and show off those karaoke skills, minus the spotlight.
- Despacito by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee
Released on January 12, 2017, this song is widely credited as being instrumental in bringing Spanish pop music back into the mainstream market once again. Despacito (Slowly in English) is performed by Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi and rapper Daddy Yankee. The remix version features an appearance by Justin Beiber.
It’s even been credited as one of the best Latin songs of all time by several music publications and received awards for Record of the Year, Best Music Video, and Song of the Year from The Latin Grammy Awards.
- Me Enamore by Shakira
Colombian singer and songwriter, Shakira, released Me Enamore (I Fell in Love in English translation) on April 7, 2017. The song was written about a time in her life when she was “so in love (with her current partner, Gerard Pique) that was literally climbing trees”.
In the United States, the song debuted at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100, and peaked at number 83. It was nominated for Latin Pop Song of the year in 2018 and the best Party-Starter Song in 2017.
- Subeme La Radio by Enrique Iglesias
“Turn Up the Radio for Me” is the English translation for this song that makes you want to do just that. You’ll want to blast this song and sing along while enjoying your road trip. Written and performed by the Spanish singing sensation Enrique Iglesias, Subeme La Radio also features Cuban singer Descemer Bueno and Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Zion & Lennox.
It was first released on February 24 of 2017, but there have been several remixes since then. This upbeat track peaked at number 2 in Spain and number 2 on the U.S. Hot Latin Songs chart.
- Hey Ma by Pitbull, Camila Cabello, and J Balvin
Making its debut on March 10, 2017, this steamy single has two versions, one in Spanish and one in English. It was written by the trio of American rapper and singer Pitbull, Cuban singer Camilla Cabello, and Colombian singer J Balvin. You can even find a version that features Britney Spears that was leaked on the internet.
Hey Ma debuted on the Hot Latin Songs chart at number 5 and continues to be one of Pitbull’s highest debuting songs to date. This song is sure to have you grooving along to the beat on your road trip with it’s sultry lyrics and sound, but just be careful to keep your eyes on the road or you might end up in a San Francisco car accident and totally ruin your fun.
- La Mordidita by Ricky Martin
It’s practically impossible to make a list of amazing Latin songs without including at least one from the fabulous Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin. La Mordidita (The Nibble in English) was released on April 21, 2015, making it the oldest song on the list. However, the groovy beat and spicy lyrics make it a timeless Latin classic with elements of Salsa, Cumbia, and Reggaeton styles.
Described by critics as sexy, fun, and addicting, this song received such accolades as Best Workout Song, Best Latin Dance Track, and Favorite Pop Song at the First Latin American Music Awards in 2015.
