11 Songs For Despacito Fans Who Need A Break

Ilse Garcia Romero
Aug 9, 2017 · 2 min read

At this point, we have all heard Luis Fonsi’s Despacito at least several dozen times, whether it’s the original song featuring Daddy Yankee, or the Justin Bieber remix. As of mid-July 2017, the song has been streamed 4.6 billion times over Youtube and Spotify, making it the inevitable song of the summer.

If you’re hooked on the song and need some other Latin music to listen to this summer, I’ve got the playlist for you. Here’s my recommendations based on what is popular now, and on the elements that make Despacito the worldwide hit that it’s grown to be:

  1. If you’re into the reggaeton-pop style, I recommend Nicky Jam. You don’t need to speak Spanish to know that it’s a banger.
  2. Like Despacito, Mi Gente is sitting happily at the top of the charts in Latin American radio. Try not to dance to it, I dare you.
  3. Don’t worry, this one doesn’t make much sense whether you speak Spanish or not. If you’re okay with catchy nonsense, you’ll love it.
  4. This one came out in 2013, but if you need club music in English with some summertime Latin flavor, this one is for you. INNA is actually Romanian, and the song is a bit more obscure, but it also serves as proof that Daddy Yankee has been killing the featured guest game for years.
  5. Shakira, the queen of bilingual pop, released this Spanish-language song as a single in April 2017, and it’s probably been stuck in my head ever since.
  6. This was the first time I realized that Camila Cabello sings in Spanish — if you’re not listening to the Spanish version of songs, you’re missing out.
  7. I added this one because Despacito reminded me of the last time Spanglish pop broke into US radio charts, earning Iglesias 3 Latin Grammys in 2014, as well as being the top Latin song at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.
  8. Here’s more reggaeton-pop for you, this time performed by CNCO, the winners of the first season of La Banda (the Spanish-language singing competition created by Simon Cowell and produced by Ricky Martin). The five boys definitely have the boy band look down, and for music nerds out there, the song actually has the same chord progression as Despacito!
  9. This one is kind of an anti-love song, but just as enjoyable as all the rest.
  10. If your favorite part of Despacito is the Spanish guitar, this throwback is meant for you! Let’s reminisce about the beginning of Enrique’s English-language singing career.
  11. Somos Dos is perfect for learning the two words in the title and singing along like you’re totally fluent — plus it’s totally danceable.

Now there’s no excuse for keeping Despacito on repeat! Your ears will thank you.

Ilse Garcia Romero

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