When we talk about Mexican music, we usually think of the words “hot” and “spicy.” It’s a diverse and vibrant art form that spans several genres, from passionate mariachi tunes to foot-tapping ranchera and bolero.
You can listen to Mexican music in many musical genres and styles. That’s because it has been influenced by different cultures from around the world.
And so we celebrate the rich heritage of Hispanic music by showcasing 17 of the best Mexican songs. This list includes an eclectic mix of classic Spanish hits, regional Mexican gems, and trending TikTok sensations. Have fun reading!
1. “Adiós Amor” By Christian Nodal
Released when he was just 17 years old, “Adiós Amor” catapulted Christian Nodal to stardom. It made him the face of a new generation of regional Mexican music.
“Adiós Amor” is translated to “Goodbye My Love.” This heartfelt ballad expresses the pain and acceptance of a love that has ended. With passionate vocals and poignant lyrics, Nodal captures the bittersweet essence of bidding farewell to a former love.
The song was a success in Mexico, where it reached #1 on the Mexico Top 20 General Monitor Latino chart. In the US, it peaked at #4 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs.
The reason for its popularity is that it’s an anthem for heartbreaks among its audience. This song has inspired countless others in various genres across Mexico and beyond.
2. “No Se Va” By Grupo Frontera
Released initially by Colombian pop band Morat in 2019, “No Se Va” put Grupo Frontera on the map and introduced Latin pop fans to a fresh new sound.
The popularity of “No Se Va” skyrocketed thanks to TikTok. Here, users embraced the catchy tune and created dance challenges around it.
This immense exposure led to incredible success for Grupo Frontera. They became only the fifth regional Mexican act to land a spot on the prestigious Hot 100 chart.
Grupo Frontera proves that innovation and creativity can lead even traditional genre styles into mainstream success.
3. “Que Agonia” By Yuridia And Ángela Aguilar
Our next song, “Que Agonia,” falls under a unique fusion of Latin pop, mariachi, and ranchera genres. It showcases Yuridia And Ángela Aguilar‘s versatility and ability to engage audiences with diverse musical tastes.
The official music video for “Que Agonia” is available on YouTube, now with more than 20 million views. It has garnered praise from viewers who appreciate its artistic quality and vibrant storytelling.
Throughout the song, listeners are transported into an emotional journey brought to life. This emotion is conveyed through sincere and introspective lyrics reflecting heartache.
When translated, “Que Agonia” means “What Agony,” where the singers admit their fault in the relationship’s breakup. At the same time, they admit that they still love their ex and seek their forgiveness.
Yuridia’s mature interpretation perfectly complements Aguilar’s youthful energy as they deliver each line with incredible conviction.
4. “Que Vuelvas” By Carín León And Grupo Frontera
Up next is a collaboration between Mexican singer-songwriter Carín León and the Grupo Frontera. “Que Vuelvas” is an energetic and captivating regional Mexican song that begs for the return of lost love.
This collaboration highlights how music production has evolved. It brought together different artists to create beautiful melodies that connect with people from all walks of life.
Lyrically, the song talks about how the singer misses his ex and wants her back. However, he is too proud of himself to beg her.
Overall, “Que Vuelvas” showcases how collaborative work can result in an outstanding piece of music production that resonates with audiences worldwide.
5. “Oye Mi Amor” By Maná
The Mexican rock band Maná released “Oye Mi Amor” in 1992. It came from their album ¿Dónde Jugarán los Niños? which became an international success. The track features a blend of Latin rhythms, rock music, and pop sensibilities. No wonder it’s a fan favorite across generations.
“Oye Mi Amor” means “Hey, My Love.” The singer addresses his love interest, who happens to have a new man in her life. Still, that doesn’t stop him from imploring her to be with him instead.
The song’s catchy hook and infectious chorus have made it a staple at parties and events. It secures its place as an essential part of the Mexican musical legacy. In fact, “Oye Mi Amor” remains a significant influence on modern Latin music today.
6. “Bebe Dame” By Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera
Our next song, “Bebe Dame,” stands out because it’s a collaboration between two talented musical groups. Grupo Frontera hails from Edinburg, Texas, while Fuerza Regida was formed just a few years ago in Mexico.
Together, they have created an infectious sound that captures the spirit of Mexican music festivals and live performances. Lyrics-wise, “Bebe Dame” follows the singer as he recalls a special person in his life.
This song reached #1 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs and Mexico Songs charts in January 2023. In addition, the song peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100. This cemented the two groups’ status as rising stars in the regional Mexican music scene.
This song is proof that modern Latin music can blend traditional elements with contemporary influences to create something extraordinary.
7. “Calidad” By Luis Mexia And Grupo Firme
Mexican singer-songwriter Luis Mexia teamed up with Grupo Firme in the 2022 hit song “Calidad.” The collaboration earned its first #1 spot on the Billboard Regional Mexican Airplay chart.
Although Group Firme had many chart toppers in the past, “Calidad” was their second #1. For Mexia, this was his first entry into any Billboard chart.
The songwriters Iván Gámez and Group Firme’s lead singer Eduin Caz, deserve credit for creating such an instant hit. Along with their team, they captured a relatable message about elevating expectations of love.
The official video of the song on Youtube has already garnered 184 million views and counting. On Spotify, the song has more than 176 million streams.
8. “Vete Ya” By Valentín Elizalde
The late Regional Mexican singer Valentín Elizalde released “Vete Ya” in 2003. This beloved artist was known for his contributions to banda music and had an illustrious career before his untimely death in 2006 after an ambush attack.
The song has since become one of Elizalde’s most popular tracks. Here, the singer tells his love interest to leave him if she feels no love for him. He believes that it’s better to part ways than keep a relationship built on lies. Obviously, the message resonated with audiences across Mexico and beyond.
“Vete Ya,” which means “Go Away,” sits fourth on his most famous songs chart. It’s proof of the song’s enduring popularity among old and new fans.
9. “Arriba” By Natanael Cano
The Mexican rap song “Arriba” showcases Natanael Cano‘s unique sound and talent as a songwriter. The song peaked at #31 on the US Latin Chart. It was also certified four times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Cano is one of the leading artists of the Latin music subgenre corridos tumbados. He brings a fresh perspective to traditional Mexican genres. His raw lyrics and charismatic personality have made him popular with fans worldwide who appreciate his fusion approach to Mexican regional music.
As proof of his popularity, “Arriba” racks up more than 162 million views on Youtube and 124 million streams on Spotify.
10. “Gatita” By Bellakath
The rising Mexican singer Bellakath released the catchy reggaeton single “Gatita” in 2022. The song has been turning heads in the Latin music industry since then.
Haven’t heard of “Gatita”? Check it out on Tiktok, which was used on over a hundred thousand videos. In November 2022, the song dominated the top spot on Spotify Mexico’s Top 50.
One fascinating fact about the song is that ZODDO released his remix version just weeks after its release. This collaboration made “Gatita” one of the most listened-to songs across several music streaming platforms in no time.
The buzz around “Gatita” comes as no surprise. Many female singers have recently risen to prominence through their work with reggaetón hits. And Bellakath is one of them.
11. “Por Qué Me Haces Llorar” By Juan Gabriel
One of the most iconic songs in Mexican music history is “Por Qué Me Haces Llorar” by Juan Gabriel. It comes from his self-titled comeback album after a seven-year hiatus from recording. The song was a success and became one of Gabriel’s signature songs.
“Por Qué Me Haces Llorar” is translated to “Why Do You Make Me Cry.” It tells the story of a man whose love interest keeps hurting him. He asks her why she keeps making him cry and not seeing how much he loves her.
With this message, the song is a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak. In addition, Gabriel’s interpretation of the song resonates strongly with his audiences.
Overall, the song is an excellent example of traditional Mexican music and one that became a staple at concerts throughout Mexico. It is also a testament to Gabriel’s incomparable talent as a songwriter.
12. “Como Quien Pierde Una Estrella” By Alejandro Fernández
The hugely successful song “Como Quien Pierde una Estrella” is by Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández. Released in 1993, it became his first international hit and signature song.
“Como Quien Pierde una Estrella” showcases the traditional Mexican mariachi style of music. It was popularized in the Latin music sector, propelling the song to fame.
Fernandez’s soulful voice draws listeners in. At the same time, the lyrics speak directly to anyone who has experienced heartache. Unsurprisingly, the song was featured in various singles and EPs throughout Fernandez’s career.
“Como Quien Pierde una Estrella” is truly an outstanding addition to this list. Its combination of traditional musical instruments with Fernández’s powerful vocals creates an unforgettable listening experience.
13. “Ni Una Sola Palabra” By Paulina Rubio
The Latin pop hit “Ni Una Sola Palabra” is the lead single of Paulina Rubio from her album, Ananda. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo made it an instant chart-topper in Mexico and Latin America.
“Ni Una Sola Palabra” means “Not a Single Word” and explores themes of heartbreak and regret. Here, the singer and her lover seem to be on the verge of a breakup.
The song became one of Rubio’s most successful singles ever released. In addition, it introduced her to new audiences beyond Latin America, especially after winning accolades.
“Ni Una Sola Palabra” topped the Billboard Charts Hot Latin Songs and Latin Pop Songs. It peaked at #4 on the Regional Mexican Songs chart. Many consider the song one of the best Latin songs of the 2000s.
14. “Frijolero” By Molotov
The Mexican rock band Molotov released “Frijolero” in 2003. The song follows characters who exchange racial banter from both sides of the US-Mexico border.
The band’s social commentary made waves upon its release. It stirred controversy and sparked conversations about immigration, Latin America, and border politics.
The song features a guest accordionist who plays a traditional Mexican polka tune while the band sings in English and Spanish. It showcases Molotov’s unique brand of rock music infused with cultural elements that reflect their Mexican heritage.
In short, “Frijolero” is more than just a song. It is an anthem that boldly addresses issues surrounding racism.
15. “Bésame Mucho” By Pedro Vargas
The Mexican composer Consuelo Velázquez wrote “Bésame Mucho” in 1941 in bolero style. In 1999, it was the most covered song in Spanish of all time. One of those who made a cover was the Mexican tenor Pedro Vargas.
One proof of the popularity and significance of the song is the notable versions made throughout the years. The song has since become a classic in Latin America. Vargas’ version, in particular, was inducted into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.
“Besame Mucho” is a classic love song, and Vargas’ version showcased his incredible vocals and emotional depth. In the song, which means “Kiss Me A Lot,” he implores his lover to kiss him as if it were the last time they would do so.
16. “¿Comprendes, Mendes?” By Control Machete
Up next is “¿Comprendes, Mendes?” by the Mexican hip-hop group Control Machete. The song is a famous hip-hop track that gained popularity in the Mexican music scene in 1997. In fact, it was a radio hit not just in Mexico but in Latin America.
The song’s title loosely translates to “Do You Understand, Mendes?” Its Spanish lyrics talk about the members’ experiences from their hometown in Mexico and cultural references that resonate with Mexicans.
The chorus is catchy and unforgettable and uses wordplay that was a hit among their fans. The track also includes sampling from other popular songs. This adds an extra layer of complexity to its composition.
17. “Que Tal Si Funciona” By Yuridian And Banda MS De Sergio Lizarraga
The Regional Mexican song “Que Tal Si Funciona” is by Yuridia and Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga. It grabbed the attention of music fans all over Mexico and has received significant airplay since its release.
As Yuridia sings passionately about taking chances, Banda MS delivers powerful instrumentals that convey raw emotions. The song’s catchy melody and uplifting lyrics make it an instant favorite among Latin music fans worldwide.
Adding “Que Tal Si Funciona” to your Mexican playlist is an excellent choice. You’ll love its feel-good tune with an inspiring message about taking a risk in love.
Summing Up Our List Of Mexican Songs
So that’s our list of the best Mexican songs we can find. We are hoping that you found some favorites to add to your playlist.
The songs are definitely worth a listen. From iconic classics like “Por Qué Me Haces Llorar” by Juan Gabriel to modern hits like “No Se Va” by Grupo Frontera, this list covers all genres of Mexican music.
Do you have a favorite Mexican song that’s not on the list? Do tell us so we can add it to the list.
