¡Viva la Música!

As you probably know by now, one of my favorite places to spend a night is on the dance floor.  But no matter how packed a club is or how delicious the cocktails, if the DJ isn't pumping a constant flow of good music, the night might as well be a failure in my book.  And on the other hand, I can deal with a less than desirable establishment, so long as the music speaks to me and tells me to get out on the dance floor.  And yes, I'll admit it, there have been times (ok, MANY times) when I've been know to shake it in the privacy of my own bedroom.  But what exactly am I rocking out to?  I thought you'd never ask...

"Dime si te vas con él" - Flex ft. Mr. Saik

I'll preface this by saying, I'm probably a little biased because this is by far my favorite song on the list.  Perhaps you remember Flex (more controversially known as N***a) from his smash "Te Quiero" in 2008.  He hails from Panama (the birth place of reggaeton), and has been making a name for himself in the latin music industry over the past couple of years.  I have an admitted weakness for reggaeton, which is an intoxicating mix of hot dance beats and smooth latin rhythms - an enticing combination that always seems to seduce me onto the dance floor.  Plus this song, like so many others in its genre, speaks directly to me: "Ay morena linda digame que hacer" ;)

Although I admit my addiction to reggaeton in general, and this song in particular, I can't help but recap a recent conversation with Amy about the outstanding production value and artistic integrity of this video:

Me: "Flex and his friend are so sexy."

Amy: "Yeah, I want someone who wears Kanye West sunglasses."

Me: "And look at the amazing quality of this music video.  Obviously their budget was REALLY high."

Amy: "Clearly they pulled over on the side of the road in Ecuador to film this video in a field.  I think I passed by that exact field.  And I'm pretty sure that's my host family's cousin in the video."

"Mariah" - Juan Magan

Juan Magan is a Spanish singer who was born in Barcelona.  This song has played in every nightlife establishment that I've been to.  It's also almost as addicting as the above canción.   

"Manos al Aire" - Nelly Furtado

Of course you all are already familiar with Nelly Furtado.  She's had success in the States and within the latin music community.  She's portuguese, so she has a distinct language advantage when it comes to in which language(s) to sing.  "Manos al Aire" is just one of those songs that makes you feel good.

"Sexy Bitch" - David Guetta ft. Akon

Clearly everyone already knows this song unless you've been living under a rock for the past several months.  I've discovered that Spaniards LOVE David Guetta, which works out perfectly for me as I love his beats too.  (*Sorry this is not the actual video - YouTube has the original blocked from posting).

"Esclavo de sus Besos" - David Bisbal

Many of the chart topping songs in Spain come from different countries, including many American songs.  However, David Bisbal has managed to become one of the biggest Spanish singers.  Again, this is another feel good song.

"Loba" - Shakira

This is the Spanish version of "She Wolf," which was also popular in the States.  Without fail, at every bar/discoteca/drinking establishment, etc. they entire room would break out into "Awhoooo!" during the chorus.  While I like this song, it has been a bit overplayed, which can make even the best song just seem annoying.  However, I thought you'd like to hear the Spanish version.  (*Again, sorry this is not the actual video - YouTube has the original blocked from posting).

"Kalemba (Wegue Wegue)" - Buraka Som Sistema

Once this beat gets stuck in my head, it's hard to get it out.  Wegue Wegue is a song with a funny little name, and if it doesn't quite sound Spanish, that's because it's actually in Portuguese.

"Looking for Paradise" - Alejandro Sanz feat. Alicia Keys 

Alicia Keys has international fame, and if you're thinking to yourself that you've never heard of Alejandro Sanz - you have!  Remember Shakira's Spanish language crossover hit "La Tortura"?  The sexy/raspy/unique male vocals belong to none other than Señor Alejandro Sanz .  I must admit, when I first heard it, I was surprised to hear a language switch: Alicia Keys singing in Spanish and Alejandro Sanz singing in English.  It's also quite funny to hear Spaniards who don't speak a word of English try to sing along to the English lyrics.  

I hope you all enjoy having a sample of what's playing on my ipod.  And I hope these songs make you want to dance as much as I do ;)

Besos, 

B