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3. Mecano: “Maquillaje”
One of the most successful Spanish groups of the 1980s was Mecano, a sibling synth-pop trio from Madrid. Though Mecano’s later releases expanded the band’s sound into something dreamier and more soft-rock-oriented, I appreciate the nervy post-punk of this early, tempo-shifting single, which satirizes the narrator’s obsession with makeup.
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4. Rosalía: “Despechá”
This uptempo 2022 single by the Spanish pop phenom Rosalía is one of the songs that has played after the Spanish team wins matches — which means World Cup watchers have been hearing it a lot over the past few weeks. Rosalía was also spotted in the stands, with the national team’s scarf draped over her head, watching Spain’s 3-0 victory over Austria in the round of 32.
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5. The Beatles: “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)”
Pardon my trolling, but I was rooting for Norway in the epic quarterfinal match the team lost to England, so I figured that if I had to pick a Beatles song, it would be this one. I hoped that Erling Haaland would lead his squad of 21st-century Vikings to an improbable World Cup title, but alas, that bird has flown.
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6. Sam Fender & Olivia Dean: “Rein Me In”
Though it hasn’t quite caught on in the U.S. — it’s been hovering around the bottom third of the Hot 100, after having peaked in April at No. 64 — this emotive duet between the British singer-songwriters Sam Fender and Olivia Dean has been an absolute sensation in England. Last week, it celebrated its 16th week atop the country’s singles chart, making it the longest-running No. 1 single by a British act in chart history. “Rein Me In” needs to clock just three more weeks atop the chart to dethrone — of all things! — the American crooner Frankie Laine’s 1953 hit “I Believe” as the longest-running British No. 1 single. Right now, it looks about as unstoppable as a Jude Bellingham attack.
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7. Mercedes Sosa: “Gracias a la Vida”
Though written and first performed by the Chilean musician Violeta Parra, this stirring Spanish-language classic was popularized in 1971 by the beloved Argentine folk singer and activist Mercedes Sosa, whose distinct contralto brings an impassioned beauty to Parra’s haunting tune.
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube
8. Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso: “No Me Sirve Más”
Finally, when the madcap duo Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso’s irresistible Tiny Desk Concert went viral in late 2024, it introduced the Buenos Aires musicians to a larger global audience. They make the most of their increased profile on their hook-filled LP “Free Spirits,” which was released in March and features a wildly eclectic roster of guests: Jack Black, Anderson .Paak, Fred Again… and Sting. The pair’s bawdy humor and fluid shape-shifting is on display on “No Me Sirve Más,” a playful satire of conspicuous consumption that sounds — as do most Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso songs — like it was made by real-life cartoon characters.
