Latin Lite

My teenage and college music collections were light on so-called Latin and it was not until I joined the Peace Corps and went to Bulgaria in 1999 that I began gaining a new appreciation for Latin music mostly through Brazilian artists like Antônio Carlos Jobim and Astrud Gilberto whose songs I heard through other volunteers. While in Europe, I also became a closet Enrique Iglesias fan (each time I hear “Rhythm Divine” it takes me back to the turn of the century and I’m 25 again). Even now I tend to stay in the safe, romantic zones of Latin pop and bossa nova though recently I’ve started exploring more ‘60s and ‘70s Brazilian music. To me, Latin always sounds better in warmer weather, not far from the sea, and with a pretty face and tropical drink nearby. Here are some of my favorite Latin songs. Enjoy!

Enrique Iglesias

01. Antônio Carlos Jobim – “Antigua” (1967)

02. Astrud Gilberto – “Never My Love” (1968)

03. Gal Costa – “Baby” (1969)

04. Maria Bethânia – “Explode Coração” (1978)

05. Marcos Valle feat. Anamaria Valle – “So Nice (Summer Samba)” (1968)

06. Astrud Gilberto feat. Antônio Carlos Jobim – “Água de Berber” (1965)

07. Marinero – “Through the Fog” (2021)

08. Enrique Iglesias – “Rhythm Divine” (1999)

09. Gal Costa – “Que Pena (Ele Já Não Gosta Mais de Mim)” (1969)

10. Enrique Iglesias – “Escape” (2001)

11. Enrique Iglesias – “Hero” (2001)

12. Astrud Gilberto – “Fly Me to the Moon” (1965)

13. Seu Jorge – “Rebel Rebel” (2005)

14. Clube da Esquina (Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges) – “Clube da Esquina Nº 2” (1972)

Astrud Gilberto

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...