Even though America is known to be a melting pot of cultures, any non-themed radio station plays the majority of their songs in English. Unless you have relatives or friends who speak another language, it’s likely that your exposure to music is going to be limited to what’s considered the unofficial language of the United States. Even then, many people don’t venture outside of their background. A Hispanic person will probably listen to many songs in Spanish, but they are unlikely to dabble into the world of Afropop. Here’s a list of songs to listen to you when you’re feeling bored with the English language.
1. "Take Saravá," by Silvia Torres (Portuguese)
Lilting and dreamy, this subtle track is perfect for background studying music.
2. "Agar Main Kahoon," by Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan (Hindi)
This fluttery duet comes from the soundtrack of an epic war movie called "Lakshya." It's sung by the hero to convince his love interest to go out with him to the sound of plucky and melodic guitar.
3. "Umqombothi," by Yvonne Chaka Chaka (Xhosa)
Popularized when it appeared on the soundtrack of the movie Hotel Rwanda, the background chorus and classic African beats made this song unforgettable.
4. "Amor Prohibido," by Selena (Spanish)
Selena is one of the most famous Latina pop-stars and this song is insanely catchy. Listen to it once and you will be singing it for the rest of the day, even if you don't speak Spanish.
5. "Papaoutai," by Stromae (French)
Featuring a chillingly weird music video, blow-up Belgian artist Stromae sings desperately about intense themes like abandonment to synth and a thumping beat.
6. "Ma'Cheri," by Freshlyground (Xhosa)
Listen for the distinctive clicks in the lead singer of Freshlyground’s native Xhosa in this lively and upbeat anthem full of blasting brass horns.
7. "Vulindlela," by Brenda Fassie (Zulu)
One of Brenda Fassie’s most famous songs, it highlights the rhythms and pure vocals that gave her the title Queen of AfroPop.
8. "1977," by Ana Tijoux (Spanish)
Ana Tijoux's enticing accent is highlighted in this funky mix of monotone rap and complex background accompaniment.
9. "Kangna," by Dr. Zeus (Punjabi)
Considered to be Dr. Zeus’ break-out song, the first couple of bars of this song could pass for American hip hop. Then he weaves in the melodic bhangra-esque beats that anyone from CMU will recognize.
10. "So wie du bist," by MoTrip (German)
Ultra-synthetic and trippy with a more melodic hook, this is a chill song for chill times.
11. "Boa Noite," by Karol Conka (Portuguese)
This song has a strong beat and an even stronger bass line. If it weren't 10 degrees outside, you would blast this in the car and cruise with windows open.
12. "Pensavo Fosse Amore e Invece...," by Fedez (Italian)
Rap meets electronica in this Italian pop song. The jokey and clever lyrics are a bonus, if you understand Italian.
