Most people have very strong opinions on their music taste; many will claim they “listen to everything” and while that may be true, I present a great list of international recommendations to spice up your playlist or work on your language skills as a self-proclaimed music connoisseur.
Growing up, I wanted to be different so bad, and distancing myself from Spanish music led me down the path of finding different English-speaking artists. Learning French as a teenager, I found that songs were one of the easiest tricks to get the hang of it. Once I opened myself up to different languages, it felt like I was invincible; I could be different and still connect with my family and friends. I’ve learned so much from music, so it only feels right to share.
Upbeat around the world
If you like Ska, Athena is a Turkish rock band who were also on Eurovision in 2004. I’d recommend Kime Ne for those with a rebellious attitude. If you like something even more upbeat, give Skalonga a listen, although the actual lyrics are a bit heartbreaking, it’s the best of both worlds. With good beats blending in Turkish folk sounds, this longstanding Turkish band has gained a solid place on great international recommendations. Mor ve ötesi is another Turkish band; they are established as a solid rock band with strong arrangements who have also appeared on Eurovision in 2008. Deli, their submission for the contest, has a great build-up, and is generally the best introduction to their other works.
Taking a bit of a trip down under, Sticky Fingers is probably one of the most influential Aussie bands who have helped shape the Australian rock sound for the last 10 years. A good introduction to them is These Girls from their second album Caress Your Soul; with a mellow beat, it’s a song which most people will enjoy regardless of music preference. Another great band is The Delta Riggs with songs like Fake that, and Rah Rah Radio, which is my personal favourite, and its recommended that you listen with headphones for the best experience. They’re the kind of band to whom you turn when you miss the edgy teenage era that never really left you. Their consistent, strong bass will have you feeling it in your entire body.
oui oui baguette but make it sad
L’âme du Phoenix by Yuston XIII, an overall sad song but so so good. Other songs I’d include are Fantôme, or La fôret du loup, if you find yourself more into heavy lyrics, strong vocals, and slow rhythmic songs. Sticking with the French sound but on the other side of the world, we are talking about French-Canadian artist Cœur de Pirate, who I first discovered in my early days of learning French; although one of her older songs I will forever love Crier tout bas, a soft melody with sad lyrics, slow enough to help you learn a bit of French to impress your friends. She has worked with Kyo, another French artist, on the 2023 remaster of one of their most famous songs, Dernière Danse, which is present in every intro to French music playlist; definitely check both artists out.
Mexico mi amor
If you are more into Spanish music, but Bad Bunny is not quite to your vibe, and you prefer something more chill, then give Natalia Lafourcade a listen; she’s a fellow Mexican girlie who combines pop, jazz, and deep personal feelings. A couple of songs that I will forever listen to are Tú sà sabes quererme, which is a declaration of loving being loved correctly and intrinsically, and Para que Sufrir, a great reminder to let go of suffering when mourning a lost relationship but rather remember the details that made the connection beautiful. All of her songs are pretty much great, many related to love, some related to social causes, but all a great representation of her Mexican identity. Another favorite Mexican artist is HUMBE, who recently went viral on TikTok with his song fantasmas. He is a great lyricist and musician; anything you listen to is likely to be great, but KINTSUGI changed the game for me, musically, lyrically, and emotionally. The rhythmic beat is incredibly soothing regardless of whether you can understand the lyrics or not.
Music recommendations are endless, and sometimes it’s hard to step outside what you know but it pays off. Hopefully this short introductory list has given you some inspiration to find a new artist, try a new language, or check out a new country to inspire your playlists.