If you ever thought of listening to music in other languages out of curiosity or to get you motivated, I have narrowed down my playlist to 10 European songs. Most songs on this list are in German, Italian, French and Spanish, but there are many others not listed that may interest you as well.
I love learning different languages and hearing singers take pride in what they do. Even if you do not understand the lyrics at the time, it is still fun to study, dance, or work out to them.
I will start from my less played to my most played weekly songs. The song (and edit version) in the number 1 spot I have to say is my all-time favorite and it is amazing. I recommend it as well as all on this list!
10) “Por Debajo De La Mesa” by Luis Miguel
This may not be much of a party song, but it is nice to go on a walk to. It is calming and beautiful. It is in Spanish and his voice is so great to listen to. I definitely recommend it even though it is slower than the rest listed.
9) “Lady Boy” by Leon Machere, DJ Basti, and DJ Alki
This is probably the weirdest on my list to be honest. I like it, but many may wonder why. It is catchy and many of my friends who listened to it would continue to sing it hours after I played it. I think it is an okay song by meaning, but the amount of raw beat is great in my opinion. It is just a catchy tune.
8) “Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar and Lucenzo
Yes! It is a song from Fast Five! This is actually in Portuguese and Spanish. It is very upbeat and will be good for any dance. This song was also used to pump up players taking part in the World Cup and that is why I classify this a European hit.
7) “Bella Ciao” by Steve Aoki, Marnik
If you ever watched the Netflix show, La Casa de Papel (Money Heist), you will hear it throughout all five seasons. It is Italian and it may not be catchy at first, but it will get stuck in your head, trust me. My roommates are sick of me singing it when I am in a good mood.
6) “Jaadugari” by Azaan Sami Khan
This has a different rhythm than most on this list being that it is Pakistanian. I never thought that I would like this type of music, but Azaan Sami Khan showed me some songs that are really catchy. I usually listen to this when trying to make myself feel better just due to the pure rhythm. I love it and it is so fun to listen to. Another song that I recommend from him is “Ik Lamha”. I did not include this because it is a slower love type song and it just could not fit on this list. If you like romantic music, I definitely recommend this.
5) “Übermorgen” by Mark Forster
I am currently learning German in my studies and this is one to listen to if you know basic German. You will understand the meaning and it is another one of my favorite songs from Mark Forster. He is one of my favorites. This one I listen to getting ready in the morning and when I am doing homework later on at night. This song touches on the power to create a better tomorrow and overcome difficulties you may be facing.
4) “Stadt” by Cassandra Steen and Adei Tawil
This song is in German and it talks about finding a better word and seeking refuge from all the darkness in the world today. I really like the rhythm of this song and it is one of my favorites to work out to.
3) “Ego” Indila
This is a French song which shows the meaning of not looking back in the past. It is a song that encourages the listener to let go of the past. Indila is an amazing singer in my opinion, and she has a type of style that gives me French Adele vibes. I absolutely love it! One song that is not mentioned that you may know is “Dernière Danse” which is booming on social media at the moment.
2) “Et Voila (Single Version)” by Michael Patrick Kelly
Michael is an Irish-American Singer, but this song is popular in Europe. To me, I would classify this as a European song and I do love it. It is mostly in English, but there is some French mixed in which makes the song more powerful in my opinion!
1) “Au Revoir (& Au Revoir 3. Liga)” by Mark Forster
This is by far my favorite song to listen to! Mark is German and well known for being a judge in various German singing competitions such as The Voice of Germany. I also love the newer remade version for FCK, a German football (Soccer) club. I truly recommend this song if you want to be happy or are dealing with some toxic issues in your life. It really raises your spirits.
I hope you go out and listen to all of these songs and have a better respect for European music like I have. I gained respect for other culturalist music, and it helped me to understand those of other cultures more.
I found love in different cultures after finding many of these songs and would love to travel around the world in the future. Before coming to The University of Scranton, I strictly listened to English music. After meeting people from other countries, I fell in love and I hope you do too!