The 22 Best 90s Latin Songs You’ll Want to Karaoke To
Do you remember the Latin explosion of the 90s? Who am I kidding, of course, you do. Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca” started it all but he was quickly followed by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias, and more. But even before the world fell in love with Latin pop music in ’99, we already had plenty of Latin songs that were hitting the Spanish-language charts.
In an effort to remember some of that magic and recreate the nostalgia, we’ve compiled a list of the 22 best 90s Latin songs that you’ll want to karaoke to ASAP. That’s right, karaoke. The art of getting a bit too tipsy with your friends and heading to the nearest karaoke bar or private room so that you can all have fun belting out some of your favorite tunes. And no karaoke party will be complete without at least a few of the songs on this list. Whether you sing “Amor Prohibido” or “Genie in a Bottle” or “Suavemente” or “I Want to Know”, there’s plenty of songs to choose from. Now, get out that microphone and get to business.
1. “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin
The English-language song that started the Latin craze of the 90s and also made a crossover star of Ricky Martin. It’s one that will make your hips shake the minute you play it. Just try me.
2. “Amor Prohibido” by Selena
It wouldn’t be a 90s playlist without at least one Selena song, amirite? (Okay, there might be more than one…). This one is a classic and definitely one you’ll want to belt out to your sweetie ASAP.
3. “Waiting for Tonight” by Jennifer Lopez
Oh, JLo. You’ll fall in love with her all over again when you dance and sing to this oh-so-happy tune. This remains one of her most popular songs, and with good reason. Just listen to it!
4. “Ojos Así” by Shakira
Before Shakira wowed her English audience with “Whenever, Wherever” (which came out in 2001), there was this gem. It’s impossible not to croon away as she (and you) sing about his gorgeous eyes.
5. “Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega
This is a fun, silly tune from a guy who ended up being a bit of a One Hit Wonder. Still, kinda gotta love as he sings about Monica and Rita and whoever else. It’ll make your jazz hands come out, at the very least.
6. “Como Te Extraño Mi Amor” by Café Tacvba
This Spanish hit was definitely one that spoke to me in the 90s. It’s sweet and fun, and something that I simply can’t stop singing. Seriously, is there anything about this song you won’t love?
7. “You Sang to Me” by Marc Anthony
Marc Anthony was already a huge Spanish-language star by the time he crossed over with singles such as these. It definitely made us all want him to sing to us but, perhaps for karaoke, you can be the one serenading instead.
8. “Hechinera” by Maná
It’s impossible not to sing this song by Maná whenever it comes on. If you have any guys in your karaoke crew, then get them to do a big ole bro sing-along to this one. You won’t regret it, trust me.
9. “Bailamos” by Enrique Iglesias
Although this song is in English and Spanish, it’s the English version that really hit it big for Enrique. He may be the song of a Spanish star, but he’s made it all on his own in English now.
10. “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” by Selena
I promised you at least one more Selena song for your karaoke playlist, didn’t I? Well, here it is! Possibly her most famous song and one that’s sure to get everyone in the karaoke room singing their hearts out.
11. “Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera
Xtina wasn’t considered part of the Latin Explosion of the 90s despite her Latina background, and why? Possibly because she sang this candy-coated song and looked a bit too much like a certain other blonde pop princess. Still, she can really belt… as she will prove over and over again.
12. “Maria” by Ricky Martin
Ricky has been singing for a while, and this Spanish-language song is one of his best. It’s one that I can’t help but groove to over and over again, and it’s become my favorite at the karaoke bar.
13. “Mentira” by Manu Chao
A hot song by a hot guy? Yeah, I’m here for it. You don’t have to be a dude to sing this one, as I’ve definitely put my vocal talents to the test by belting out this tune more than once. You gotta try it, too.
14. “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo
Elvis Crespo’s tune was on pretty much every radio in the 90s, and for good reason. It’s a great song to move to and an even greater song to sing to your sweetie. Or to your ladies because they’re pretty sweet too.
15. “Smooth” by Santana
The legendary Latino guitarist teamed up with Rob Thomas for this English-language song that totally rocked the 90s. It was really fun to groove (yes, I said it) to this sing. It’ll be even more fun to sing it yourself.
16. “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz
Celia is my girl, forever and ever. This is one of her last songs, but also one of her best. When life is a carnival (and, yes, it totally is), you’ll want to dance and sing the night away for sure.
17. “If You Had My Love” by Jennifer Lopez
I started singing this song just typing out this sentence. The dancing in it is almost as great as the lyrics, but it’s the lyrics that will wow everyone at your next karaoke outing. Go for it, chica.
18. “Por Debajo De La Mesa” by Luis Miguel
He’s the Latino Michael Bublé, and always has been. In fact, he was Michael Bublé before there even was one. He can croon with the best of them, and you can learn a thing or two by crooning out this song.
19. “I Need to Know” by Marc Anthony
Another great song by Marc Anthony because the man deserves more than one on this list. We need to know how good your lyrical skills are, and this song is a fun one to put yourself for the test.
20. “Como La Flor” by Selena
One of Selena’s best songs definitely deserves to be on this list, too. Is it too much that there are three Selena songs on this list? Nope, definitely not. Pick one or, let’s face it, just go ahead and sing them all.
21. “Just Another Day” by Jon Secada
Sing this song, you won’t regret it. One of the earlier English-language songs that made it big in the U.S., it’s definitely one that’s difficult to forget. And nobody will forget your performance of it!
22. “Mi Tierra” by Gloria Estefan
No Latinx sogn list would be complete without at least one Gloria Estefan classic, and this one definitely hits the mark. Gloria’s ode to her home country of Cuba is sweet, and you’ll be just as sweet singing it.
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