Spanish music is vast and varied. Flamenco and classical guitar may be among the more well-known genres, but there are countless others waiting to be discovered!
Vicente Fernandez stands out as an impressive Mariachi musician on streaming platforms, thanks to cultural movements which celebrate diversity.
Corrido
Corridos are musical folk ballads which tell tales of heroism, tragedy, and love. Originating in Mexico during the Mexican Revolution and later gaining widespread popularity worldwide. Corridos often reflect true events or form part of oral history.
Corridos stand out among other types of folk music with their distinctively lyrical quality, capable of evoking emotions and events from Mexican culture such as murders, daring military victories, natural disasters and train wrecks – as well as political intrigues and corruption as well as drug trafficking (narcocorridos).
Corridos are narrative poems composed of four or six lines with eight syllables each, typically following a rhyme scheme of ABCB or ABCBA wherein each line ends with words that rhyme with its predecessor; this can be played to different tempos such as polka and waltz music.
Norteno
Norteno music first made its debut during the late nineteenth century. It combines regional Mexican music with folk traditions brought over from Germany, Czech and Polish immigrants; including dance-oriented styles like la redova and varsoviana music as well as ballads that address topics of love, crime, or social issues such as corridos. Norteno also incorporates accordions and bajo sexto instruments that add distinctive flair.
Banda and duranguense music genres share many characteristics with norteno, yet utilize brass instruments instead of accordions. Both genres feature an upbeat beat, often reflecting Mexican states and regions through lyrics; many bands choose to include this element into their names for added authenticity and inspiration for lower middle class listeners both within Mexico as well as abroad. Their sound has withstood time well and continues to motivate Mexico as well as United States audiences alike.
Merengue
Merengue originated as country dance music but is now more often heard in restaurants and clubs as well as ballrooms. It features an upbeat beat that begins slowly before quickening quickly; sometimes accompanied by the sound of a guira (a home-made instrument made out of perforated sheet metal perforated with nails, brushed, and then rolled into a cylindrical shape).
Merengue’s origin is unclear. According to one legend, it began when an injured soldier started dancing with a limp to show his patriotism after returning from battle and inspiring others to follow suit. Other stories claim it originated among slaves who would dredge one leg while cutting sugar to drumbeats while dancing merengue-style.
Merengue dancing is highly dynamic and requires Cuban Motion (bending and straightening the knee with each step). Its march-like beat sharpens timing and coordination. Popular among nightclub couples, Latin ballroomers often turn to merengue for dance practice as an introduction into Latin ballroom; its use differs slightly from Bachata as ballroom merengue is less flashy; no dips or close embraces allowed during its practice.
Indie Rock
There are various genres of Spanish music, each exhibiting its own characteristics. No matter if you prefer fast-paced rhythms for dancing or soothing ballads to unwind with, there’s sure to be something suitable.
Corrido music, a genre popular in Mexico and characterized by rhythmic instruments and soneros (vocals). Corrido has grown increasingly popular among young Latinos; Los Tigres del Norte and Vicente Fernandez have both become household names thanks to this musical form.
Bachata music has a romantic, sensuous sound with its seductive beat and multiple styles of influences like reggae and hip hop music blending together into this sensuous style of tunes. Vocalists usually take center stage when singing bachata songs lyrically about love or heartbreak; other traditional Spanish genres include Jota (folk music featuring guitars, castanets and tambourines); Zarzuela began life as theatrical performance before becoming musical genre itself.