Spanish famous singers to improve your level

Music is one of the best tools for learning Spanish or any other language. Through songs, students can improve their listening comprehension, expand their vocabulary, and discover new cultural aspects.

In this article, don Quijote brings you a selection of the most famous Spanish singers of all time, so you can discover their international impact and importance, as well as songs that will help you improve your language skills and expand your vocabulary.

1. Julio Iglesias: the most international Spanish artist

We begin with an artist you have surely heard of: Julio Iglesias. He may be the most internationally recognized Spanish singer, having sold over 300 million records since the 1970s and sung in several languages.

Julio Iglesias is the singer of songs such as “Me olvidé de vivir,” “Hey,” and “De niña a mujer,” classics of romantic music.

His songs are very useful for training your ear and, since he vocalizes clearly, for understanding the simple grammatical structures he uses in his songs. That's why this Spanish artist is ideal for intermediate learners who want to work on vocabulary related to feelings and personal experiences.

2. Raphael Spanish singer

With a career that began in the 1960s, Raphael is a historical figure in melodic songs. Songs such as “Yo soy aquel” and “Mi gran noche” are still popular today and known by everyone.

Raphael has a clear and theatrical pronunciation that facilitates listening comprehension, especially for students who want to learn about classic Spanish music.

3. Camilo Sesto: romanticism in Spanish

One of the great icons of romantic pop in Spanish since the 1970s was Camilo Sesto. His song “Vivir así es morir de amor” is part of Spain's musical history.

In addition, his songs are useful for practicing simple structures and vocabulary related to love and emotions.

4. Enrique Iglesias: global Spanish pop

Since the late 1990s, Enrique Iglesias has been a key figure in international Latin pop. You've probably heard of him, as he is the son of fellow Spanish artist Julio Iglesias.

He has songs such as “Experiencia religiosa” and “Bailamos,” which established him in the international Spanish music market.

Enrique Iglesias' songs are particularly useful for students who want to familiarize themselves with contemporary Spanish and expressions commonly used in pop music. His lyrics tend to be repetitive, which makes it easier to memorize basic structures.

5. Rosalía: innovation and contemporary Spanish

Rosalía has revolutionized Spanish music since 2018, when she rose to fame with songs such as “Malamente” and “Despechá.” Her style mixes flamenco, urban music, and experimental pop.

Although she is not the best Spanish artist for understanding grammatical structures in Spanish, if you are an advanced student, her songs will allow you to explore contemporary, colloquial, and creative Spanish. However, some metaphors and cultural expressions may be complex for beginners. Even so, we invite you to listen to her and immerse yourself in the universe of Rosalía.

6. Alejandro Sanz: poetry and emotion in Spanish pop

Active since the 1990s, Alejandro Sanz is one of the most influential singer-songwriters in the Spanish-speaking world. “Corazón partío” and “Amiga mía” are some of his greatest hits.

Sanz's lyrics are rich in emotional vocabulary and varied verb tenses, making them an excellent resource for intermediate and advanced students.

7. Joan Manuel Serrat: singer-songwriter and culture

Since the 1960s, Serrat has been a leading figure in Spanish and Catalan singer-songwriting. “Mediterráneo” is considered one of the best songs in Spanish of all time.

His literary lyrics are especially recommended for advanced students interested in Spanish culture and poetry.

8. Paco de Lucía: universal flamenco

If Andalusia is known for anything, it is for flamenco and Spanish guitar, and this is where Paco de Lucía comes in, who brought flamenco guitar to international stages in the 1970s.

Although his music is mainly instrumental, it is essential for understanding Spanish musical culture. So, dare to listen to flamenco to familiarize yourself with the traditional rhythms and sounds of Spain.

9. Rocío Jurado and Lola Flores: icons of Spanish tradition

If there are iconic figures among famous Spanish-language singers, they are undoubtedly Rocío Jurado and Lola Flores. Both represent Spanish copla and folklore and became major cultural symbols of the 20th century.

Their influence went beyond music, as they helped spread a very recognizable image of Spanish culture both inside and outside the country.

Rocío Jurado, known as “La más grande” (The Greatest), developed her career in the 1960s and achieved great international fame, especially in Latin America. Songs such as “Como una ola,” “Se nos rompió el amor,” and “Ese hombre” stand out for their emotional intensity and powerful performances.

For her part, Lola Flores, nicknamed “La Faraona,” was a singer, dancer, and actress who stood out for her charisma and stage presence since the 1940s. Songs such as “A tu vera” and “Pena, penita, pena” are part of the history of Spanish copla.

10. Miguel Ríos: the pioneer of rock in Spanish

From the 1960s and especially in the 1980s, Miguel Ríos popularized rock in Spain with songs such as “Bienvenidos.” His direct style and everyday vocabulary can be very accessible for intermediate-level students.

11. Mecano: the most influential pop group

Mecano left its mark on an entire generation during the 1980s and 1990s with songs such as “Hoy no me puedo levantar,” “Hijo de la luna,” and “Mujer contra mujer.”

Their narrative lyrics, often telling complete stories, allow students to work on their comprehension of stories and the analysis of complex grammatical structures.

12. Héroes del Silencio: international Spanish rock

In the 1990s, Héroes del Silencio achieved international fame. Their poetic and symbolic lyrics are ideal for advanced students who want to delve deeper into the more literary Spanish found in rock music.

13. David Bisbal: 21st-century Spanish pop

David Bisbal has been one of the best-selling Spanish artists since he left the television program Operación Triunfo in 2000. His song “Ave María” is one of his greatest hits. But he also has songs with repetitive structures and catchy rhythms, which facilitate listening practice and vocabulary acquisition.

14. C. Tangana: the urban evolution of Spanish

C. Tangana represents the new Spanish music scene. With songs like “Tú me dejaste de querer,” he fuses tradition and urban sounds. This Spanish artist is recommended for students interested in current Spanish and contemporary expressions, especially at advanced levels.

More Spanish music artists you should know

In addition to the artists already mentioned, Spanish music has many other important figures who have marked different eras and styles. Getting to know them all is complicated, but among them you will find a wide variety of musical styles, different accents, registers, and forms of expression.

• Manuel de Falla: 20th-century classical music
• Plácido Domingo: opera and zarzuela tenor
• Isabel Pantoja: copla
• Estopa: mix of rumba and rock
• La Oreja de Van Gogh: pop
• El Canto del Loco: represents youth pop-rock
• Vetusta Morla: indie/alternative
• Malú: melodic pop
• Aitana: contemporary Spanish pop
• Pablo Alborán: pop ballads
• Quevedo: urban / reggaeton
• Amaral: combines pop and rock

As you can see, there are Spanish artists and singers for all genres. The enormous diversity of Spanish music offers you a unique way to improve your Spanish through different genres and eras.

Listening to Spanish songs to learn Spanish is an active way to improve your level if classes or intensive Spanish courses are not your thing. There are famous Spanish artists who offer varied styles and registers that can be adapted to different levels of learning. Music allows you to improve your pronunciation, expand your vocabulary, and better understand Spanish culture.