Latin Music Playlist: 11 Tracks to Keep You Motivated Year-Round

Bad Bunny famously said “Yo hago lo que me da la gana” and that’s basically the motto for the start of the year. We’re almost one month into 2022 and we know that this time feels like a reset button and you’re determined to set and achieve new goals. Maybe you’re thinking 2022 is going to be YOUR year after all that we’ve been through since 2020 amid this ongoing pandemic. Perhaps it’s a career change or something as simple as deciding that you’re gonna wake up earlier to start a new morning routine — whatever your goals are, we know staying motivated isn’t always easy. We curated a playlist that can help keep you get pumped and energized with songs from Latin artists we all know and love.  From from girl anthems from Christina Aguilera and Becky G to classics from Selena to songs that make you want to get up and dance from Marc Anthony, these songs will make you feel listas for whatever 2022 has in store for you.

wp_*posts

“Time of Our Lives” – Pitbull ft. NeYo

Video: YouTube.com/Pitbull

Let us start by saying that Pitbull is an inspiration. He has released a number of record breaking hits and constantly represents our culture. This song in particular is a great reminder to be grateful for the present: “This for everybody going through tough times. Believe me, been there, done that. But every day above ground is a great day, remember that.” This uplifting song reminds you to live in the moment. Dale!

wp_*posts

“Pa’ Mis Muchachas” – Christina Aguilera, Becky G, Nicki Nicole, Nathy Peluso

Video: YouTube.com/Christina Aguilera

As Christina Aguilera makes a comeback with her new Spanish album, this song has been seen as the girl power anthem for women all around the world. It’s a musical embodiment of independence from a man and confidence in yourself.  How can you not feel good singing, “que se sueltan el pelo/que le meten sin miedo”?

wp_*posts

“Yo Perreo Sola” – Bad Bunny

Video: YouTube.com/Bad Bunny

Putting all the TikTok dances aside, if you’ve ever felt like just going out with your girls and doing your own thing then “Yo Perreo Sola” is for you. Bad Bunny’s hit is all enjoying dancing alone and living your best life according to your terms. Besides the lyrics, the beat is super catchy so you can’t help but dance to it.

wp_*posts

“Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” – Selena

Video: YouTube.com/Selena

A playlist like this doesn’t feel complete without at least one Selena track and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” is always a good choice. Do the washing machine to kick off the day and get yourself pumped for making those jefa moves.

wp_*posts

“Vivir Mi Vida” – Marc Anthony

Video: YouTube.com/Marc Anthony

 “Vivir Mi Vida”  is one of Marc Anthony’s biggest hits for good reason – the lyrics are powerful and it’s a song you wanna dance to. It’s all about living life to the fullest and remembering that you can overcome struggles and find joy in life. You can’t help but sing along to this.

wp_*posts

“Dura” – Daddy Yankee

Video: YouTube.com/Daddy Yankee

Possibly one of the best feel-good songs of all time. This reggaeton jam from Daddy Yankee is three minutes of pure felicidad and will take you straight to summer mode. There is a remix, but the original still wins, hands down.

wp_*posts

“La Vida Es Un Carnaval” – Celia Cruz

Video: YouTube.com/Celia Cruz Legacy Project

“La Vida Es Un Carnaval” is one of the Queen of Salsa’s signature songs and Rolling Stone listed it as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Similar to Marc’s “Vivir La Vida”, this song is all about not giving into sad thoughts and instead remembering that life goes on and to enjoy life instead. Celia says it best: “Ay, no hay que llorar (No hay que llorar)/Que la vida es un carnaval/Y es más bello vivir cantando.”

wp_*posts

“Yo No Soy Esa Mujer” – Paulina Rubio

Video: YouTube.com/Paulina Rubio

“Yo No Soy Esa Mujer” is a feminist anthem and one of the early 2000’s best pop songs. It’s all about feeling empowered and reminding everyone that you are not a woman who will shrink herself: “No me convertiré en el eco de tu voz. En un rincón, yo no soy esa mujer.“

wp_*posts

“Pégate” – Ricky Martin

Video: YouTube.com/Ricky Martin

Global popstar Ricky Martin has several hits to his name and “Pégate” — in the Puerto Rican style of plena — from his 2006 MTV Unplugged live album is one of his early hits that remains a favorite. We’re just gonna drop these lyrics here cause they’re all about just living life: “Que que hay tirarse a la calle dejando atrás los problemas/Que cómo decía mi madre, bailando todo se arregla, venga.”wp_*posts

“Ready for the Good Times” – Shakira

Video: YouTube.com/Shakira

Channeling our inner Shakira, there are just too many layers to “Ready for the Good Times” and so many motivational lines to count. The overall message, however, is pretty clear and true: everyone goes through tough times but know that you’ll get through it and everything will be fine in the end.

wp_*posts

“Creo En Mi” – Natalia Jimenez

Video: YouTube.com/Natalia Jimenez

“Ya no estoy de oferta. Estoy de pie y bien alerta. Eso del cero a la izquierda. No me va.” Natalia Jimenez sings an anthem of confidence and it’s almost impossible not to feel like you can do anything while listening to this motivational message.