GuacaMusic: Boleros
posted in: By Genres • Features • Latin
Are you in the mood for romance?
Valentine’s Day is approaching and we think that there is no better time to talk about one of the most romantic music of all times: The bolero.
The bolero is a form of love song that originated in the 19th century and is still popular today. There are Mexican, Spanish and Cuban boleros, but they all share certain characteristics such as a slow-tempo and lyrics that often reflect themes of bittersweet, passionate, impossible or eternal love.
The best thing about bolero is that the lyrics resonate with all types of audiences. Just like a classic poem can make you think of someone special (even when it was written a few centuries ago) a good bolero can put you in the mood for romance anytime, anywhere.
Are you ready to fall in love with bolero?
Here on OurStage, we have some amazing songs that incorporate elements of the classic bolero. Take the song “Gone” by Karina Iglesias for example, a piece that the artist describes as a fusion of Motown sounds with a tinge of a Latin bolero. Another interesting song influenced by bolero is “Luz de Luna” by Bett Butler, a modern combination of sounds that draws from progressive jazz, earthy blues, Brazilian music, and traditions of chamber music and art songs. For a more classic approach to bolero, listen to “El Amor Divino” by David Zambrano, an acoustic composition about a love that’s true, deep and real.
If you like these boleros, you’ll surely appreciate the classic compositions of some of the best bolero writers of all times, such as Jose Alfredo Jimenez and Armando Manzanero. In honor of San Valentín, we have put together a list of the ten most romantic boleros of all times. Prepare yourself to be seduced by both the music and the lyrics of these lovable masterpieces:
- “Sabor a mi”
- “La malagueña”
- “Perfidia”
- “El reloj“
- “Si nos dejan”
- “Somos novios”
- “La media vuelta”
- “Cuando vuelva a tu lado”
- “No me platiques más”
- “Contigo a la distancia”
What do you think? Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know and don’t forget to visit our Latin Channel to find some interesting Boleros that will make you want to serenade your loved one again and again. Felize San Valentín. ¡Provecho!
