11 Bomb Latin Genres That Will Get Your Heart Pumping

Can you imagine how the rhythm of your heart would sound? Check out this Ford Fusion stunt where an awesome band turned the driver’s heartbeat into a song!

1. Bachata

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Bachata is a gift from the Dominican Republic, one you can't dance without being wrapped in bae's arms. It didn't always have the best rep, but today, there's no party where it isn't playing. Fun fact (or perhaps, not-so-fun fact): Bachata used to be associated with sorrow back in the day. But today, its beats and rhythm seem to quickly tease you into a joyful, sensuous dance. Listen to this Bachata classic by Aventura.

2. Merengue

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Merengue sounds like meringue, which is a common ingredient in any dessert worth eating — and we'll just say merengue is a common ingredient in any party worth hitting up. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, this genre is just 🔥. For real, like, listen to "Suavemente" by Elvis Crespo — it's legit 100 years old and can still make us self-combust.

3. Bossa Nova

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Few genres are capable of making your brain feel as if it were a rowboat gently sailing towards a rainbow, but Bossa Nova can't help but do this. Birthed in Río in the '50s, Bossa Nova today may not be the biggest thing out there, but heck, it certainly is one of the most beautiful! Let "The Girl from Ipanema" transport you to a land of tranquility and joy.

4. Salsa

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Salsa is probably easier to dance than it is to explain: It's basically a crazy medley of sounds coming from all corners of the sphere: Africa, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Spain. Why is it called "salsa"? Apparently no one knows for sure. Something is certain though: It makes you wanna get up and GET. DOWN. Here's Oscar D'Leon's jam "Llorarás" — see if you can stay still while listening to it.

*presses play and jams like a giant inflatable sky dancer*

5. Corridos

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Oh, Mexico. It's given us color TV, tacos, and during the revolution, it gave us a nice batch of corridos. But corridos aren't just songs: They are legendary stories packed with historical references and lots of feels, like the musical poem "No Me Sé Rajar" by Mexican hero and all-time badass Vicente Fernández.

6. Samba

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Allegedly, the word "samba" means "come on over and dance!" — and we'll be damned if it doesn't evoke just that! Evolving from melodious sounds to the funky, upbeat exuberance that rules today's uber-LIT carnaval in Río, Samba makes your body produce around 780 endorphins per minute*. Do yourself a favor and check out "Magalenha." 😎 💥

*We made that up, but we bet it's close.

7. Reggaeton

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Let's be honest: Either you love it or hate it. But if you love it, you seriously love it — like, you cried when Wisin and Yandel split. And if you hate it, you probably still dance to it. The fact is, this fusion of Caribbean elements, hip-hop, and pop is stickier than cajeta, and if you give it a chance, you may find it just as sweet (whack lyrics and all). Give throwback "Salió el Sol" by legend Don Omar a listen.

8. Cumbia

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Cumbia meshes different black and indigenous cultures, and it's the sound that permeates almost all streets in Latin America. One may try to dispute that the sky is blue, that tacos are delicious, or that reguetón is actually "music," but one thing is unquestionable: Cumbia is bomb. Just listen to Celso Piña's "Cumbia Poder."

9. Vallenato

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This genre is a style of folk music stemming from the Caribbean towns of Colombia. Let it wrap you up in its novella-worthy plots — tales of romance, misfortune, and humbleness. Here's musical jewel "La Gota Fría" by the great Emiliano Zuleta Baquero.

10. Rancheras

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Unless you've been dating pizza for the last two decades (we aren't judging), chances are you've had your heart broken. Thus, chances are you've bawled your eyes out (or at least clasped your chest in agony) to a good ol' Ranchera. Ranchera music is the elixir that heals all woes, but not before making you very aware of your dang wounds — just listen to Jorge Negrete singing "La Valentina."

11. Baladas

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An evolution of Bolero, baladas are synonymous with ~romance~. Get ready to get corny with Luis Miguel's "No Sé Tú." ❤️ 🌹

Latin music = forever fresh. Do peek this Ford Fusion stunt to see how a dope band turns a driver’s heartbeat into a song!

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