16 Songs by Mexican Artists, Absolutely Worth Your Time
I've been in Mexico for about 2 weeks now which obviously makes me an expert on said country's music scene. Here are 16 of my recommendations for songs you need to hear by Mexican artists. You can listen along with the playlist here.
1. Third Root - Justice or Else - Libertad
Third Root are a hip-hop group based in San Antonio, Texas but their roots are firmly planted in Mexico. Justice or Else is a classic protest song featuring an infectious beat, catchy lyrics and accomplished MC's. This is none of that trap bullshit, this is real, full-blooded, old-school hip-hop. It's all in English too for those who like to understand the words and whatnot.
2. Molotov - Gimme Tha Power - Donde Jurgaran Las Ninas?
Molotov are huge in Mexico, writing songs with a mixture of traditional Mexican music, rap and rock with controversial lyrics in both English and Spanish. Much of their back catalogue comes off as a poor man's Rage Against The Machine but Gimme Tha Power is very much its own beast. It's a highly rousing song that you'll be aching to sing along to even if, like me, you can't speak Spanish. "Viva Mexico Cabrones!"
3. Silent - Lost Voice - A Century of Abuse
Silent are a post-hardcore band (I guess) hailing from Baja California in the north of Mexico. They're also described as post punk (whatever that is) but all I know for sure is that driving riff that powers Lost Voice is utterly addictive. The singer howls all over the place like a haunted werewolf but once you get used to that, this is a great track.
4. De Nalgas - Con Dinero Baila el Perro - Vulgar Dulce Hogar
De Nalgas are a somewhat punk rock band with rap elements in the vocals. Con Dinero Baila el Perro storms out of the gates with punchy guitars, bouncy bass and shouted back and forth vocals between members leading into a massive anthemic chorus. An absolutely unstoppable earworm of a track that you'll be humming away to yourself more than a few times.
5. Reyno - Fluye - Dualidad
Fluye is an atmospheric, dreamy, floaty track by rock band Reyno from Mexico City. The word Fluye (as far as google translate tells me) means flowing which is a pretty apt name as it really nails that vibe. Just sit back, close your eyes and let Reyno discharge their musical fluid all over you...
6. El Tri - Las Piedras Rodantes - Una Rola Para Los Minusvalidos
Another band from Mexico City, El Tri have been on the go since 1968 and are often hailed as one of the most influential Mexican rock bands. This track Las Piedras Rodantes is a rough around the edges acoustic lament with some harmonica thrown in for good measure. The gravelly vocals really make this song.
7. Little Jesus - Azul - Norte
Little Jesus are a little bit pop punk, a little bit indie rock and Azul is a great blend of those elements. The vocals are downbeat, the music is upbeat and it all converges into a rock frenzy towards the end.
8. Molotov - Frijolero - Dance and Dense Denso
It was difficult to choose only one Molotov song so I didn't bother and chose two instead. Frijolero is a song about racism between opposite sides of the US and Mexican border. It's a tough subject dealt with in a fun and entertaining way with insults thrown in both Mexican and English. Essential.
9. Delinquent Habits - Return of the Tres - Merry Go Round
A decent hip-hop tune with tight rapping held together by a looped sample of El Choclo by Mexicali Brass (you'll know it when you hear it). Maybe it's a tad long but that sample makes for a pretty excellent get down.
10. Hello Seahorse! - No Es Que No Te Quiera - Arunima
Despite being described as an alternative pop band, Hello Seahorse! are hard to pin down and I must admit that I don't particularly like many of their songs. That said, No Es Que No Te Quiera has an undeniably catchy intro that repeats througout the song, coupled with a drum beat that you can't help but nod your head, tap your feet or bash the nearest makeshift percussion instrument along to.
11. Rodrigo y Gabriela - Hanuman - 11:11
An instrumental duo bashing out classical music inspired by traditional mexican music and heavy metal. They're not really metal at all so dont let that put you off if that's not your thing. They've recorded music for a Pirates of The Caribbean film, the Puss in Boots movie (don't let those put you off either) and even performed for Barack Obama at The White House back in 2010. All that aside, the music speaks for itself and you just can't escape that melody that pervades Hanuman.
12. Cuca - El Mamon de la Pistola - La Buena Racha
Cuca is an alternative rock artist whose songs cover a number of genres. El Mamon de la Pistola is decidedly heavy metal with tinges of hard rock and hair metal. I definitely hear some Alice in Chains and some Kiss in there. It's a great track with some excellent riffing and some super weird vocals.
13. PXNDX - ah Pero Como Vendo Cassettes! - Amantes Sunt Amentes
PXNDX (read as Panda) are a punk rock band whose vocals I just can't get along with. However, ah Pero Como Vendo Cassettes! is a little different from their usual effort and is a short, explosive hardcore song with gruff vocals, screams and brutal riffs. An awesome punk rock chorus juxtaposes all that went before it to great effect. A fantastic blast of punk energy.
14. The Psycho Realm - Psycho City Blocks / Psycho Interlude - The Psycho Realm
A dirty, hazy, bong hit of pure hip-hop in the style of Cypress Hill. In fact one of the members of Cypress Hill actually joined The Psycho Realm after seeing them at a gig. Ok so they're actually from LA, so not Mexican, but their family roots and much of their musical influences are decidedly south of the border. It's my list ok.
15. Generacion Suicida - Mis Ojos - Sombras
Mis Ojos is a proper blast of punk but the kind of punk where the band can actually play their instruments and carry a tune. The guitar tones on this song are absolutely to die for. If you like punk you'll love this.
16. La Llorona - Chavela Vargas - Las 30 grandes de Chavela Vargas
La Llorona is a story, from Mexican folklore, of a ghostly woman crying whilst searching for her lost children in the river. Those who hear her or see her are often said to be struck down with misfortune. The song itself is a heartbreaking listen (even without understanding Spanish) and the aching performance by Chavela Vargas absolutely drips with emotion. It's pretty long at over 8 mins but stick it out, its a proper journey.
So that's my list. I hope you enjoyed listening to these tracks as much as I have (I had to wade through a lot of crap to refine it down to these 16). If you liked what you heard be sure to check out some other tracks by these artists or discover more for yourselves. There's a huge amount of great music out there and often the hard part is finding it but the reward can really be worth the effort. You definitely shouldn't be afraid to look to the music scene from another country to see what they have to offer. You might just be pleasantly surprised.
Peace.
